I've come to the conclusion I can't have a treat or cheat meal?

AnvilHead

If I recall correctly from numerous previous threads, OP has been repeatedly cautioned about the hazards of an overly large deficit and/or over-restrictive diet.

The most applicable saying I can think of is “if you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting”.

collectingblues

AnvilHead wrote: »

If I recall correctly from numerous previous threads, OP has been repeatedly cautioned about the hazards of an overly large deficit and/or over-restrictive diet.

The most applicable saying I can think of is “if you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting”.

You are recalling correctly.

youngmomtaz

I cannot do treats in moderation. I feel for you op because one cookie puts me into a tailspin. It is a sucky way to live but it is the truth. They may initially fit into my calorie goals, I can track them, try to moderate, but it ends with me having eaten honey out of the jar, half a block of cheese, the rest of the cookie pkg, and all the leftovers in the fridge. I have to be extremely black and white with my food choices or there is no moderation.

It is very hard when we hear over and over that we can eat anything within our calories. Some people cannot. At all. Sorry, I am no help. But I do understand. You are not alone.

esmesqualor

I, too, have a lot of trouble with sugary foods (baked goods of any kind), chips, and simple carbs (good breads). I just can't eat a "normal" serving- well, I CAN but it is a real white knuckling experience and my mind is completely taken over by wanting more and more. "one is never enough, nor is 10"...So, I don't necessarily agree with the statement that food is not addictive. Until you live with disordered eating you cannot fully understand how it feels. I struggle with weekends when my schedule is looser in general, and my husband and I tend to want to relax and eat a good meal, have some wine, etc...If I try to stay on my "diet" I feel deprived. But if I allow myslef to relax I can't stop. This has been a problem for me since I was a young child. I believe that for some people it is better to make certain foods off limits. I tried just relaxing and listening to my hunger signals and eating what I wanted (basically very healthy, but allowed myself more flexibility) and I gained 18lbs in 6 months! So, I am back to weighing and measuuring...

kimny72

dave_in_ni wrote: »

The point I am getting though is eating that brownie sets me off on a binge. Take last night. My son's birthday so we had a Domino's. I ate that didn't satisfy me. I was stuck in ben and Jerry's then cookies and then 4/5 bud light. I eat junk until I sicken myself then the binge ends.

You are aiming for too steep a deficit which is causing you to binge when you finally take off the controls. Aim for a more reasonable deficit so you don't feel deprived. And if you truly are out of control during these binges, you might want to consider speaking to a therapist. Binge/restrict cycles can be tough to get out of.

TonyB0588

dave_in_ni wrote: »

I've been stuck in this cycle for ages now. Do great all week then undo all my hard work on the weekends.

I have a cheat meal on a Saturday night but that triggers a binge that ends on Monday and the cycle continues. I guess I have an addictive personality. I do the same with beer, can't have 1 and be done I have to get drunk.

I think for me it's best if I avoid cheating all together.

Is anyone else like this?

Why would you deliberately plan to cheat? Just make everyday an ordinary day, and count your calories the same way.

lemurcat12

The points people are making about cutting too low are good ones. I've had times where calculating a deficit assuming I'm eating around maintenance on the weekend and making it up during the week works for me, but if you feel deprived and overeat on the weekends you will be better off setting yourself up with a 1 lb deficit daily and sticking to it (or if you want an occasional day off, probably not every weekend, just deciding to have a maintenance day).

What calories do you get if you do that?

lucerorojo

I agree with others that you should increase your calorie intake and also try redistributing the calories. I am 5'4" female (52 y.o.) and I'm intaking 1600 calories. Not losing as fast as I was eating 1250 but it feels better. I have never "binged" but I have gone over my calorie budget for the day and usually that came about when I didn't eat 3 good meals. I have trigger foods--chips and bread. I cannot buy chips unless it is ONE 100 calorie serving. So I rarely buy them at all now, since it is hard to find the 100 calorie bags in my area. If I were to buy a stash of 100 calorie bags I'd eat more than one bag.

I will write down in the food notes on MFP when I have an issue with a trigger food. For me it is better if I plan and eat at least 2 full meals of at least 500 calories. I can half a lighter breakfast or dinner, and a snack at another point, but my lunch needs to be substantial, along with one other meal. Eating small meals just sets me up for too much snacking.

Francl27

Don't make it a cheat meal. Have the slice of pizza but have some salad with it or something.

Unfortunately for me, stopping altogether just leads to binging later.

JaydedMiss

Francl27 wrote: »

Don't make it a cheat meal. Have the slice of pizza but have some salad with it or something.

Unfortunately for me, stopping altogether just leads to binging later.

The second i label anything "Cheat" i spiral lol. Its like i can pretend it doesnt happen, or my body doesnt register the calories. Or im cheating dammit i mise will go all out its already negative just by the definition"cheat"

JeromeBarry1

@dave_in_ni I suggest a mental device which may have an insidious effect on your weekend cheating, by helping you overcome it. While you are trying to lose weight, choose a single day of the week which you treat as the important day, the one you work toward, the one you care about. Care about that morning weigh-in so much that for the days before it you you stay on your calorie budget.

And make that day Monday.