"Free day"

ktsimons

Not a whole DAY!! We are very social and have packed weekends...I choose one MEAL to have a few drinks or wine and eat whatever my friends serve. Sometimes I still eat pretty low cal, especially when we hang with other folks from the gym, but sometimes it's burgers on the grill and potato salad! I still stay gluten free just because of my stomach issues, and that can help hold the calories down too...

ktsimons

Thanks for all your comments. I think i won't have a whole cheat day. Only maybe a cheat meal or snack once a week

I did this while cutting, and it was very successful, i.e. 1 meal a week where I didn't count the calories.

One thing i'd advise though, it's about eating what you like, not how much you like. Eat slowly and stop eating when you've had enough. Don't eat past that point. If you do this and get the urge to totally stuff your face, then it's probably due to eating too few calories the rest of the time. If you can eat what you like, don't count, stop eating when you're full and go back to tracking your calories the next day, then I think that's a really good strategy.

this is good...almost like re-training your brain.

Stargrace2

I don't have a free day or a cheat day etc.

I'm also not on a diet, so there's no reason for me to have those types of days. I learned portion control, and moderation with my eating which has been way more important to me. Since I've started losing weight (6 months in and 37 pounds down so far) I don't crave the junk that I used to eat. There's always a healthy alternative to anything I might want, and there are far more fulfilling foods out there. That doesn't mean that I can't have fast food, either. Quiznos and Extreme Pita (they have a 272 calorie thai pita that is absolutely amazing) are two of my favorite go-to places for a 'treat'. I maybe eat there twice a month. I drink nothing but water and 1-2 coffee a day (no sugar), and make sure to log everything (the most important part). Re-training your body as to what is a normal portion is really important.

mag131

I don't consider it a free day, because it sure doesn't come for free!

I typically go over my calories on Friday or Saturday because I like to drink one or both of those nights. I earn it by saving some calories from the day for alcohol, and also by doing an extra workout the day of or the day after. I don't skip logging either.

I work too hard to set myself back by having a full day to go hog wild with no restrictions or preventative measures.

randomtai

I don't do free days... I fit my alcohol and whatever in with my lifestyle.

cafeaulait7

For those who see it as not a lifestyle thing, I feel like it better fits my lifestyle than never going over my calorie goal. Like I said, I'm not a binger, but I do really enjoy some foods that are too calorie-dense. When I eat those whenever I like, I gain weight (30 lbs, to be exact). They just have too many calories, lol.

If I can reduce eating them to more like a person with no weight issues, it would probably naturally work out to no more than once a week. I'm just putting a bit of discipline into my life on the subject of how often I can do what I used to do a lot.

I can't do the whole 'save up calories for it' thing for it every time. I end up too hungry because the treats I like are so sugary or empty. And I have a bad tendency to do that too many days a week and eat mostly crap as a result, while staying within my calorie goals.

I feel better and stay healthier if I plan a reasonable time-frame for how often I can indulge, and I still eat the good stuff I need to that day, so my sugar levels don't go insane and make me feel bad physically.

I know I could just have a teeny slice of pie. I do know that. AAMOF I don't have treat days this time around yet. But I think they aren't a bad idea if it helps the person and gets them closer to their goal lifestyle. My goal lifestyle is fine with a big pastry every week and a half, as it turns out

hotasfire36

After putting more thought into this I have also decided to give myself one day, which is my weight in day (Sat) where I go over my calories, but log everything so that I don't go too far over. I think the logging on this day will keep me accountable.

luckeyfrog

I think it works a little differently for everyone, but here's how I feel.

I don't want to to a cheat day or cheat meal on a "schedule." I don't say that every Saturday or every Sunday is my cheat day- but I do let myself eat when there's a reason. For example, when I went to NYC for a long weekend, or when it was my birthday, or when I spent the day at Kings Island or a family cookout- I tried to think about what I ate, but still enjoy myself. (My aunt's cheesy potatoes are to die for- and totally worth indulging on a few times a year when we all get together.) I did still track the best I could to help motivate me to get right back to a healthier plan the rest of the week, but I didn't let myself feel guilty!

To me, if I don't let myself enjoy special occasions ever, this is not something I'll stick with long-term. I'm trying to learn a healthy balance. But I try to save my calories for more special occasions than just a certain day of the week!

nikkylyn

I dont do cheats. Just eat what you want.. if its high in calories just eat less of it. Keep it under your calories. Some days I go way over but then Im under other days and it normally evens out by the end of the week.

If I want a cookie. I have one.
If I want some icecream I have some.
If I want a burger I have one. Idk I just dont go hog wild. Eat the burger no fries and water or tea no soda. That way you get to eat something you crave but you dont blow 1000 calories at one sitting.

Some weeks I will have a treat every day some weeks I hardly have any just depends on my mood. I love me some cookies...muah!!

I think if this is going to work over the long haul you shouldnt feel as if you are depriving yourself.