Cheat Days

Pace1216
Pace1216 Posts: 12 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So, what is the verdict on cheat days? I like to give myself a little slack on the weekends! Is it okay to take one day to "go all out", or do you still try to stay within a couple hundred of your calorie goals?

Replies

  • smc864
    smc864 Posts: 570 Member
    "Going all out" is never a good idea in my book. This can cancel out the deficit that you created all week. I think a "cheat" meal or snack is more appropriate. A lot of people here use the acronym IIFYM, which means "If it fits your macros". Try to make the foods you consider "cheat" foods work into your calorie goal for the day. That way you don't feel like you are cheating and you can still enjoy the things you love. I ate Flaming Hot Cheetos yesterday and loved every bite :) I went about 200 over my calorie goals for the day but I didn't lose any sleep about it because I've been good all week.
  • Azurite27
    Azurite27 Posts: 554 Member
    I don't believe in cheat days or meals. I always try to stay under my calorie goal. I don't limit any particular foods, although I try to sub whole grains for white grains at every opportunity. Otherwise, if it fits in my calorie limit, I'll allow myself a little of something I like.
  • JustAnotherCalorieCounter
    JustAnotherCalorieCounter Posts: 57
    Not a good idea. Had one this week and it ****ed up my weekly calorie thing.
  • LaurenEllexx
    LaurenEllexx Posts: 64 Member
    I don't really have cheat days. I'd feel to bad haha instead I have a cheat meal (usually dinner)
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    You can totally wipe out a whole weeks deficit having a cheat day. Set yourself a realistic daily calorie budget and work treats into it. You shouldn't be eating so that you feel deprived and need to "cheat" on weekends. You aren't cheating on anyone but yourself, no one else cares.
  • musetle
    musetle Posts: 70
    I much prefer a cheat meal :) And even then, I eat all my other meals of the day healthy and try to cut some calories out of them to make up for it.
    Instead of making my cheat meal fit into my deficit calories, I try to limit it to my maintenance calories- that way I allow myself a little more room to enjoy my favourite things for dinner whilst not strictly having a surplus.
  • Pace1216
    Pace1216 Posts: 12 Member
    "Going all out" is never a good idea in my book. This can cancel out the deficit that you created all week. I think a "cheat" meal or snack is more appropriate. A lot of people here use the acronym IIFYM, which means "If it fits your macros". Try to make the foods you consider "cheat" foods work into your calorie goal for the day. That way you don't feel like you are cheating and you can still enjoy the things you love. I ate Flaming Hot Cheetos yesterday and loved every bite :) I went about 200 over my calorie goals for the day but I didn't lose any sleep about it because I've been good all week.

    I like this idea of a "cheat" meal or snack! In a way, I have been trying to do that. When I know we are going to want pizza that night, watching my calories during they day & planning for it. I just wish I could have one day with all my vices lol....not worth it in the long run, I guess :) I did cave tonight a little, so hoping an extra workout tomorrow will balance things out!
  • jpace00
    jpace00 Posts: 55
    i agree with the others. Nothing wrong with a cheat day but if you go too far you'll negate a week's worth of hard work and sacrifice. Not worth it in my book. One silly day is a demotivater for me (mine usually involve restaurants drinking and eventually too much to eat). Everything in moderation is my philosophy.
  • Siansonea
    Siansonea Posts: 917 Member
    I don't do cheat days, but I eat lots of fast food and other "unhealthy" food, so I never feel deprived. :drinker:

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