The cheat day question!

only1bones

My plan allows for either a free meal multiple times a week (but not dinner) or one free day each week. I was nervous at first but there is also a calorie allowance for the extra free meal. I think you have to reward yourself and it depends on if you can keep it in check. I'm not one that will continue on with the "junk" food because I want to lose the weight more than I want the junk food at this point. I don't pig out on my treat days and I find now after sticking to my plan, that I like fresh fruit more than I like candy. I think if you allow yourself a little freedom with your plan, you will be more likely to stick with it and not feel deprived.

lockedcj7

I can't do cheat days. If I pigged out on salty, fried crap I'd gain 5 lbs and have to work my butt off for the next two weeks to lose it. I still eat what I want to eat, I just eat smaller quantities.

For me it's all about moderation. If I tried to live on nothing but lettuce and tofu, I would lose the will to live and go back to my old eating habits quickly. I have a much easier time eating what I like but forcing myself to eat smaller amounts. I still order my favorite foods when I go out, I just eat half (or less) and either share or save the rest for the next day.

What I used to eat: buffalo chicken sandwich with fries and 12 buffalo wings.
What I eat now: 1/2 a buffalo chicken sandwich and 6 buffalo wings and maybe 1/4 of the fries.

I also try really hard to not eat something unless it's awesome. How many times have I eaten a leftover sandwich and barely been able to get through it? That's just stupid. I'm not wasting calories on food that tastes like crap ANY MORE!

It's not a diet for me, it's a permanent lifestyle change. I can't see depriving myself of french-dip sandwiches for the rest of my life. I can see eating smaller ones, less often and without the fries.

amyfullbrook

Geeze so I guess I'm the only person who has a cheat day it seems ..

You're definately not. I have a cheat day every now and then. Usually on a Sunday when I have my step son round, even more so if the in laws are round. I don't go overboard, but if I go over my calorie goal by 100/200 calories I don't worry about it like I do every other day of the week Also, if I fancy ice cream I have ice cream, I just make sure I log it and try to fit it in somewhere!!

ajm100884

I don't have cheat days, but I do have "cheat snacks" every once in a while. Ice cream, sherbert, chocolate mini's, etc... usually when I get those "cravings" -- but always in moderation. Don't want to open the flood gates! I get my quick fix and move on.

"Cheat days" are reserved for special occasions for me. Holidays, business dinners - sporadic events.

sbarella

I eat what I want and make it fit my macros. I try to eyeball the best I can when I'm not cooking, but in some occasions I think it's just not worth it (Christmas, dinner at grandma's with lots of complex home-prepared food, weddings, buffet...). Those are my "cheat days": I just try and do my best with what I have and I don't bother logging. It usually works.

geebusuk

Have done in the past.
I now work pretty much everything in to my plan.
If I want to eat more, I burn more first.
Often cycle to a shop a way away - took the wrong route the other day, but carried on and ended up with 800 calories extra of cake to eat .

brinabj

I have a cheat day on Saturday ... i work out that morning i eat a healthy breakfast and then its free game but i find myself still making kinda sensible choices that arent too bad .. but it hasn't effected my weight loss at all .. i did however use to have a drink or 2 on cheat day but i have cut that out ive decided to stop with the alcohol for a while.

PJPrimrose

I allow junk food in my everyday schedule. I also have a serious sweet tooth. As long as my weight is on a steady, if jumpy, downward trend it works for me.