Cheat days?? Seriously people???

jenlen65

C'mon now. It seems as though people are looking for approval to cheat. Don't do it. You don't have to cheat if you allow yourself the calories. But is it really worth it?? I think not. If I'm tempted, I always think to myself: "how will I feel about myself 5 min after I eat this?" SO not worth the guilt. It's not that we can never have goodies ever again....just plan for it. It's really not that hard if you're serious. I was a snackoholic, but I'm determined NOT to be....good luck everyone and don't sell yourself short....YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!!!

305muscle

agree with you:glasses:

Spitfirex007

There is nothing wrong with cheat days. Just so don't go to the extreme! Next Sunday is the Superbowl! I plan on drinking, eating pizza and other small snacks. I won't feel guilty or bad about it. Because the rest of the week my diet is right where is should be. And I work out 6 days a week. So that one day is not going to ruin anything.

MissAnjy

agreed, everything in moderation. However, i have had my few days here and there where I give-in and don't track a meal. We're all human. We all have slips. There's no shame or blame in that. However, it's much easier if we plan for our "cheat" meals by working out a little extra, or eating lighter during the day. That way it fits into our day, we feel like we got something we were desiring & we're not over calories. However, not everyone thinks like that. A lot of people only eat clean and then have splurges. To each their own!!

OLP76

Personally I'm doin' my Cheat meal once I reach 130lbs. I'm only 18lbs aways from that. 6lbs aways from sayin' 'I lost 20lbs doin' Power90 & eatin' right'. ...But Cheat days are extreme...but depends what you eat I guess. Just depends on the individual and how fast they can metabolize their meals...

Green_Eyed_Girl88

I think it is a matter of how you see your cheat day..for example my cheat day is Sunday! I wouldn't dare gobble down a piece of Chocolate cake or a bowl of ice cream. But I do allow myself to eat a few things that I normally wouldn't. Just this morning I had an egg with fat free cheese and a slice of turkey bacon..that is a Cheat to me. And it helps me lose More weight...It keeps my body guessing...adds fuel to the fire.

togden

You know I am seeing more and more of these posts and I dont think I have the same definition as others .... I personally do not think I have a "cheat day" because i stay within all of my limits everyday and i work out everyday but I did "cheat" earlier this week when I indulged in 2 slices of cheese pizza during a work party ... so is indulging every now and then but staying under calories, sodium, fat, protein, sugar etc etc considered a "cheat day"

Samana06

I don't consider anything "cheating" ... I allow myself treats, just in moderation. By denying yourself EVERYTHING it makes you want it more. This isn't supposed to be a DIET ... but for lack of better phrase ... a lifestyle change. You're making changes that will make you healthier, and in the process lose weight. Don't cut everything out and try to do anything major drastic ... because it's not realistic, and in the long run not maintainable... My goal is to get to where when I crave a snack, my first choice is something healthy ... instead of wanting that twinkie and choosing carrots instead. It's a small step opting for the healthy snack when what you really wanted was the "junk".

shaheerahs

I agree. i finally got the junky stuff out of my system, I feel like if I "cheat" I might get hooked on the stuff again. Plus, I feel a whole lot better now that I'm not eating it.

Panda86

I disagree. If you don't go completely crazy, a "cheat day" allows you to have a meal or something that you have been craving. Instead of gorging on junk all week, you can look forward to that one day to have a treat. It's actually a very healthy practice, and recommended by many dietitians, because it gives you more focus through the week. Of course, its not for everyone, especially those who taste one sweet thing and end up gorging on stuff after that. But I have given myself a "cheat day" throughout my entire fat-loss process, and I have lost 25 lbs, steadily, and I think I have more focus and determination throughout the rest of the week. So really, its a "to each his own" scenario.

princess_f

i had pizza the other day, went over in cals but didnt feel guilty for it. Worked out a bit harder the next day and contiuned on my normal routine. You HAVE to live and if that means a cheat every now and again why not.

jenlen65

I'm referring to people who think they can just pig out for a day. I just feel that is self-defeating. We can eat whatever we want if we allot for it and don't overdo it. That's what I mean. Everyone does things their own way. I just find it interesting that people are looking for approval to do it. I am absolutely not depriving myself of ever having goodies, it's just that you can plan for them that's all I'm saying. But I think it's self-defeating if you work your butt off all week just to go overboard !!!

amycal

A lot of research shows people don't stick to a "diet" because they feel deprived. Many nutrition experts recommend that you eat right most of the time and allow yourself one cheat meal a week - one that is planned.

That said I think you need to stil opt for the healthiest "cheat" you can. For example today I am going to my mom's for a brunch for my SIL's birthday. I am bringing hash brown casserole and I made it healthier by using less butter, greek yogurt in place of sour cream, shredding a sweet potato and a few other modifications. But my mom made a homemade cake and I will eat it!

Of course Sunday is one of the days I exercise late in the day so I will be working off my splurge brunch.

I think you do need to be careful to not go too crazy because if you start eating a lot of sugar, you will want more sugar. Especially if you eat just the sugary food without protein.

I started eating better on November 1 and when I indulged on Christmas with seven layer bars, and those rice krispees with peanut butter and butterscotch, I felt kind of sick. I have cleaned up my diet even more since the first of the year so I know if I overindulge in sweets I will feel sick.

pghfan

If you stay within your calorie goal for the day I would NOT consider it a cheat day. Maybe a little, if you are eating something with low nutritional value instead of making healthy choices. So in that respect it's a bit of a cheat in that it is something you can't do every day, but lose the guilt, especially if you stay within your numbers.

TheMaidOfAstolat

Cheat days! Do you really think you're going to be counting calories for the rest of your life? No. You've got to learn that this is a lifestyle change. I no longer even track my calories, I've been on MFP for 2 years. I stay on for the support...I occasionally track but I know it's not the most important thing. If I had to stress out over calories and deny myself all the 'good' things the world has to offer I would be highly stressed out. You've got to relax sometimes...and once you have the hang of the portion control and learn to eyeball portions...having a cheat meal/day will make all the difference.
*edit- I have two weddings to attend this year...plus things like Dragon*Con, RenFest, vacation...I'm not going to track or even worry about calories on those days. Why turn a pleasurable experiance into a stressful one?

xp0sed

I don't have "cheat days" I have "treat days". These days are planned so I can adjust the rest of my meals/day accordingly. Whether I cut back in other areas or get in an extra workout to account for my treat!

With my cheats I still make it as healthy as possible. For example, if I'm craving pizza I will have 1 meat (chicken), lots of veggies, thin multigrain crust!

kristinmaravelias

I agree with you amycal. If you never allow yourself to have a "treat" then you won't stick to your healthy eating. Diets don't work because a diet by definition is depriving you of thing you like. Once you start depriving your self of certain foods you will fail-everything in moderation is my theory.

mrscates

this is true!

There is nothing wrong with cheat days. Just so don't go to the extreme! Next Sunday is the Superbowl! I plan on drinking, eating pizza and other small snacks. I won't feel guilty or bad about it. Because the rest of the week my diet is right where is should be. And I work out 6 days a week. So that one day is not going to ruin anything.

togden

I'm referring to people who think they can just pig out for a day. I just feel that is self-defeating. We can eat whatever we want if we allot for it and don't overdo it. That's what I mean. Everyone does things their own way. I just find it interesting that people are looking for approval to do it. I am absolutely not depriving myself of ever having goodies, it's just that you can plan for them that's all I'm saying. But I think it's self-defeating if you work your butt off all week just to go overboard !!!

Okay I understand ... Going overboard one day after having worked hard all week or in plans of working hard all week following is not in my plans ... I definitely do however feel okay with those who are able to plan and allot for less healthy meals!

backinthenines

I totally agree.

If you live healthy then you won't want to "treat" your body with junk.

I really don't feel deprived for not eating cheap processed burgers and drink lires of sugared coke.

elainegsd

I agree. Cheat days are going back to the same bad habit that got us here in the first place, and seem to be used most by people who consider this a diet instead of figuring out how to change their lives and get healthier.

Giving yourself food rewards keeps you in the wrong mentality... And the name... Who are you cheating? YOURSELF!!!!!

Plan it in, exercise more to gain the needed calories, and enjoy. Cheating isn't the way to go.

leavinglasvegas

Cheat days! Do you really think you're going to be counting calories for the rest of your life? No. You've got to learn that this is a lifestyle change. I no longer even track my calories, I've been on MFP for 2 years. I stay on for the support...I occasionally track but I know it's not the most important thing. If I had to stress out over calories and deny myself all the 'good' things the world has to offer I would be highly stressed out. You've got to relax sometimes...and once you have the hang of the portion control and learn to eyeball portions...having a cheat meal/day will make all the difference.
*edit- I have two weddings to attend this year...plus things like Dragon*Con, RenFest, vacation...I'm not going to track or even worry about calories on those days. Why turn a pleasurable experiance into a stressful one?

I completely agree.

The way I see it- My home is always stocked with healthy, fresh foods. So when I go out, I don't feel like I'm cheating. I'm just another guest having a good time. When I get home, I try to replicate whatever I liked with fresh ingredients. lol It's not cheating, I'm winning fair and square!:laugh: It's really all a matter of perception though.

bosanka

a cheat day doesn't have to be neces. a " pig out day " with all junk and fast food you could think of.

I didn't think i wanted a " cheat day " on my plan- but since my trainer explained it to me a little differently- i look at it a little diff. too

if you have a food plan - and you are really following it certain amount of kcls/ carbs/ proteins etc.. - your body can get used to that " all the time - all same routine" .... in order to trying to avoid the platoe you " cheat " your body with a meal that it's not expecting.
Now like i said it doesn't have to be 50 wings and a bucket of fries and gallon ice cream.- all you need to do on a " cheat meal " is maybe have a higher carb intake than what you usually would do. Or more starchy veggies- maybe the same food you always eat ( healthy ) but just bigger portion on that " cheat meal "
And maybe yes you can " throw in a slice of pizza " once a week in that cheat meal- but no one said you should have the whole pizza - it's not like those kcls don't count just bc it's your ' cheat day " ..

- Now people keep repeating " everything in moderation " - but i have to say , people that are addicted to food ,or have certain trigger food.. ( and they might just have that trigger food on the cheat meal ) .. they mostly don't know " what moderation " is ..
if you are " cheating " with let's say oreo cookies- and milk- well maybe 2-3 oreo's would be a " cheat meal " but to have the whole packege is way over board.. - but in some ppl's mind it's still " moderation since they were so good for the past 6 days "
so just to say " everything in moderation " i don't think is a right measurment- what's moderation to you.. it could be overboard for another ..

so - my final thought on cheat meals- yes- but you don't have to pig out without any limit and till you puke .. and all the " worst " things you can think of .. you can just increase your kcls for that day by eating healthy food - and that can be a " cheat day "

again- whatever works for you -.. i'm not saying that everyone is wrong- just

don't wail on the scale, if you cheat when you eat " ..

305muscle

I Think 1 ''cheat day'' a week its too much if you must have one I think it should be planed and should be every 4 weeks and it would confuse your body into thinking ''diet its over'' and right the next day you get back on track and it would actually help you to get leaner BUT ''cheat day" means one meal not eat like a pig the whole day

arewethereyet

My first thought is aways "Cheat WHO?"

It is cheating me, my body, my weigtloss, my health, my mental stability (yes-it gets my mind off the healthy track!)

I do incorporate not so good foods into my diet when needed, but mostly I try to make a healthier version of the yummy foods. Burgers can be made at home and be just as good, tacos, fried chicken, healthy wraps and pizzas are awesome with no guilt.

And if I want to go to dinner with my friends, I go! I order 'better' but enjoy my meal and friends. I lost 36 pounds and kept it off for almost 2 yrs with this theory. (gained back some through illness and excuse making!!!)

:flowerforyou: You can do this!!

Lisa__Michelle

I only cheat a whole day if I have been stuck in a plateau. I was in one for over a month n took a girl's doctor's advice n did that to increase my metabolism again. It worked n the weight started coming back off immediately.

carolyng66

Just logged in yesteday. As for cheat days. Some of us can't handle cheating. For me to cheat would be like a recovering alcoholic having a cheat day. I Can't do it. I can eat very well for months on end and be quite okay with that but the moment I let my guard down and decide to cheat a little, that little taste turns into a splurge that can last for weeks, then it's hard to get back on track again. The last time I did that I gained almost 12 lbs.

carolyng66

That's exacly how I am. One taste and I'm done. I too feel better now that it's out of my system. I feel much younger too.

javamom

To each their own, I say.

busub

I Think 1 ''cheat day'' a week its too much if you must have one I think it should be planed and should be every 4 weeks and it would confuse your body into thinking ''diet its over'' and right the next day you get back on track and it would actually help you to get leaner BUT ''cheat day" means one meal not eat like a pig the whole day

Agreed. Just had my first "cheat" meal since starting my new lifestyle on January 2nd. I ended up scouring on line menus to make sure I wasn't just totally blowing it and ended up way under calories for the day. I guess that's a sign that my mentality is changing. Cheat does not mean gorge. Cheat means scratching that itch of a crave so you don't end up caving later in a food craze.

Mirabilis

Wow.. I'm having a hard time staying over 1200 cal. per day.

I have treats built into that... like high fibre cookies at the end of the day (93 cal/2 cookies) and no fat frozen yogurt (100 cal/ 1/2 c.) but most refined white starches are kept to a minimum, and it looks to me that this is where the most calories are, especially combined with fats.

I guess mine works. If I were eating donuts, I'd be screwed :laugh: