Cheat Days (Long...but hopefully worth it)

AnnaPixie

I'm on a DIET and I have CHEAT days. And neither of those 2 words bother me. :laugh:

They are only words. In fact I have no idea how restricting your calories to lose weight can be termed as a 'lifestyle change'. You're on a calorie restricted DIET! Changing your lifestyle might happen later when you reach your ideal weight. And only then, so you dont put the weight back on again. But lets face it, most of us do put some back on again and end up on another diet! :noway:

Each to their own I suppose. If its negative to you then dont use it, but to me, it's just a realistic account of what I'm doing. There's nothing wrong with my lifestyle, I'm just trying to lose some weight :bigsmile:

I'm glad you feel it works for you. I have no illusions that everyone feels the same way I do.

For me, it's a lifestyle change because I've begun exercising, and eating healthier and doing these things to BE healthier - and to stay that way. That's why this isn't temporary for me.

As you said, to each his own. I hope you're successful. :flowerforyou:

I guess the difference between us then is that I exercise and eat well all the time!!! I'm eating exactly now what I would eat if I wasn't on a diet, only less of it! But to say I'm never going to drink wine, eat chocolate and or icecream again would be a denial. That's what I mean. I cut those things out (or cut down) when I'm on a diet. But I won't be cutting them out forever.

Good luck with your lifestyel change. I think exercise should be done by everyone, for life. That is definitely worth changing if you dont do any :bigsmile:

myofibril

AMEN! I couldn't agree more that the terminology contributes to a negative connotation. The concept is meant to assist a person to transition from making bad food choices to healthier ones as well as a sound weight loss strategy. I've read abt it in books and understand it quite clearly, but the way it is bandied about on here and not clarified is one of the mitigating factors of the dust-up.

To clear it up for yourself read the book by Tom Venuto and here is a review:
http://www.fitnesstipsforlife.com/burn-the-fat-feed-the-muscle-complete-review.html

Speaking of Mr Venuto this is a rather good article and interview with Joel Marion about the benefits (yes, benefits!) of a cheat / refuel/ refeed / free day or meal:

http://www.burnthefatblog.com/archives/2009/12/cheating_on_your_diet.php

seemichellerun

Okay, restricting calories is not a "lifestyle change." Restricting 500 calories a day is temporary. You are not going to do this for the rest of your life.

And if you genuinely did make a lifestyle change (eating whole foods, regular exercise, cutting back on sodium, etc.) then having one day a week (or every few weeks) where you allow yourself some dessert, go out to a restaurant with some friends, share a plate of wings with your buddy while you watch the game on Sunday (you know, a cheat day/free day/treat meal), then you're not going to sabotage your goals.


I totally look forward to my cheat days. They're the days that I go out with my friends, have a few cocktails and dance my *kitten* off into the wee hours in the morning.

ladyhawk00

Okay, restricting calories is not a "lifestyle change." Restricting 500 calories a day is temporary. You are not going to do this for the rest of your life.

And if you genuinely did make a lifestyle change (eating whole foods, regular exercise, cutting back on sodium, etc.) then having one day a week (or every few weeks) where you allow yourself some dessert, go out to a restaurant with some friends, share a plate of wings with your buddy while you watch the game on Sunday (you know, a cheat day/free day/treat meal), then you're not going to sabotage your goals.


I totally look forward to my cheat days. They're the days that I go out with my friends, have a few cocktails and dance my *kitten* off into the wee hours in the morning.

I haven't restricted my calories at all - I often have trouble eating enough. My changes are eating healthier foods and eating regularly, and exercising. This is how I will live for the rest of my life.

Honestly, it doesn't really sound like you read the whole post (and certainly not any of the further comments.) I clearly stated I have nothing against relaxing the standards on occasion, and incorporating the things we enjoy on a regular basis. The idea was that the terminology is self-defeating.

Good luck to you!

ladyhawk00

I'm on a DIET and I have CHEAT days. And neither of those 2 words bother me. :laugh:

They are only words. In fact I have no idea how restricting your calories to lose weight can be termed as a 'lifestyle change'. You're on a calorie restricted DIET! Changing your lifestyle might happen later when you reach your ideal weight. And only then, so you dont put the weight back on again. But lets face it, most of us do put some back on again and end up on another diet! :noway:

Each to their own I suppose. If its negative to you then dont use it, but to me, it's just a realistic account of what I'm doing. There's nothing wrong with my lifestyle, I'm just trying to lose some weight :bigsmile:

I'm glad you feel it works for you. I have no illusions that everyone feels the same way I do.

For me, it's a lifestyle change because I've begun exercising, and eating healthier and doing these things to BE healthier - and to stay that way. That's why this isn't temporary for me.

As you said, to each his own. I hope you're successful. :flowerforyou:

I guess the difference between us then is that I exercise and eat well all the time!!! I'm eating exactly now what I would eat if I wasn't on a diet, only less of it! But to say I'm never going to drink wine, eat chocolate and or icecream again would be a denial. That's what I mean. I cut those things out (or cut down) when I'm on a diet. But I won't be cutting them out forever.

Good luck with your lifestyel change. I think exercise should be done by everyone, for life. That is definitely worth changing if you dont do any :bigsmile:

But if you exercise and eat well all the time, in healthy proportions, you wouldn't need a diet. THAT is the difference. I haven't restricted my calories at all - I often have trouble eating enough. I've just changed what I eat and my schedule, and now (and will continue to) exercise regularly. Those are permanent changes.

I clearly stated I don't think enjoying a treat or relaxing the standards a bit on occasion is a bad thing. Guess you would have had to read it to see that.

seemichellerun

I did read it. I don't see calling it a cheat day self-defeating at all.


Good luck to you too.