Fit day off??
Eyoung8
Posts: 107 Member
I don't know about everybody else, but I have a "fit" week and then ONE "fit day off." That day is today! Yaaaaay!
Once a week, I allow myself to be more lenient about what I eat and it's usually a weekend day. Now, I don't go crazy-my conscious won't tolerate that, but I do nibble on things I've been craving all week that were otherwise substituted with healthy choices. I don't use this day to void all of my week's hard work and progress, I just give myself LITTLE extras for that ONE day.
I've found that it doesn't affect my weight-loss in the least. I still manage to consistantly lose the 2lbs weekly that is healthy for normal weightloss and that my body is comfortable with.
With that said, I always shoot for a REASONABLE mark under my goals and avoid temptations so that I can fill my day with MORE FOOD by choosing healthy and tasty snacks. So on my fit day off, instead of counting cals, carbs, fats, avoiding, and being mindful, I relax and have that sliver of cake, or the extra piece of pizza, or a few other things I love to indulge on, in moderation, of course; getting RIGHT BACK ON the next day only to find my weight-loss goals at the end of the week are right on track.
I believe my body likes the variety and change and circumvents plateaus.
I think this is important, because when we commit to-not a diet, but a lifestyle change-we understand that to be successful most of us need to allow ourselves to occassionally indulge without going overboard. I think the term deprivation=binge is generally true. I'm sure there are some of us who CAN completely stay away from one or several types of foods, but that seems miserable, to me. I'm a firm believer that balance, moderation, and portion control is the key. I believe that several healthy snacks and well-timed sensible meals will leave you feeling satisfied and without the deprivation. And for me, personally, I feel better and more accomplished making healthy choices for the week, and indulging with one "play" day.
Of course, this doesn't work for everybody. BUT when I've-for the entire week-held-out, politely declined, exercised will power, made healthy choices, worked hard and felt proud, I have that ONE day I look forward to which keeps me going and also serves as a little extra reward!:flowerforyou:
Once a week, I allow myself to be more lenient about what I eat and it's usually a weekend day. Now, I don't go crazy-my conscious won't tolerate that, but I do nibble on things I've been craving all week that were otherwise substituted with healthy choices. I don't use this day to void all of my week's hard work and progress, I just give myself LITTLE extras for that ONE day.
I've found that it doesn't affect my weight-loss in the least. I still manage to consistantly lose the 2lbs weekly that is healthy for normal weightloss and that my body is comfortable with.
With that said, I always shoot for a REASONABLE mark under my goals and avoid temptations so that I can fill my day with MORE FOOD by choosing healthy and tasty snacks. So on my fit day off, instead of counting cals, carbs, fats, avoiding, and being mindful, I relax and have that sliver of cake, or the extra piece of pizza, or a few other things I love to indulge on, in moderation, of course; getting RIGHT BACK ON the next day only to find my weight-loss goals at the end of the week are right on track.
I believe my body likes the variety and change and circumvents plateaus.
I think this is important, because when we commit to-not a diet, but a lifestyle change-we understand that to be successful most of us need to allow ourselves to occassionally indulge without going overboard. I think the term deprivation=binge is generally true. I'm sure there are some of us who CAN completely stay away from one or several types of foods, but that seems miserable, to me. I'm a firm believer that balance, moderation, and portion control is the key. I believe that several healthy snacks and well-timed sensible meals will leave you feeling satisfied and without the deprivation. And for me, personally, I feel better and more accomplished making healthy choices for the week, and indulging with one "play" day.
Of course, this doesn't work for everybody. BUT when I've-for the entire week-held-out, politely declined, exercised will power, made healthy choices, worked hard and felt proud, I have that ONE day I look forward to which keeps me going and also serves as a little extra reward!:flowerforyou:
0
Replies
-
I have something similar - it seems lately that about every other week something is happening in my scoal circle that means we are going out for dinner or having a BBQ - or next weekend I an going on a hen weekend,
I use these time to have 'time off' forget about the diet and eat like a normal person again!
Its great and usually I don't see it causes to many problems as long as I start up again the next day
0 -
I have found the same works for me!! Like you said it is a lifestyle change...I could never go the rest of my life without cake...lol so it is important to (moderately) enjoy the foods we like.0
-
Yes today is that day for me also!! I am treating myself to fish and chips tonight. Today isn't a rest day as such tho. I have done my exercise to allow for the extra carbs calories nd fat. I would love to have an exercise day off however my dogs would gnaw my leg off if I failed to take them on a decent walk! For extra motivation get energetic dogs!!!! Enjoy the treat, I know i will 0
-
That is a GREAT post! :drinker: <
water of course
Have a fabulous weekend 0 -
I do the same sort of thing. I have one day a week where I don't worry too much about what I'm eating. It worked for me losing weight last time and I found it really easy to maintain a healthy weight this way (my weight gain was due to medication, I started gaining 2-4lbs a week when I went on them, even when eating the same way I lost weight and cutting out my off day). I don't go mad with it and stuff my face all day but if I want pizza or cake or whatever I'll have some. I find it helps me keep on track the rest of the week.0
-
Yep! My boyfriend and I are having a "one treat a week" rule. I'm still counting the calories, and it's within my daily allowance, the point is, I'm going to really enjoy that ice cream :-)0
-
Yes! Thats awesome! Great dedication!!
Yeah, savor that ice cream!!!!
0 -
I have something similar - it seems lately that about every other week something is happening in my scoal circle that means we are going out for dinner or having a BBQ - or next weekend I an going on a hen weekend,
I use these time to have 'time off' forget about the diet and eat like a normal person again!
Its great and usually I don't see it causes to many problems as long as I start up again the next day
Yes! Sounds great! And you are right-as long as you get right back the next day, the body doesn't seem to notice!!! Enjoy your hen weekend!0 -
I have found the same works for me!! Like you said it is a lifestyle change...I could never go the rest of my life without cake...lol so it is important to (moderately) enjoy the foods we like.
So true, and by the way, I LOVE CAKE too!!! Especially chocolate cake and cheesecake w/strawberries! Mmmm...0 -
Yes today is that day for me also!! I am treating myself to fish and chips tonight. Today isn't a rest day as such tho. I have done my exercise to allow for the extra carbs calories nd fat. I would love to have an exercise day off however my dogs would gnaw my leg off if I failed to take them on a decent walk! For extra motivation get energetic dogs!!!! Enjoy the treat, I know i will
Oooo fish and chips!!!!! YUM! That is great that your dogs keep your exercise regimen regular! Way to go! Regular exercise with great friends (your dogs) makes a cheat day even sweeter!!! :happy:0 -
That is a GREAT post! :drinker: <
water of course
Have a fabulous weekend
Hey thanks!!!!! You have a great weekend too!!
Oh, and I almost forgot-I DO keep the water flowing-even on cheat days!
Cheers!:drinker:0 -
I really like this idea:] So once a week I can enjoy that bowl of ice cream:]0
-
I do the same sort of thing. I have one day a week where I don't worry too much about what I'm eating. It worked for me losing weight last time and I found it really easy to maintain a healthy weight this way (my weight gain was due to medication, I started gaining 2-4lbs a week when I went on them, even when eating the same way I lost weight and cutting out my off day). I don't go mad with it and stuff my face all day but if I want pizza or cake or whatever I'll have some. I find it helps me keep on track the rest of the week.
Yeah, I'm a nurse so I know a medication induced weight gain of 2-4lbs/wkly is alot to handle-physically AND mentally! Just keep doing the great job you are doing and enjoy your cheat day because I agree-it helps to keep me on track the rest of the week too!0 -
I really like this idea:] So once a week I can enjoy that bowl of ice cream:]
Go for it!!!! You deserve it!!0 -
:drinker: Oh, and I keep the water flowing irregardless...
H2O rocks!0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 394.2K Introduce Yourself
- 43.9K Getting Started
- 260.4K Health and Weight Loss
- 176.1K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 438 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.1K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.9K MyFitnessPal Information
- 15 News and Announcements
- 1.2K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.7K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions