cheat days; how much do you cheat?

hazelbliss6

Well I looked at what you ate, and I must say I never cheat like that I would go over by about 400-500 and that soduim was enough to give you a stroke And I only cheat about once a week and I dont go over 1500.

I know, it was a crazy day. But I'm glad I logged it in so I can learn from it. I can't tell you how thirsty I was all day, but it's clear why.

dad106

I eat what I plan. I try to plan my meals for the day so I know exactly what I'm eating.. and if there is room for a little treat, then I'll have one.

This sunday though I'm going to the Taste of Chicago. so I'm def. going to be "cheating" then!

LizzieBee17

I don't believe in "cheat days" per say, because I think sometimes that can backfire on you. What I DO believe in that I think can work well for you is zig zagging calories. This is where you take your total weekly calories and divide them up differently (low days & high days). My schedule is:
Day 1-1200
2-1200
3-1940
4-1200
5-1400
6-1200
7-1940 (morning WI day)

Search Zig zagging on here and you will find lots of info. On my high days I usually go out to eat or splurge on a sundae at DQ and 1940 is a LOT of food!
If you do something like this, it is controlled and instead of doing damage, you actually "shock" your metabolism into losing better!


http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/212510-how-to-zig-zag-cals-properly-caloric-cycling-properly

thanks for this!

withchaco

I hate the term "cheat" days/ meals. I don't feel deprived on my normal days. Sure, I go over my normal calorie budget sometimes, but I feel great even when I don't. Someone said they call it a treat, not cheat, and I think that's a great way of dealing with it. I also like logging EVERYTHING no matter how much or how little I eat, so I can see how my intake is affecting me.

My big eating days are usually around 2100 calories total; that's about 1400 net calories with exercise burn figured in, which isn't bad at all.

Another thing about me is that I have to have EVERYTHING planned in advance. I don't go to sleep if I don't have the entire day's menu planned out for the next day. I'm not really a perfectionist... just a plannist! :laugh: