Diet cheat day?

dongarvin

Clearly being new to dieting there are certain foods that just call out to you like evil spirits luring you back to dark side of dieting. :devil: So I have a cheat day where I don't even count the calories. Not that I go insane and gobble every fatty, sweet morsel insight. I just eat those delicious foods I've been denying myself all week. Is this a bad thing? One day out of seven falling into old eating habits? :embarassed:

DeanneLea

I don't think it's a bad thing...I just hate the term "cheat" lol. I think if it keeps you on track long term, you should do it. Make this a lifestyle change that you can live with rather than a diet.

I have a set amount of weekly bonus calories that I spread throughout the week but use the majority on the weekend. At the end of each week, my daily average including the bonus calories is still at a healthy losing deficit. It keeps me losing and I never feel deprived. It's not a cheat day but similar idea.

Do what works for you.

lorilynnschisler

You will be much more successful choosing a cheat 'meal' versus a cheat 'day'. Cheating an entire day can get ugly. Good luck.

dongarvin

Thanks deannemlea, I think it really is a state of mind too. I should change "cheat" to "reward". And I like your idea of having a weekly bonus instead. I often find myself under my daily calorie goal so I could just use those at the end of the week as my "reward" but still not have compromised my entire dietary plan for the week.
And lorilynnschis, I think the idea of a cheat meal is more what I should keep as a goal too. If I pig out for an entire day it sort of kills the purpose of dieting. I think I'll save it for one meal so I don't feel like I'm going on a binge.
Thank you both! I appreciate the responses! :flowerforyou: