Cheating

jeanns

Hi! I just wanted some advice :blushing:

...I keep reading different MFPers talk about "cheat days". Do you designate a specific day? What constitutes a cheat day? An entire day or just one treat that you don't let yourself have on other days? Do you guys think this really won't affect total weight loss? I know that weight watchers has flex points so maybe a cheat day is along the lines of that concept? SORRY this is a lot of questions, but I feel like if I have a designated day then maybe I wouldn't be such a bad girl every other day of the week :smokin: :drinker: :devil:

czewwhat

Hi! I just wanted some advice :blushing:

...I keep reading different MFPers talk about "cheat days". Do you designate a specific day? What constitutes a cheat day? An entire day or just one treat that you don't let yourself have on other days? Do you guys think this really won't affect total weight loss? I know that weight watchers has flex points so maybe a cheat day is along the lines of that concept? SORRY this is a lot of questions, but I feel like if I have a designated day then maybe I wouldn't be such a bad girl every other day of the week :smokin: :drinker: :devil:

How much can I sin and still go to heaven! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Don't do it, it sets you up for failure!

Livi_Loves_Pink

Techincally I have three "cheat" days, but they are different kinds of cheating. Sunday is my day off from counting. I don't worry about calories at all on Sundays (to a point at least, I still try to maintain portion control). Saturday is my "breakfast cheat" day, meaning I can have a bagel with cream cheese, boxed cereal, or eggs etc instead of my normal oatmeal. Friday is the day I'm allowed to have some of the foods I normally avoid (like pizza, or cookies) but I still have to stay within my calorie range.

This works really well for me, as long as I stay with the plan.

LivyJo

I dont know about other people, but since this is a lifestyle change, and I dont want to be on a "diet" forever, I will indulge at a picnic or a party or whatever, every once in a while (good thing my social calendar isn't super full!). I know for myself, I need to be able to make this "diet" work in the real world, where I will be eating for the rest of my life. so its not necessarily a cheat day, but if I do something out of the ordinary, I will let myself enjoy my time, not worry about calories, but also not stuff myself silly. Eat slowly and enjoy the treat!


Its working for me. I've lost 9 lbs since July 4th.

Good luck! :drinker:

RecliningFigure

My impression is that it's not cheating if you make space for what you want. If you're dying for that ice cream, then make sure there are enough calories for you to have some (like extra exercising). Don't do it on a regular basis, but if you deny yourself something that you really, really, really want, then you also have the possibility that you'll throw all caution into the air and consume the whole pint.

blakgarnet

I have to admit that I haven't been very good at eating right recently - bad days at work and a budding relationship make it hard to be focused. I always stay in my calories though, even if I have to go to the gym and burn 600 calories (although reading recent posts about machines not telling you accurate calories makes me wonder). I did that today and it allowed me to splurge on my boss's birthday cake at the office.

czewwhat

Perhaps I should be clearer, for me if it fits into my calorie count then okay I eat everything, lasagna, ice cream, apple pie! you name it. it is the over eating indulging in anything at a mega buffet I am talking about. you can do this however you wish, the more you cheat the longer it takes. Please don't get mad but the most pathetic posts are the ones that after a barrage of" I did it again" and "oh my god I over ate again" posts are the ones that say," Why am I not losing any weight?" it is your journey none of us will judge you! Starting over again every other day just does not work. That is what My original posting meant! I wish you wonderful results and success in your journey!

biochemnrd

I don't cheat. I just try to eat as healthy as possible all the time. I agree with flutterby00 it is a lifestyle change. :bigsmile: