Set Cheat Days? (Sunday Funday?)

skopp18
skopp18 Posts: 27
in Health and Weight Loss
I know a lot of people who diet will have set cheat days - aka Sunday Funday or whatever. I would really like to incorporate one day out of the week where I "don't care" what I eat - obviously, I wouldn't consume a pie of pizza and a tub of ice cream, but just a day if I eat something that isn't healthy or have a dessert or go over my cals, I don't freak out about it.

How do I incorporate this into MFP?

My daily cal goal is 1200 - should I eat 1100 every day and save 600 extra cals for Sunday making my goal that day 1800 instead? Should I work out more to get the extra calories?

Does anyone have experience with cheat days and still losing weight? Should I just eat a smaller portion and try to it it into my calories?

I don't really eat dessert or nonhealthy (aka fried, carb laden, etc) foods on a regular basis, so should I just allow myself to have something when I want it, include it in my calories, and eat less for another meal to make up for it?

Replies

  • zachatta
    zachatta Posts: 1,340 Member
    Personally I wouldn't do a cheat day once a week.

    Planning your cheat days, like you said (aka saving calories throughout the week) will be the only way to make it work.

    I only use cheat days when I just mentally need a break.
  • Fitnfab36
    Fitnfab36 Posts: 11
    Bump
  • skopp18
    skopp18 Posts: 27
    Personally I wouldn't do a cheat day once a week.

    Planning your cheat days, like you said (aka saving calories throughout the week) will be the only way to make it work.

    I only use cheat days when I just mentally need a break.

    Thanks for the reply!
    What do you do if you slip up one day - make up for it the following week by eating less or just keep going?
  • skopp18
    skopp18 Posts: 27
    bump
  • Blmarlborough
    Blmarlborough Posts: 28
    Typically I don't have cheat days. I actually have fast days lol. However, once a month when I hit the gym hard I will have a cheat day. Or for holidays. I find this is best for me whenever I cut. But if you want to have a cheat day often, I would suggest something like every 2 pounds you lose (Wait at least 1 week though), have a cheat day. The most it can really set you back is .5 pounds. But really, it's mainly water retention.
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    I have one cheat day a week, and one day where I fast 2 meals. So it balances out.
  • mommieoftwingirls12
    mommieoftwingirls12 Posts: 40 Member
    I let myself cheat one meal a week..i don't go overboard..i am doing low carbs..so, on my cheat meal, I might eat a slice of bread or a slice of pie or have a small bowl of icecream..i do however stay away from certain things like candy..i heard if you let yourself "cheat" a day it tricks your body..then i heard it doesn't..i do it because it has been working for me and i feel like i'm not depriving myself all the time..do what works for you..

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