'Free meal'??

BrandiBoo84
BrandiBoo84 Posts: 110 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hello,
I can't decide if I should do a feel meal/day every week where I don't worry about diet/etc. I was wondering if you do, and if it is a good or bad thing to do when you are trying to lose weight? I still have a lot to learn about it all and would love some input :)

Thank you!

Replies

  • kingkoopaluv
    kingkoopaluv Posts: 147 Member
    I do, it keeps me sane, its normal. Just make sure its one meal not a whole day!
  • artickb22
    artickb22 Posts: 411 Member
    I don't usually but only because self control is not something I've gained just yet. The only times I"ve been successful at it is if my 'free meal' is at the end of the day. Otherwise, once I've ate something 'bad' I tend to go down hill from there. I think it's a good thing if you can keep it to only one meal a week though
  • SmartAlec03211988
    SmartAlec03211988 Posts: 1,896 Member
    If you feel like you can do one without it derailing you, give it a go. If you feel like that's something that might derail you, don't.

    I have one free day a week, and I have always lost weight. I've gone up to 3,000 calories over my allowance (not necessarily on purpose, but it happens lol), and still lost weight that week. Never gained from a free day/meal.

    So if you think you can handle it, give it a try and see how it goes.
  • audra0831
    audra0831 Posts: 244
    I give myself a free meal on the day I weigh in. I tried to do a whole free day, and it was extremely hard for me to get back on track the next day.
  • ShannonMpls
    ShannonMpls Posts: 1,936 Member
    I've done days "off" from logging since I started, and that's probably a big part of how I've managed to have my 610th consecutive log-in this week. I still checked in here and cheer on my friends, but I didn't log my food 3-4 days a month.

    It wasn't (usually) an excuse to go overboard (though I'm sure I ate well over maintenance many times), and I always got right back into tracking my food. I also often worked out on these "free" days.

    They kept me sane and the spikes definitely didn't hurt my metabolism, nor did they slow my fat loss (but note that an increase in scale weight is to be expected after consuming excess sodium or more carbs than usual).

    I'm not a believer in 100% adherence to a calorie deficit. When the goal is long-term changes, birthday parties, buffets, and holidays happen. Healthy people indulge on special occasions. Life without indulging is kind of sad, and I'd rather not torture myself over logging each detail of a potluck lunch or a dinner out on my birthday, either.

    Mentally commit fully, but remember that an 80/20 plan likely has a greater chance of long-term success than 100%. We can only take so much deprivation.

    Now that I'm successfully maintaining, I'm eating at a slight deficit 4-5 days a week and I eat what I choose the remaining 2-3. It's working really well for me.
  • gmallan
    gmallan Posts: 2,099 Member
    I think it's definitely a good idea, more for sanitiy and being in this for the long haul. I usually try to make mine for social occasions and still make better choices than I would have before. The key is to be able to get right back on track afterwards and it's a good skill to learn for making this a lifestyle change.
  • alondrasilva10
    alondrasilva10 Posts: 63
    I wouldn't really call it a free meal, just a meal that I enjoy. I have them at the end of the day so I won't say to myself 'I ate too much, might as well eat bad the rest of today and I will try my diet again tomorrow'. I eat what I like but I make sure I stay within my recommended calorie intake. (What I like means an entree, not cookies, chips, candy, etc).
  • BrandiBoo84
    BrandiBoo84 Posts: 110 Member
    Awesome, I value your guys' input! I think I will do 1 free meal a week and have a little allowance on holidays/bdays etc.

    Thank you SO much!
  • honkytonkgal1949
    honkytonkgal1949 Posts: 2
    When I was a teenager I followed the Body for Life program (which kicks your booty by the way). And one of the rules was to have a free day. Basically you could eat whatever you wanted, and how ever much you wanted. Mind you, I was working out 6 days a week. By the time I had dropped 20 pounds, I really didn't go hardcore and eat an entire pizza by myself, but I did indulge within reason. I say go for it if that's what will take a little edge off in the week!
  • Numbah_5x
    Numbah_5x Posts: 8
    What works for me is not to deny myself anything. If I crave something I plan for it whenever possible. I try to do at least an hour of cardio 3x a week. So that week I may do cardio 4x. A lot of times, I just chalk it up as one of those days and move on.

    For instance, I love steak. Nothing to me is better than 8oz juicy t-bone or sirloin with a buttered baked potato! When that craving comes I go for it and then I'm really good until the next craving comes. I have to vary my calories to lose weight. I'm not big on sweets or bread so if I cheat its cheesy, rich sauces or some kind of beef.
  • SJackson50
    SJackson50 Posts: 282 Member
    For instance, I love steak. Nothing to me is better than 8oz juicy t-bone or sirloin with a buttered baked potato! When that craving comes I go for it and then I'm really good until the next craving comes. I have to vary my calories to lose weight. I'm not big on sweets or bread so if I cheat its cheesy, rich sauces or some kind of beef.

    Oh yeah!!! Ribeye is my guy ;-)
  • CharityGC
    CharityGC Posts: 499 Member
    I love sweets and I definitely have something if I'm craving it. I pre-make cookies and then freeze them so I can take out one and bake it. I'm usually still under my calories but even on the days I'm not, if I want it, I'm going to eat it, within reason. I think free meals or snacks are good ideas as long as you don't overdo it.
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    every meal is a free meal. IIFYM
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    all the stuff that I like is usually healthy and fits into my calls/macros...

    like tonight I made cheese burgers with avocado...and a baked sweet potato with greek yogurt...so freaking GOOD
  • MeanSophieCat
    MeanSophieCat Posts: 200 Member
    I don't usually but only because self control is not something I've gained just yet. The only times I"ve been successful at it is if my 'free meal' is at the end of the day. Otherwise, once I've ate something 'bad' I tend to go down hill from there. I think it's a good thing if you can keep it to only one meal a week though

    I second this! If I do a free/cheat meal it has to be dinner or even just dessert. If I start with breakfast, I'm done for.

    I try to make my free meal less about food and more about fun. Maybe it's the girls night splitting an appetizer or maybe it is dinner at a friend's house not asking them every ingredient in the dish. Maybe it is just a beer while watching the game. More about the activity and less about the calories :)
  • nookeetoone
    nookeetoone Posts: 72
    I just listen to my body usually.. I don't have "free meal" days.. But if I absolutely feel the need to snack on something, I do... and try to keep as close to my goal as possible... Its already pretty low so going over will most likely not stop weight loss. So Yea I usually just don't sweat it :) Most of the time I crave healthy food, but sometimes I do snack on something :p
  • drhildi
    drhildi Posts: 2
    I look at my weekly average rather than each day. Makes it more realistic.

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