Cheat days - Worst idea ever

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Replies

  • MarioLozano16
    MarioLozano16 Posts: 319 Member
    If you're not a weight lifter, don't even think about cheat days.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    If you're not a weight lifter, don't even think about cheat days.

    Well that is a silly statement
  • fayeonherway
    fayeonherway Posts: 204
    I don't understand the concept of 'cheat days'. Whoever made the term up and promoted the idea has a lot to answer for.

    I understand 'No exercise days' (rest days) but 'cheat days' I don't. I don't understand why someone would work hard all week then set aside a special day to blow it. I personally dont think going over calories on ANY day while staying within your weekly calorie goal is a cheat... that's just balancing your calorie intake over a week. But for the life of me I can't understand why someone would be on a 'diet' but set aside a day where they can eat whatever they want and think they are 'entitled' to it because they've been 'so good'. I mean who are they kidding?? Isn't that like telling an alcoholic they can drink as much as they want one day a week???

    Look... I know this post will have already come across as all 'judgemental' but if there's any 'cheat day' advocates out there I'd love you to explain to me why cheat days are a good idea and how cheat days don't become 'cheat weeks' and how cheat weeks don't become blown diets.

    Motivation? No.
    Support? No.

    Punishing me for having 2 slices of pizza and some french fries on Saturday while I stuck to my calorie deficit via food and exercise all week? Yes.
  • CassiusKnox
    CassiusKnox Posts: 305 Member

    Motivation? No.
    Support? No.

    Punishing me for having 2 slices of pizza and some french fries on Saturday while I stuck to my calorie deficit via food and exercise all week? Yes.

    You might wanna actually try reading my post before you get all butt hurt.
  • anniebelle26
    anniebelle26 Posts: 43 Member
    I let myself have a cheat day last friday. I gained 3 lbs when I weighed on monday. It took me till today to get back to where I was...not gonna do that again! lol.
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member

    Motivation? No.
    Support? No.

    Punishing me for having 2 slices of pizza and some french fries on Saturday while I stuck to my calorie deficit via food and exercise all week? Yes.

    You might wanna actually try reading my post before you get all butt hurt.

    We read your original post. And we read the following posts.

    You're coming off as a judgement jerk. Just because you can't hack a cheat day doesn't mean that other people can't.
  • fayeonherway
    fayeonherway Posts: 204

    Motivation? No.
    Support? No.

    Punishing me for having 2 slices of pizza and some french fries on Saturday while I stuck to my calorie deficit via food and exercise all week? Yes.

    You might wanna actually try reading my post before you get all butt hurt.

    Butt's doing great. Thighs however are hurting. Nice 5x5 set today.

    I read your post. I am fairly confident in my reading and comprehension skills. I stand by my response. :flowerforyou:
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    No need to be dramatic to make your point. Choosing to have a high calorie day is in NO WAY like telling an alcoholic to drink.

    I don't use the term myself, but I do have high calorie days occasionally. And since it is out of my normal diet, I suppose one could call it cheating if one wanted.

    Personally, I doubt I'd succeed on a diet that required me to eat a consistent number of calories every day, or to never have a full on stuff your face day (and I'd definitely have to skip all future family reunions).
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member

    Punishing me for having 2 slices of pizza and some french fries on Saturday while I stuck to my calorie deficit via food and exercise all week? Yes.

    I can fit that in my calories, no problem (although I'll probably be a bit over on fat with the fries!). That's why I don't really understand the concept of cheat days. I think it just depends on what you consider 'cheat'. Is it just ordering a burger and fries and going over your goal by 500 calories, or totally cheating and eating 5000 calories of food? Because in the second case, you pretty much blew all your diet for the week, even if you were 500 under your TDEE every day... so I'm not seeing the point, unless it's a once a month thing.
  • fayeonherway
    fayeonherway Posts: 204

    I can fit that in my calories, no problem (although I'll probably be a bit over on fat with the fries!). That's why I don't really understand the concept of cheat days. I think it just depends on what you consider 'cheat'. Is it just ordering a burger and fries and going over your goal by 500 calories, or totally cheating and eating 5000 calories of food? Because in the second case, you pretty much blew all your diet for the week, even if you were 500 under your TDEE every day... so I'm not seeing the point, unless it's a once a month thing.

    Cheat days depend on the individual and what they view as 'cheating'. Maybe we should use a different word. Since I'm trying to find a happy balance between my calorie intake and my macros those two slices of pizza and fries may put me in the red. I am not a binge eater. Never was and don't plan on becoming one. So the probability of me going hard on a cheat day is 0. Indulging on them is a 'cheat' for me therefore I use the term cheat day.
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member


    Butt's doing great. Thighs however are hurting. Nice 5x5 set today.

    I read your post. I am fairly confident in my reading and comprehension skills. I stand by my response. :flowerforyou:

    :laugh: :love:
  • cheerupbrighteyes
    cheerupbrighteyes Posts: 37 Member
    I wouldn't say I do it as often as once a week, but I do like to plan a day where I can eat a meal for whatever I've been craving. It reminds me that I am in control of what I eat. I hate the mindset of "oh I can't eat that". Pfft, yes I can! To think of never letting myself indulge on pizza and beers, or Chinese food, is so depressing :C.
  • da_bears10089
    da_bears10089 Posts: 1,791 Member
    IMO, cheat days most often happen when people are too restrictive with their diets.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    IMO, cheat days most often happen when people are too restrictive with their diets.

    I totally agree with this!
  • fayeonherway
    fayeonherway Posts: 204

    :laugh: :love:

    :blushing:
    :drinker:
  • slkehl
    slkehl Posts: 3,801 Member
    I'm a firm supporter of cheat days on special occasions! I want to enjoy my birthday, 4th of July bbqs, Thanksgiving, ect. without worrying about staying in my calorie range. It doesn't derail me. In fact, I think it's a good thing-if I were more strict about my diet, I would probably burn out!
  • MindyG150
    MindyG150 Posts: 1,296 Member
    I eat the same amount of calories no matter what day it is.. Holidays are for fat people to get fatter.

    Holidays are for Families and Friends to gather and to love and be loved...God Bless
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    I don't understand the concept of 'cheat days'. Whoever made the term up and promoted the idea has a lot to answer for.

    I understand 'No exercise days' (rest days) but 'cheat days' I don't. I don't understand why someone would work hard all week then set aside a special day to blow it. I personally dont think going over calories on ANY day while staying within your weekly calorie goal is a cheat... that's just balancing your calorie intake over a week. But for the life of me I can't understand why someone would be on a 'diet' but set aside a day where they can eat whatever they want and think they are 'entitled' to it because they've been 'so good'. I mean who are they kidding?? Isn't that like telling an alcoholic they can drink as much as they want one day a week???

    Look... I know this post will have already come across as all 'judgemental' but if there's any 'cheat day' advocates out there I'd love you to explain to me why cheat days are a good idea and how cheat days don't become 'cheat weeks' and how cheat weeks don't become blown diets.

    Agreed!

    I HATE the term cheat day - but a treat every so often is fine IIFYM!
  • Woomytron
    Woomytron Posts: 253 Member
    Unless you are eating an insane amount of calories then there is no problem with having a "cheat day". Just the next day get back to eating what you normally eat.

    If you don't have self control and can't handle one cheat day then no its going to end bad. Do what works for YOU don't worry about what others can handle.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    I don't understand the concept of 'cheat days'. Whoever made the term up and promoted the idea has a lot to answer for.

    I understand 'No exercise days' (rest days) but 'cheat days' I don't. I don't understand why someone would work hard all week then set aside a special day to blow it. I personally dont think going over calories on ANY day while staying within your weekly calorie goal is a cheat... that's just balancing your calorie intake over a week. But for the life of me I can't understand why someone would be on a 'diet' but set aside a day where they can eat whatever they want and think they are 'entitled' to it because they've been 'so good'. I mean who are they kidding?? Isn't that like telling an alcoholic they can drink as much as they want one day a week???

    Look... I know this post will have already come across as all 'judgemental' but if there's any 'cheat day' advocates out there I'd love you to explain to me why cheat days are a good idea and how cheat days don't become 'cheat weeks' and how cheat weeks don't become blown diets.

    I can only speak for myself. Sunday's are generally my 'fun food' day. I eat whatever I want and I don't obsess over my calories or macros. This has worked for me. I've been maintaining a healthy weight and working out for years. 'Cheat day' may not be the best term to use. But if it works for you who cares what you call it.
  • slkehl
    slkehl Posts: 3,801 Member
    I eat the same amount of calories no matter what day it is.. Holidays are for fat people to get fatter.

    Or for less anal fit and healthy people to indulge, knowing it'll come right off as they get back into their routine.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    I eat the same amount of calories no matter what day it is.. Holidays are for fat people to get fatter.

    Or for less anal fit and healthy people to indulge, knowing it'll come right off as they get back into their routine.

    Yes! What sikehl said!!!!
  • MizTerry
    MizTerry Posts: 3,763 Member
    I try to do something every day and I don't give myself cheat days or off days. Stuff comes up where I may miss something, but I don't pre-plan any cheat or off days. I know me.
  • rc322
    rc322 Posts: 22
    I cheat on Fridays and I think it's a good idea honestly. You can think what you would like. I only cheat on fridays for dinner and it allows me to control myself throughout the week. I don't think you sound judgmental but you aren't very open minded. People can do what they want when it works for them.
  • ksuetorres
    ksuetorres Posts: 139 Member
    I agree with you, Cassius. I've worked so hard to lose 50 pounds and I can't take the chance I'll gain ANY of it back. It's hard to lose and oh so easy to put back on. My "cheat" days have been to go 20 calories over, even on holidays. I ate a cupcake one day and only went over by 13 calories. NOT gonna gain it back!
  • Melany502
    Melany502 Posts: 77 Member
    If I am going to a party or it's a holiday I'd rather enjoy myself. On Easter we went out to Brunch and I ordered stuffed french toast... plus ate some bread on the table and a brownie. I didn't bother tracking that day. Monday I was back on track and guess what? I still lost. I understand that one bad day doesn't ruin a diet as long as you are eating healthy most of the time. Not having a bad day just isn't realistic. For me anyway.
  • claudiacarlin108
    claudiacarlin108 Posts: 1 Member
    it's not just about keeping you sane. there's scientific validation for cheat days, it helps boost your metabolism and ensure that your body doesn't hit a plateau diet-wise and start storing fat because of low calorie intake.

    it's clearly not the worst idea ever as some of the most fit people in the world do it, i.e. bodybuilders. all explained here:

    http://bodyfitformula.com/the-cheat-day-part-one/
  • gg0502
    gg0502 Posts: 4 Member
    I AGREE
    CHEAT DAYS LEAD TO CHEAT WEEKS THAT LEAD TO CHEAT MONTHS THAT LEAD TO CHEAT YEARS
    I DO BELIEVE YOU CAN EAT WHATEVER YOU WANT AS LONG AS YOU DO NOT GO OVER YOUR ALLOTTED CALORIES
    THAT IS WHY I PREFER COUNTING CALORIES
    I HAVE LOST 55LBS IN 14 MONTHS TRYING TO MAINTAIN NOW
  • Rocknut53
    Rocknut53 Posts: 1,794 Member
    I don't understand the concept of 'cheat days'. Whoever made the term up and promoted the idea has a lot to answer for.

    I understand 'No exercise days' (rest days) but 'cheat days' I don't. I don't understand why someone would work hard all week then set aside a special day to blow it. I personally dont think going over calories on ANY day while staying within your weekly calorie goal is a cheat... that's just balancing your calorie intake over a week. But for the life of me I can't understand why someone would be on a 'diet' but set aside a day where they can eat whatever they want and think they are 'entitled' to it because they've been 'so good'. I mean who are they kidding?? Isn't that like telling an alcoholic they can drink as much as they want one day a week???

    Look... I know this post will have already come across as all 'judgemental' but if there's any 'cheat day' advocates out there I'd love you to explain to me why cheat days are a good idea and how cheat days don't become 'cheat weeks' and how cheat weeks don't become blown diets.



    I totally understand this, I am one of those who would turn a cheat day into more than that. Maybe a few months from now when I'm certain I have this under control I will loosen up a bit.
  • WAnnB
    WAnnB Posts: 65 Member
    I call mine 'no calorie count' days. I still log. Sometimes I go way over and sometimes I don't. Works for me.

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