Question for you successful people

I plan on sticking to it every day. Once in awhile I will have a meal out that I didn't plan on but just get right back to it. You can't gain weight from 1 meal. You would have to down 3500 calories over and above your daily allotment to gain 1 pound!

I don't plan cheat days at all. I almost always stick to my plan, but occasionally a day will come up where I just feel like cheating, and I do it. Or sometimes a day will come up where I am put in a position where it is really hard to make it, and I just don't. But these days are very few and far between, and never planned.

My hubby thinks we should have cheat days. I really don't want to do that. As well as slip up meals. That happens very easily. Especially when you have a plan before hand - such as going out for dinner what your going to eat, the choice before hand. Then find out you fell off that thought process!

My big change in how I eat is making sure I do eat, breaky, lunch dinner and snacks. I also attempt to make sure I eat alot more protien.

You can make every meal something great. There are tons of recipes that might make you feel you do not have to slip up or have cheat days. I have found this helpful.

On how to get back on track. Exercise that day more then others. And don't beat yourself up about it. It is just a single day!

"Cheating" -- ACTUAL cheating -- can pretty much negate all your efforts.

My first go-round with weight loss was Weight Watchers, which allowed you a set number of points (calories) per day, with 35 "extra" points and points for exercise that you could use at any time.

The idea was you used your minimum points every day and if you wanted or needed a "cheat" day, you had those extra points to use. So in that case, you could indulge without setting yourself back. It would not be a bad idea to do something similar with your calories.

you need to plan for success, not for cheating!

My opinion for what it is worth. . . .

I never planned a cheat day. If I ate something bad or went over my calorie intake I just chalked it up to satisfying a craving and moved on.

For me it was easier to stay in a routine then to try and return to that routine after a day of splurge.

What she said if you have a craving satisfy it and move on and try to burn off any excess calories you do intake.

"You do the crime you pay the time."

you need to plan for success, not for cheating!

^^This^^

I don't cheat, it doesn't work for me. But then again, I eat anything I want in moderation.

Best solution? Exercise more and give yourself the extra calories so you don't have to cheat or slip up.

I can say that I wouldnt plan on cheating but if your body has a craving you will have to eventually fulfill it. For example, I had been craving some banana pudding for the past month and finally had enough calories available to get some (I was working so hard I missed breakfast). So, I ordered a pint and indulged in the moment. Now that I have that craving out of the way I feel good. I was still under my calories by 100 overall because I had worked out that morning.

What I try and do is workout 5-6 days a week. On 3-4 days out of the week I try my hardest to only eat my allotted calories even though I have earned more with the exercise. I may eat some of my workout calories on others but try to eat less than half if you do. So, when those craving days come and I eat my exercise calories, I dont think of it as a bad thing because everyday will not be perfect and everday you will not make your calorie goal. As long as over the course of the week my average net calorie intake is below where MFP has me set at I am happy. I have been at it for almost 4 months now and I am down 32 pounds.

I think its mental. I used to do a day or a meal when I first started and for some reason that I cannot remember, I stopped. I traveled a lot this summer so Im sure that had something to do with it. Now that things have slowed down, I will do it again.

For me, I will crave something (say a bbq potato or chinese food) then restrict myself. Sometimes I even try the Healthy Choice/Lean Cuisine option to see if that covers the craving. Then when it doesnt, I plan what day Im going to eat the craving. I try to make the rest of the day perfect or at least not horrible.

Something else to consider, on the phone app it lets you look at the week (over, under, right on par). I started watching the week closer. I still strive for the daily goal but if Im over one day, I dont freak bc it will average out over the week.

you need to plan for success, not for cheating!

^^This^^

I don't cheat, it doesn't work for me. But then again, I eat anything I want in moderation.

Best solution? Exercise more and give yourself the extra calories so you don't have to cheat or slip up.

Exactly....

I don't have cheat meals or cheat days. Some people think, "Oh, I worked really hard last week and I'm having a stressful day.. I'm going to binge and not track it."

If people can have that mentality and still achieve their goals, that is great. I'm not here to pass judgement. I just don't operate that way. I've never been an emtional eater. I make room for everything - wine, cheese, pizza, etc.

The secret isn't WHAT you eat. It's HOW MUCH of it you eat. Moderation is key to everything.

I feel like I'm speaking in cliches now. The bottom line is do whatever is best for you and your body. What helped Joe Schmo lose 10 pounds might not necessarily help you.

I dont call it cheat...I have free day every Sunday, Have for a year and 1/2. I do not log and do not count. I don't just eat all day(maybe sometimes) I eat very well and exercise and weightlift regularly,all week, every week. Sundays have always been open. I have maintained my weight loss over a year. It may not work for some, It works for me. Anything I have craved all week,I know Sunday is around the corner. Some may not agree with this either, But, I bank 1/2 my cals burned all week to offset Sunday.

This is just what I do, and it works. You have to find what works for you.You can easily eat healthy and fit in foods you crave or like into your daily cals too.

Good luck:-)

Friend me and read my blogs...I'm all about eating REAL food and losing weight :-)

Another interesting question. Cheat days. Hmmm. I dont ever have a "cheat day". But, some days I dont eat exactly the right foods. Look, you have to find the balance between obtaining your goals yet still enjoying life. I recently had a conversation with someone about sweet tooth problems. He said, I could never look like you because I get a sweet tooth in the evening that makes me eat a big slice of cake, or a handful of M&M's. I informed him, I also have a sweet tooth. But you have to find the balance. My trick in that scenario, is to get a hershey's mini candy bars (dark chocolate) and a scoop of healthy peanut butter. Tastes great, satisfies the desire.. yet doesn't take its toll.

So what does this mean as far as cheat days? Well, What it means for me,, is go out and enjoy your life. Even at a restaurant learn to satisfy the desire, but not over-indulge. Drink lots of water.. Find the tasty, yet healthy food options. Instead of a big Winter Ale beer, find a low cal beer, or a coors light... ?

I dont know.. just my thoughts.. Like I say, we have to find the balance and enjoy life. If you are just going to feel that getting fit is a chore and punishment, you will most likely stray from it and fail in the long run... This is all about the LONG GAME.

My goodness... I am ranting.. someone kick me off the soap box.

Like I say, we have to find the balance and enjoy life. If you are just going to feel that getting fit is a chore and punishment, you will most likely stray from it and fail in the long run... This is all about the LONG GAME.

winner!