How often do you allow yourself a 'treat' meal?

sixfeettall
sixfeettall Posts: 34 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
How often do you allow yourself a treat meal such as a takeaway, or a really chocolately dessert, or that meal on the menu you know you shouldn't pick.

And what are your typical examples of a treat?
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Replies

  • tabithacate
    tabithacate Posts: 51 Member
    Normally once a week. If I have enough calories.
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    I don't call it a 'diet', I am just healthy, but I have a cheat meal once a week. I've been doing this for about 2 months, and only because my personal trainer recommended it. I'm close to goal weight, and he thought it would give my metabolism a boost.

    I don't tend to go for take-away as I prefer to make something myself. The one time I had Chinese (at my brother's house, it wouldn't have been my choice) I felt ill all night. We did have Dominos the other day, but I only had 3 slices.
  • sixfeettall
    sixfeettall Posts: 34 Member
    Ah, so you work out how much under your weekly goal you are and then have a treat accordingly?
  • MyProgressISYour1Proof
    MyProgressISYour1Proof Posts: 376 Member
    :"Treat" can depend on the person. I usually have something not so healthy once a week at most. Home-cooked food this weekend is my "treat". Seafood gumbo today and some ham tomorrow.. yum..
  • taylorckt1
    taylorckt1 Posts: 263 Member
    once per week within reason...it's not about deprivation, it is about moderation...
  • Kath1391
    Kath1391 Posts: 138
    Usually once a week,I had a pizza today (only half tho) and I've got about 459 calories for the rest of the day,But I'll be exercising later so it's not so bad
  • rfsatar
    rfsatar Posts: 599 Member
    once per week within reason...it's not about deprivation, it is about moderation...
    +1 (squillion)
  • jackedphilosopher
    jackedphilosopher Posts: 31
    Every single saturday is my "fat guy day"

    I get after it on fat guy days =)
  • BonjourLamour
    BonjourLamour Posts: 6
    Once a week :smile: but with Easter, this week it will probably be twice. I really don't think I would be able to keep this up if I didn't have at least a little luxury every week :heart:
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    Usually once a week, but if I do it more than once, I'm not going to feel bad about it. I just try to do the best I can the next day.
  • Dani_wants_to_be_fit
    Dani_wants_to_be_fit Posts: 550 Member
    I usually treat myself when I feel like it (sometimes once a week, sometimes once a fortnight, sometimes 2 days straight) It's all about moderation. I actually posted this on my profile the other day:

    This is life and being healthy, not a diet or a race. I am entitled to treats with all in moderation. Most days will be healthy, but there is nothing wrong with taking yourself of for a treat. It's all about managing the balance.
  • Articeluvsmemphis
    Articeluvsmemphis Posts: 1,987 Member
    How often do you allow yourself a treat meal such as a takeaway, or a really chocolately dessert, or that meal on the menu you know you shouldn't pick.

    almost everyday which is my problem, I take that back, it is everyday. there's always room for what you want, it's give/take
  • sixfeettall
    sixfeettall Posts: 34 Member
    I feel like I've been cutting out treats for myself. I mean, I have literally been at this a week but I've told myself I'm only allowed a 'treat' when I have a full day at school (that's two days a week) and as long as I walk both ways (around 3.2 miles).
    My definition of a 'treat' was a 2 finger kit kat but I'm realising how stupid that is.
    If my calories are quite a bit under my daily goal, I might have around 70g of chocolate ice cream which totals at around 200cals, I think this was working a bit better than my 2 finger kit kat treat!

    I feel like I need a happy-medium when it comes to treats but also allowing them to myself only when I feel like I've earned it.
    Tomorrow is Easter, so I'm sure I'll be treating myself plenty in the coming weeks I guess!
  • kdeaux1959
    kdeaux1959 Posts: 2,675 Member
    I like this term SO MUCH better than the commonly used "cheat meal" or cheat day" ... Seems like you have a healthier attitude toward it. That being said, it really depends. It is a marathon and not a sprint... it is about changing eating habits forever so whatever we are doing to lose weight needs to be sustainable until death does our body/spirit part... That being said, early on, I was more goal oriented. As I am approaching my goal, I am ok with only losing a pound or two per month (as opposed to the 12-15 lbs I was losing early on (was morbidly obese)... My goal is still there and I will get there... but I am focusing really more on a maintenance mindset at this point so I am adjusting my diet (actually, it is not a bad term if used properly.. everybody, even those with bad ones, have them)... to more of a slightly below maintenance mode.

    Anyway, the short answer is... it depends on what is going on. Some weeks. No treats.. Others, 2-3 ..it is ok.
  • MallorieGreiner
    MallorieGreiner Posts: 135 Member
    Once a week or twice a week, but I fit it in my macros. =) This week was such much deserved Taco Bell and tonight is California Pizza Kitchen....after I kill it at the gym.
  • nvpixie
    nvpixie Posts: 483 Member
    The cafeteria at the hospital I work at makes a really yummy chicken caesar wrap. I estimated the calories to be about 600-700. I treat myself to one of those about once a week or so. I just make up for it later by eating a mostly veggie dinner.
    Then, I also have pizza or spaghetti night with the family once a week. I don't go overboard on those days, but I do indulge more than the rest of the week.
  • Yooperm35
    Yooperm35 Posts: 787 Member
    whenever I want, as long as it fits into my daily calorie count
  • ZekeK
    ZekeK Posts: 7
    I have a desert which is my downfall, which is the Scottish shortbread cookie -- a small brick shape cookie, which individually are around 110 calories because they have so much butter in them. They are delicious; they are also expensive for a college student, which helps limit my intake of them. When I do have a box around the house, usually I will eat one a day since I have trouble hitting 1200 calories in the first place due to being a vegetarian and exercising daily.

    Though Easter is going to be fun. The chocolate crunch bunny will not see it coming. Nor will the pizza that follows most likely, knowing my family "traditions". B)
  • angbieb
    angbieb Posts: 668 Member
    This morning I did...but I wish I would have looked at the calories first...McDonald's Cinnamelt=460...I don't think that "cheat" was worth the amount of calories and I'm regretting it. Oh well..live and learn...I think you should allow one treat meal per week. :smile:
  • XXXMinnieXXX
    XXXMinnieXXX Posts: 3,459 Member
    I use IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros) regularly. You can have a treat meal, just be sure to plan the rest of your day accordingly. Get a treat without setting yourself back. Easter, Christmas Day, birthdays etc I have what I want, within reason. Tomorrow I will, but I've been really good all week and will be back on it Monday.
  • Athena53
    Athena53 Posts: 717 Member
    This morning I did...but I wish I would have looked at the calories first...McDonald's Cinnamelt=460...I don't think that "cheat" was worth the amount of calories and I'm regretting it. Oh well..live and learn...I think you should allow one treat meal per week. :smile:

    Yeah, I've decided that on a lot of things- I don't enjoy them enough to justify the calories. I'd say about every two weeks I'll have something that's bad for me- not a whole meal but one item- and I just thoroughly enjoy it and go on. Usually it's got frosting on it. Last week it was an exquisite cupcake from a high-end bakery, brought into the office by someone who wanted to thank us for a lot of hard work. I enjoyed every calorie and fat molecule but I'm glad I don't do that every day.
    I have a dessert which is my downfall, which is the Scottish shortbread cookie -- a small brick shape cookie, which individually are around 110 calories because they have so much butter in them.

    I know EXACTLY which brand you mean! DH makes shortbread cookies and they are SO good. I'm taking some onto the office for a bortdhay celebration Monday and in the meantime they're hidden away in tins so I don't have to walk past them out in the open.
  • sixfeettall
    sixfeettall Posts: 34 Member
    I like this term SO MUCH better than the commonly used "cheat meal" or cheat day" ... Seems like you have a healthier attitude toward it. That being said, it really depends. It is a marathon and not a sprint... it is about changing eating habits forever so whatever we are doing to lose weight needs to be sustainable until death does our body/spirit part... That being said, early on, I was more goal oriented. As I am approaching my goal, I am ok with only losing a pound or two per month (as opposed to the 12-15 lbs I was losing early on (was morbidly obese)... My goal is still there and I will get there... but I am focusing really more on a maintenance mindset at this point so I am adjusting my diet (actually, it is not a bad term if used properly.. everybody, even those with bad ones, have them)... to more of a slightly below maintenance mode.

    Anyway, the short answer is... it depends on what is going on. Some weeks. No treats.. Others, 2-3 ..it is ok.

    I agree! The term cheat meal just oozes guilt therefore making you feel negative, whereas treat makes you feel as if you've really earned it so you feel positive! Wow, that's amazing! Massive well done to you!!! Yeah, I feel at the minute I'm quite goal orientated but I know that I'll slide into a routine which will make my lifestyle change a very sustainable one which balances out treats and being healthy.
  • LeahT84
    LeahT84 Posts: 202 Member
    I've been on this journey for 6 weeks, and I haven't really had a cheat yet, not that I consider a cheat anyway. I had steak the other night, but measured it out to a 3 oz portion. I had pasta last night, but I measured my portion and counted my calories, staying well within my limit. My "treats" are 100 calorie packs, or recipes that I modify to be healthier versions. I'm not depriving myself of what I love, I'm making sure that I lose weight and get healthy so that I am not the next one in my family to have a heart attack. "Cheating" to me is going over your calorie limit for the day, or eating things way over proportioned. It's all about serving sizes and making smart choices.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I consider all my meals to be a treat because I always eat something yummy. Honestly though, a real treat is a Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen. I eat one a few times a year.
  • sallyaj
    sallyaj Posts: 207 Member
    I don't.

    I find recipes that are within my plan that taste like a treat to me.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I have a desert which is my downfall, which is the Scottish shortbread cookie -- a small brick shape cookie, which individually are around 110 calories because they have so much butter in them. They are delicious; they are also expensive for a college student, which helps limit my intake of them. When I do have a box around the house, usually I will eat one a day since I have trouble hitting 1200 calories in the first place due to being a vegetarian and exercising daily.

    Though Easter is going to be fun. The chocolate crunch bunny will not see it coming. Nor will the pizza that follows most likely, knowing my family "traditions". B)

    YUMMM! Scottish shortbread dipped in chocolate milk FTW!
  • meeemy
    meeemy Posts: 26 Member
    I limit it to once a week
    But right now i have a cheat meal whenever i feel like it which is not so often.
    Maybe every 2 weeks a Hamburger or something
  • ldbuster0
    ldbuster0 Posts: 207
    Since I really want this to be a lifestyle change, I basically try to eat in moderation. I try to eat 80% healthy and maybe 20% of not so healthy on a daily basis. I try not to deprive myself because I don't want to go overboard if I don't eat something that I really want. Since I have started tracking calories, I have become more aware of how many calories food really has and how much is a portion. I really had no idea of how many calories I was eating. "Junk food" can really add up quickly, but I still have to get my share.:smile:
  • whitecapwendy
    whitecapwendy Posts: 287 Member
    I don't have scheduled treat meals, I will do special days and occasional treats. Last weekend was my birthday, I allowed myself to enjoy a meal out with family on Saturday and went out to celebrate by myself on Sunday (my actual birthday) and was very good the rest of the week. I lost 1.2 lbs when I weighed in yesterday, so was pleased. One of the things I noticed after my "Birthday bash weekend" was I craved sweets all week which has not been a problem most of the time. Tomorrow our church is having a brunch between services. I plan to enjoy it, and then be good the rest of the week.

    If someone brings in a treat to work, I will ask to have a small piece broken off or one bite. I have had no problem with others accomodating me since they are all really encouraging my efsforts. (if it is cake, I usually make sure I get a good share of frosting since it is my favorite part--especially butter cream. Taking the occasional taste or meal is really helping me to make this a life change and not a "diet" and really helping to fend off the cravings and binges.
  • deeruns
    deeruns Posts: 39 Member
    Since I really want this to be a lifestyle change, I basically try to eat in moderation. I try to eat 80% healthy and maybe 20% of not so healthy on a daily basis. I try not to deprive myself because I don't want to go overboard if I don't eat something that I really want. Since I have started tracking calories, I have become more aware of how many calories food really has and how much is a portion. I really had no idea of how many calories I was eating. "Junk food" can really add up quickly, but I still have to get my share.:smile:

    This. And for me, I've learned this is the best way to do it. Otherwise, my "treat" meals turn into binge marathons where I look up an hour later and have eaten an entire pizza haha. 80-20 and feeling/looking great :D.

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