Cheat days - Worst idea ever
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Works for me. And I know that it means I can eat like normal when I hit goal and not be some absolute crazy person calorie counter my whole life. Intuitive eating is the ultimate goal, so I have to let myself "cheat" when it feels right. So far I've never had a week where I gained.0
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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 don't call it cheating. But I don't log during the weekends.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???
I don't know what my calories are on the weekend but I am an endurance athlete and I train hard on my days off work, so I am sure I do not go over. I don't gain weight so I guess that's a good sign. I don't watch what I am eating because I am exercising so much. And since I know I train superhard on the weekends, I endulge in things I normally wouldn't endulge in during the 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.0 -
I have mixed feelings about this.
I agree that cheat DAYS can be a dangerous thing during weight loss. It would be entirely possible for me to consume enough calories in one DAY to undo the previous week's calorie deficit.
I agree with you that "cheats" of any kind are probably not necessary during the early weeks/months of weight loss.
I do believe in cheat MEALS once one is closer to maintenance. I tend to have a cheat meal and a sweet treat on the weekends, but I do not binge or overindulge to the extreme -- I just like to have a meal, either home cooked or restaurant, that I don't have to worry about fitting in my calorie limit or macros. It gives me a psychological break as well as allows me to enjoy favorite foods without guilt or shame.
I also agree with a previous poster that cheat meals are a reality -- birthday celebrations, social occasions, vacations, holidays, etc. are all things that count as a cheat meal for me. These days are a part of life, and while one may be dedicated enough in the early stages of weight loss to stick to their macros and calorie limit, it is not realistic to believe that we will never eat "off plan" again. In fact, often a splurge triggers guilt and shame, which may in turn trigger binges and drastic overeating in compulsive eaters.
I think it is far better to detach from rigid thinking, guilt and shame and plan an occasional cheat meal, than to cling to black and white/all or nothing thinking and feel like a failure for indulging once in a while.0 -
Works for me. And I know that it means I can eat like normal when I hit goal and not be some absolute crazy person calorie counter my whole life. Intuitive eating is the ultimate goal, so I have to let myself "cheat" when it feels right. So far I've never had a week where I gained.
^^THIS! Thinking about logging calories and restricting myself for the rest of my life is SO depressing!0 -
I am 5'2 and after having my Bby 3 years ago I gained 15 lbs that I have not been able too loose. I been really close to my goal but then it all comes back after I take a cheat day which really sucks. this is why I totally agree I feel like once you start eating bad you feel like you can have a cheat day anytime you want. This time i will not have a cheat day!0
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if i didnt have cheat days then i wudnt be where i am today,i usually cheat on a saturday maybe a sunday,then ive no problem gettin back on track monday, once you know its for one day only then whats the harm:)0
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Because food is awesome and delicious. I feel sorry for the people who never indulge in an amazing meal.0
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i drink a ton of whiskey on my cheat days. i say the same thing the following morning0
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I completely agree with you.
I don't do cheat days and I have had a lot of success. Why do something half arsed?0 -
Everyday so far has been a cheat day for me....I am cheating on unhealthy food with sexy natural healthy food lol Sorry guys couldn't resist. So far I don't need a cheat day and I felt bad going to Chili's tues for lunch after gym because it really boosted my freaking sodium. In general you shouldn't have to have a cheat day there are plenty of decent healthy choices that are good for you but I guess it really comes down to mind over matter, because if it doesn't matter you won't mind
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I agree, but that doesn't mean I will never indulge, just much less frequently. I much prefer to have a static calorie goal, which is enough that I don't need to 'cheat'. Like, I've been craving a jam doughnut for the past week, and rather than thinking 'I'm going to eat 10 on a cheat day' I think, 'I have enough calories to have one as a snack'. Plus, I don't really eat junk that much, which means that a run the next day will have me almost throwing up if I eat junk!0
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I've lost 70 lbs and I have the occasional meal where I don't watch what I eat. For me it isn't every week but more like a couple times a month. It never leads to more than that because I have self control. Everyone knows how they are wired and if they are capable of just getting right back on track the following day. It isn't for everyone but I don't think they are a terrible thing by any means.0
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what just happened?0
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I never log Saturdays. Have whatever I want. Doughnuts, pizza, whatever. Has never hindered me and, in fact, has helped break some plateaus.
*****Maybe I should try this, I am just afraid I would be sick.0 -
I don't do cheat days, but will allow a cheat meal for special occasions. I also struggle with binge eating, so I'm not overly concerned with a cheat day, it's the days that follow & the struggle to get back on track.
For a normal person, I don't see how one day eating at maintenance is going to derail someone, unless they struggle with resuming eating at a deficit.0 -
Everyone's approach is going to be different but finding a method that allows you to adhere and be successful is everyone game plan though isn't it......
This is well said, and from a person who's clearly been VERY successful with his weight loss. (Ed's posts always inspire me)
As for explaining to you, OP, why I personally go over my calorie allotment on a regular basis (I don't even call them cheat days, but there are usually one or two days a week that I either don't log or don't worry about overall calorie intake):
Because it works for me.
That's all that is important to me. It doesn't affect anyone else in my life. If it doesn't work for you, fine, but no reason to judge others or say that "cheat days" are the worst idea ever.0 -
I'm not a fan of the word "cheat" when applied to so-called dieting. With that said, I'm also not a fan of the word "diet". Diet implies that it is something that is going to end at some point, something that has an expiration date. My aim, personally, is to make a lifestyle change. I want to change my life. I want to look and feel healthier and, yes, I want to lose weight, but I don't even look at that as my main goal. I haven't been on here for very long and Lord knows I've tried many other ways to lose weight, but always with the mindset of, "I want to lose weight". The "I want to be healthy and fit" approach seems to be working for me. Anyway, back to the original topic, I think "cheat" meals/days/weeks, etc. are a word for people who are dieting. And if it works for them, great. I know that there are days that I go over my calories (yesterday, for example), but I think that's life. And when one is trying to make a lifestyle change, there are no "cheats", there's just life.
Anyway, that's just my opinion.0 -
I eat the same amount of calories no matter what day it is.. Holidays are for fat people to get fatter.
Ummm... NO. People get fat for overeating all year long, not just on holidays. Pretty ignorant remark.0 -
I can sure think of a lot better things to be angry about...0
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YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GAIN WEIGHT BY HAVING ONE LOUSY "CHEAT" DAY ONCE IN A WHILE. It takes an insane amount of calories to actually put on fat. If you "cheat" every single day, yes you will gain fat. Indulging and eating whatever you want on Christmas day is not going to ruin any success you've made. I ate like a cow on Easter, scale was up 3 lbs the next day, and was right back off the next day after that. Its water, salt, food going through your system.....it would have taken 10,500 calories over what I already burn to gain 3 lbs of fat. If you don't enjoy what you want sometimes, you'll just gain everything back eventually when you get sick of eating salad and water. Happened to me about 5 times in the last 10 years til I learned better and realized I can eat what I want and still lose weight.0
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I eat the same amount of calories no matter what day it is.. Holidays are for fat people to get fatter.
What a horrible thing to say! I allow myself a "Cheat Day" on holidays and seem to be losing weight just fine. Having a day to allow yourself a treat is more likely to keep you on track then depriving yourself of all things you enjoy.0 -
I eat the same amount of calories no matter what day it is.. Holidays are for fat people to get fatter.
Ummm... NO. People get fat for overeating all year long, not just on holidays. Pretty ignorant remark.
Agreed! Very ignorant!0 -
I have one meal, per week, where I eat anything my heart desires. Usually chicken fettucine alfredo and tiramisu (if they have it - that stuff goes fast!). 43 pounds in 3 months seems to be a pretty good amount, somehow I don't think that one meal per week is derailing me all that much!0
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I don't allow myself cheat days where i go "F*** it, I'm eating whatever I want in whatever amount I want", because that just wouldn't make me feel good at the end of the day.
I do however allow one or two "cheat meals" during the weekend, and that is when I eat out and order whatever I like, even if it"s not healthy. I do however log it and try to be good the rest of the day.0 -
I don't necessarily believe in cheat days, but I do have once a week cheat meals. when you're dieting and cut out certain foods in your diet for weight loss, your body feels deprived. I think enjoying a cheat meal (or 2) once a week lets your body know that you're not depriving it.
Some people can handle cheat days and still have an overall healthy calorie intake for the week despite the one high calorie day. If a person can't handle their cheat meal or cheat day in moderation and go crazy each time, then maybe they shouldn't cheat at all and try to learn moderation. But so far, I've been handeling my cheat days pretty well. I don't go to crazy, and I manage to stay within or sometimes below my caloric intake for the week. You gotta live life, and understand that there are holidays, going out to a restaurant with friends and family. It doesn't hurt to enjoy a meal that you don't eat everyday. Just do it in moderation. I think "Cheat meals" are awesome..if you can handle it.0 -
YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GAIN WEIGHT BY HAVING ONE LOUSY "CHEAT" DAY ONCE IN A WHILE. It takes an insane amount of calories to actually put on fat. If you "cheat" every single day, yes you will gain fat. Indulging and eating whatever you want on Christmas day is not going to ruin any success you've made. I ate like a cow on Easter, scale was up 3 lbs the next day, and was right back off the next day after that. Its water, salt, food going through your system.....it would have taken 10,500 calories over what I already burn to gain 3 lbs of fat. If you don't enjoy what you want sometimes, you'll just gain everything back eventually when you get sick of eating salad and water. Happened to me about 5 times in the last 10 years til I learned better and realized I can eat what I want and still lose weight.
"..If you don't enjoy what you want sometimes, you'll just gain everything back eventually when you get sick of eating salad and water"
LOL :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: I love the "salad and water" comment... I mean really, could you imagine not allowing yourself to indulge here and there with good moderation by having a cheat meal?! I would be the crankiest person if I only had salad and water:sad:0 -
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.
Adherence, some people will better adhere to a diet knowing they have a free day ahead of them.
Cheat days don't become cheat weeks or a blown diet if the person wants to reach their goal and they have some measure of mental fortitude to get back on their diet the next day
This....I agree completely! Love my Free Meal (as I call it) and if I crave something during the week I don't feel deprived because I know I can still have it.0 -
Everyone's on a different journey. Some people's journeys include cheat days. Yours doesn't. Case closed
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Setting up overly rigid expectations is likely to lead to a person abandoning efforts.
Personally I don't buy this and I think it's just giving yourself permission to fail.
Change your mindset, be disciplined, succeed.0 -
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.
Adherence, some people will better adhere to a diet knowing they have a free day ahead of them.
Cheat days don't become cheat weeks or a blown diet if the person wants to reach their goal and they have some measure of mental fortitude to get back on their diet the next day
^^^This is pretty close, for me anyway. I am committed to better health and major fitness so it will take ALOT to knock me off my game.
I give myself one 'free/cheat' whatever you want to call it MEAL once a week. I do this to help curb cravings and it has worked well FOR ME. If it's Monday and I'm craving a taco supreme I tell myself I can have it Friday night. Most Friday's come and go and the item I had craved is far out of mind. The idea that once a week I can eat outside of my macros, without guilt, has saved me from many a binges. My cheat meal generally falls on date night with my husband when he finally gets a choice as to what and where we eat. He is my biggest supporter and hasn't complained once about the change in the types of foods/meals I prepare at home so I love the idea that we can go out once a week, to a place he loves (he has absolutely no weight issues). Most times I attempt to stay within my calories, most times I do. MOST times.
On the opposite side of this - I used to be a 'free/cheat' whatever you want to call it DAY once a week and I bombed with that. I woke the next morning with MAJOR cravings and it was very hard to keep the binges away after an entire day off plan.
All of this, is of course, my story, my opinion.0
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