i hate this feeling

I think when you consider the grand picture, two days versus one day is not a big deal. You spent time with family and friends and enjoyed yourself. You won't always be able to do that.

If you continue to feel this way about food, perhaps you should work with a mental health professional to develop a more balanced attitude toward eating.

I totally get how frustrating it can be when you "let yourself cheat" for more than you planned, but is it really cheating? Food isn't your enemy; it's fuel for your body. And maybe you overindulged a little bit. That's okay. You acknowledge that a mistake happened, and now you have to acknowledge that you can't make it UNhappen. All you can do is let it go and move on. Easier said than done, I know, but that's all it really comes down to. Don't let yourself be scared of food. Enjoy food! And know that while moderation is key everyone overindulges once in a while, it's NOT the end of the world. You'll be fine. Just get back on the metaphorical horse and keep going.

I don't take cheat days, but I do find every so often that I have way more calories than my target. I had two of them this week, on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, we had a team lunch so I didn't really control the food choices, so I ended up with more carbs, and then more carb cravings. On Friday, I seemed to be just continuing with those cravings, and I consumed 1000 calories above my target.

But Saturday was a new day, and I was good. I did not beat myself up for Thursday and Friday, because I know that I can get back into the swing of things with one good day. Also, even with 1,000 calories extra on Friday, I recognize that it takes 3500 to equal a pound in the long term. So two bad days still gives me less than 1 pound, once it has all settled, been digested, passed, and absorbed.

I just made sure on Saturday that I followed a little bit stricter routine -- e.g., my breakfast sandwich had 1 slice of bread instead of 2, half as much ham as I normally use, etc. My favorite go-to snack is yogurt, but it adds up, so I made sure I limited my yogurt on Saturday. I made sure I had lots of protein and fiber and kept my sugar under control. I made sure that I was below my caloric target on Saturday as a way of putting myself back into the right overall trend.

In other words, my comment is the very thing that you said: "I know most people will say tomorrows a new day and everything but... "

There is no "but" about it. Tomorrow's a new day.

No. Get a grip.

Bet you fancy a donut though

thanks for your comment that helped a bunch, nott
seriously I was just asking for advice not sarcastic comments

I think you have to let go of things you cannot change. Other people's reactions, the past. You know, that kind of stuff.

Did you log on the cheat days? If so, take a look at just how much of a surplus you ate. 3500 = pound. If you normally have net 1500, and that is a deficit for weight loss, I assume your maintenance is 2000 - 2500. So, you would have had to eat 5500 - 6000 on a day to gain a pound. Even if you did, that is only one week to make up. Knowledge is power; if you don't log your cheat day, your imagination can run wild. I don't have cheat days, but I do have times that I consume more than my target (sometimes lots more). I don't worry about it because when I look at the trend, I see that it doesn't matter. Tomorrow really IS another day!

People who eat 1-2 salads a week think they should be losing weight.
People who eat 1-2 cheat meals a week think that they'll gain weight.

That's not what it's about at all.

My advice... Take a step outside, look up at the sky, take a deep breath and admire this awesome world we live in (maybe take a walk if you want to), while you're out there resolve to get back on track and leave the guilt and pain OUTSIDE, then turn around and go back into the house... and continue your wonderful life. Oh and do wrap your arms around yourself and give yourself a great BIG hug - always love you for you.

I understand your feeling because I'm living with a little guilt of my own right now - haven't been to the gym in a week. Gotta go... I'm gonna change that right now! I think I'll follow my own advice

In the same way if you ate healthy for one day it wouldn't make a drastic difference in your weight or lifestyle, neither will having a rough day! Just think about it. One or two days means nothing in comparison to 28 days of great, healthy eating. You're human, girl! You can't expect to NOT have a few rough days. Just remember you're long term goals and get on track tomorrow.

Drink some water and move on... I went over my daily limit by 600 calories. I am just going to go for a run so I don't feel like crap later on today.

I don't get understand the whole idea of a "cheat" day. You can't cheat your way through losing weight, so why call it cheating? Cheating means you deceive yourself or trick yourself, when you really can't do that. Have an enjoyable day, eat what you like then pick back up and carry on.

Hey,

I didn't read all the replies and I can't comment on them. But I know the feeling of guilt. When you've tried hard to work out and watch what you eat and take a step back it is hard. I think sometimes you need to stop and think about the amount of the things your eating. I find if I'm at a party or out I will reduce the amount I eat in order to help with the calorie intake and as a result don't feel quite as guilty! It's okay to feel like that particularly when you've been working hard and it's on your kind.

Don't let it get you down and don't let others get you down. If they don't understand that's fine but I appreciate where your coming from.

Xxx