Weekends

I hear ya.

You can continue to have your indulgences, but you could average them out during the week. So like, if your weekly calorie goal is 11,200 per week (avg of 1600 per day). You'd eat like this, maybe?

S-Th=1360
F&Sat=2200

And then log everything you eat. Doing this, you probably won't lose weight in a steady, predictable manner. Sometimes you'll lose, sometimes you won't. But you will be learning the "cost" of those high calorie meals and be able to decide if they're "worth" the effort they cost.

I still eat food like pizza and wings, have a beer, etc., as long as it's within my calorie allotment. I think of my goal as a weekly average, not a daily target; sometimes on a weekday I'll eat 200-300 calories under my goal so I can eat more on the weekend while still meeting my overall goal.

The thing you need to learn - and it is hard, no denying it, with food you enjoy - is how to stop eating when you're no longer hungry, especially with tasty food. Take small bites, chew slowly, and, most importantly, before taking another helping, ask yourself whether you are hungry or whether you just feel like eating more. If it's the latter, ask yourself whether you'll feel better in the morning if you eat the wings now or say no. I find that helps a lot.

Do you log it?

No, because I feel guilty and figure I will just try to work it off. Then it just becomes a vicious cycle. Then I fall off MFP.

Don't feel guilty. Just log it. The ap won't judge you.

Definitely log it!!! I'm in the same boat as well... I lose weight during the week, and gain on the weekends. I told my boyfriend that he needs to be more supportive of my efforts. So we try and order "healthy" take-out on the weekends now like sushi or Japanese or make our own meals. Then drink lite beer (I know it never tastes as good, but gotta make the sacrifices for your goals!!). The day after, make sure to drink green tea or water and eat lots of vegetables (more so than usual) to flush your system (I got this tip from a weight loss consultant a long time ago and it does help). Really though, you have to be realistic about your lifestyle and why you are losing weight. Ultimately it's your choice.

I do exactly the same!

But my weaknesses are home-made burgers, pizzas and wine. I log every bit of it and end up going way over my allowed calories pretty much every Friday and Saturday. It's OK though because I catch up over the following week days mostly.

I would try logging these weekend delights to see if you can actually make up the calories (I have to walk them off for hours) and maybe sub in some lower calorie alternatives occasionally. Good luck!

Don't feel guilty. Just log it. The ap won't judge you.

^ This. Your log is for YOU, not anyone else. Be honest with yourself. That's the only way to make any progress. You have to know what you are actually eating before you can decide how to modify your eating habits.