Why do I do this to myself?

If it only happens every few weeks, why stress yourself out about it? Call it your cheat day and get back on the horse tomorrow. Trust me, you're not the only one on this site that says "screw it, I'm having cake" and blows their diet for a day. Or, hell, it isn't hard for me to overeat "health food" to the point of being unhealthy. I could slam down 1,000 calories of peanuts without blinking an eye.

If this was a *daily* thing, then you might should be a tad concerned. As a bi-weekly thing? I wouldn't kill myself over it. Enjoy your cheat day and then get your *kitten* back to the gym tomorrow.

If it only happens every few weeks, why stress yourself out about it? Call it your cheat day and get back on the horse tomorrow. Trust me, you're not the only one on this site that says "screw it, I'm having cake" and blows their diet for a day. Or, hell, it isn't hard for me to overeat "health food" to the point of being unhealthy. I could slam down 1,000 calories of peanuts without blinking an eye.

If this was a *daily* thing, then you might should be a tad concerned. As a bi-weekly thing? I wouldn't kill myself over it. Enjoy your cheat day and then get your *kitten* back to the gym tomorrow.

Great advice, right there!

One day like that every few weeks is absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things

If you're gaining weight, it's either temporary water weight, or you're not eating at a deficit.

Watch out for sodium or even starting a new exercise regimen on the water weight.

Read these for accurate calorie counting and verify you're not eating too much.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1296011-calorie-counting-101

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide

A lot of times I do find that I abandon whatever plans for healthy eating I had in my mind. These more often than not have to do with being bored with the meals I'm working with, and is usually a sign to learn more recipes. But make no mistake, some days I just want a burger, fries and a blizzard, and I'm getting it, calorie goal or no. Those days just can't be too often for me, else long term, I wouldn't lose weight

A similar thing happened to me last week (slightly different but you'll get where I'm coming from).

A beautiful Saturday date night with tapas and cocktails turned into tapas, cocktails, vodka & redbull and shots!!!! Oh yeah and McDonalds fries and biscuits after!

A weekend of drinking and feeling like a zombie on a crisp binge really effected the rest of my week!!! So don't feel bad about one day chuck. I was shocked at how just one night of binging actually turns into a week of regret and failing to say no to food again.

On a good note I think it made me realise that I may be getting to old for the shot filled massacres, especially when I am trying to turn my life around. Also next time just remember how crappy it made you feel and do you really want to feel like that again?

Just shake it off and continue to lose lbs!! I am also a slow loser but slow doesn't mean stood still it just means we are makeing a life change not dieting! I'd rather lose slowly and still show down on a chinese (yes within cals people) then cry over lettuce leaves and aloa vera juice!!

Come on lady, we had this! and can still HAVE this! :drinker:

2,000 calories isn't really bad. If it's not happening that often, then I wouldn't stress it too much. Just get back on track that next day after and keep on going.

Just when I think I'm in a great mindset and on the right path I go and mess things up for myself! Why?!

I feel terrible. I'd pre-logged this great day where I had eaten well and planned a good workout, then as soon as I got home I crumpled and fell into a deep depression :-( Now I've eaten over 2000 calories (normally I eat 1400) and haven't worked out, it's not even late but I'm exhausted and I just want to curl up and cry myself to oblivion. Is this considered binge eating if it happens every few weeks?

To add to this I haven't intentionally worked out since getting back from holiday a month ago. I think I've gained 2 kg as well (It's taken me a year to drop 8kg!!). I feel like I'm on a vicious cycle and part of me doesn't want to do the best for my health.

What can I do?

Sometimes I think we create a huge hurdle for ourselves by imagining that getting fitter and/or getting thinner is an "all-or-nothing" exercise. Restarting a regular exercise program doesn't have to be with 2 hours in the gym, for example, if that was your previous pattern. Far easier to say "OK, I really can't be bothered going there so I am going to put on a Youtube exercise video and doing only 10 minutes today, 15 minutes tomorrow, etc". Little steps - far less daunting. Good luck, you can get there.

I misread a little. I thought that the depression came *after* eating. I didn't realize it came before.

She's right. You may want to figure out the depression first. That's way more important than weight.