Is a Cheat Day Okay?

Elleposh119 wrote: »

So, I've officially lost my first 15 pounds since I've started dieting and I want to celebrate!
So, is it okay to take a cheat day from my calories and splurge a bit today?

How do you define "ok"?

What I mean by that previous reply is this:

Is someone going to jump out from behind the bushes and smack you in the jaw with a big dead fish and yell "BAD!"?

No.

Are you going to gain 15lbs tomorrow and undo all your progress?

No.


So whether or not it's OK really depends on what you mean by OK.

If your cheat day makes your OVERALL dieting experience better AND you are still able to make progress at a reasonable pace then I would think it's fine. But those are big ifs.

It's up to you. I personally don't because I fit what I want to eat into my calories.

Elleposh119 wrote: »

So, I've officially lost my first 15 pounds since I've started dieting and I want to celebrate!
So, is it okay to take a cheat day from my calories and splurge a bit today?

are you asking permission? we are not your parents, we cannot control what does or doesn't go into your mouth.

are you asking if one day of caloric splurge will cause you to stop losing weight? probably not, though it would depend on what you're splurging on and how far over. if your splurge consists of a bacon-pumpkin-cheesecake eating contest and you're defending your world record championship, then attempting to get your picture on the wall for eating the megamonsterZOMGhumungoid 16lb burger with the dump truck of fries on the side in under 27 minutes... then yeah, you might see a blip up in the morning.

as a general rule i don't condone cheat days simply because i can't afford to lose control over my diet. however, there can be exceptions to the rule, like once-in-a-lifetime events where you have the opportunity to try something new or that would otherwise be out of reach (hubby and i had our 10 year anniversary last weekend, and nothing was going to stop me from ordering the black truffle and fontina pizza appetizer). in my mind, food isn't a reward... it's necessary and should be enjoyed, and can accompany a celebration, but shouldn't be associated with an accomplishment.

instead of splurging on your calories, i'd splurge on a spa treatment like a massage or facial instead.

I personally don't like the words "cheat" day or week. If you track it, and it fits into your daily or weekly calorie counts, go for it. Even if it goes over your calorie counts, is it the end of the world? Not likely. You may just not have a loss this week.

I'm all for "everything in moderation". I don't give up any specific foods, I track and count everything. If I want to go to a restaurant and have a bigger meal to celebrate something, I do it. I just accept my calorie count will be over the norm, and then I move on.

You might also want to consider celebrating without food. Instead of splurging on food, why not buy yourself something that you've wanted but put off. A new shirt, a good book, music for your ipod?

meridianova wrote: »

Elleposh119 wrote: »

So, I've officially lost my first 15 pounds since I've started dieting and I want to celebrate!
So, is it okay to take a cheat day from my calories and splurge a bit today?

are you asking permission? we are not your parents, we cannot control what does or doesn't go into your mouth.

are you asking if one day of caloric splurge will cause you to stop losing weight? probably not, though it would depend on what you're splurging on and how far over. if your splurge consists of a bacon-pumpkin-cheesecake eating contest and you're defending your world record championship, then attempting to get your picture on the wall for eating the megamonsterZOMGhumungoid 16lb burger with the dump truck of fries on the side in under 27 minutes... then yeah, you might see a blip up in the morning.

as a general rule i don't condone cheat days simply because i can't afford to lose control over my diet. however, there can be exceptions to the rule, like once-in-a-lifetime events where you have the opportunity to try something new or that would otherwise be out of reach (hubby and i had our 10 year anniversary last weekend, and nothing was going to stop me from ordering the black truffle and fontina pizza appetizer). in my mind, food isn't a reward... it's necessary and should be enjoyed, and can accompany a celebration, but shouldn't be associated with an accomplishment.

instead of splurging on your calories, i'd splurge on a spa treatment like a massage or facial instead.

Yes, this!

I don't have cheat days to celebrate weight loss, but I will undulge on a special occasion, such as my son's birthday earlier this month, or a wedding I'm going to in November. I still stay within my allowed calories, but enjoy the event by not stressing over what I'm eating. Those occasional higher calorie days haven't affected my weight loss at all. I also find that when I do consume a bit more than usual, I exercise a bit more to offset it.

Great job on losing 15 lbs.! I agree with whoever the previous posters were who said to reward yourself for your loss with something other than high calorie food. That kinda defeats the purpose.

I personally do best when I stay disciplined. I tend to have an all or nothing mindset so if I tried to have a "cheat day" or a "cheat meal" I would most likely go overboard. I know this about myself so I don't do it. If there is something special I want I plan ahead and fit it into my calories...if not for the day then at least for the overall calories for the week to ensure I stay in a deficit. I try not to think of food as a reward either. Don't get me wrong I like food but I need to think of it as fuel and if it has the added bonus of great taste as well then great but non food rewards are better for me.

Just my take on this... Once in a while for a special occasion or vacation - I have a "cheat day." I even had a "cheat week" for my birthday last month. I went up 4 pounds after said week, and lost them the following week. Personally, it is unrealistic - for me - to live the rest of my life without having days, or weekends, or even - gasp - a week here & there where I indulge without constantly monitoring myself. The trick is to not beat myself up when I see the inevitable gain & to get right back on track. Good luck whatever you decide and kudos on the 15lb loss!!!