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Cheats and Treats

Codilee87
Codilee87 Posts: 509 Member
edited November 2024 in Motivation and Support
Do you find cheat meals helpful or do they make it harder?

I find the theory to be sound but whenever I try it, not only do I seem to gain 5lbs instantly, I find that it just magnifies all of my cravings tenfold. I think I'm going to just skip the cheat meals entirely this time around unless its a very special occasion.

Replies

  • GolfsOften
    GolfsOften Posts: 22 Member
    You have to cheat!
  • LazyNightOwl
    LazyNightOwl Posts: 166 Member
    I personally don't restrict anything from my eating besides excess calories lol...When I crave something (only usually during my TOM) I'll indulge it. Last time it was chocolate, and all the holiday candy was on sale, so I bought a bag of Dove dark promises and had three a day until my cravings were gone and gave the rest away.
  • mamadon
    mamadon Posts: 1,422 Member
    They dont seem to work for everyone, as it seems to make them fall off the wagon. But, when I was losing weight (I am maintaining) I had a cheat day once a month and it never hurt my weight loss. I also ate whatever I wanted on any given day as long as I was within my calories. Some people will say they hate the word "cheat' but I kind of enjoyed calling it that.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    i never cheat, i fit treats into my daily or weekly cals and macros.
  • bethouiseevans
    bethouiseevans Posts: 41 Member
    I try not to vcall it a cheat because I don't think theres anything wrong with having a bit of what you fancy! I find this stops bit cheats or falling off the diet wagon because I still feel like I am on track and its easier to account for!
  • Papatoad194
    Papatoad194 Posts: 251 Member
    I don't do cheat meals. I restrict calories as well. I eat what I feel my body is craving. Sweets are me bane. I have to make better choices in range of calories. There was an interesting study on willpower and its limits. So I learn to push myself in reason. Instead of candy I will eat fruit. I never past a taste of desert unless I am under 100 calories for that day. Or I am traveling and have to throw it away I will pass. I feel life is not about denying, eat wonderful and tasty foods, just don't let them control you. I will look for that study. I found it its over at lifehacker. Search for limited willpower. I hope it helps.
  • mainebeachbum
    mainebeachbum Posts: 385 Member
    Cheat days or those awful late-night binge eating episodes will mess me up for days or sometimes months. Once I go for it, I can't seem to pull myself together. But I plan snacks I like several days a week, maybe chocolate or eating out for a meal. And when I eat out I decide ahead of time am I going to splurge the calories on alcohol and eat a healthier meal, drink water and have a healthier meal but then have a dessert. For me, it's all about planning!
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