Cheat days??

Well, technically speaking they'll hinder your progress since you'll lose your deficit for that day (and possibly longer), but they can definitely help mentally. Having done day without a deficit is worth it if it means you'll stick to your diet better in the long run. There's also the argument that it can help reduce stress, and stress can be pretty bad for weight loss.

Personally, like most other people here, I like to have the odd 'cheat' day (in quotes because if you work it into your goals you may not consider it cheating, but whatever you choose to call it, it's nice to have a day off). I usually do if it's a special occasion. One meal isn't going to ruin your diet, and I'd much rather be able to relax and have fun every now and again and take a bit longer to reach my goal than be constantly trying to restrict what I eat and get there a bit faster. Calorie counting is fine 99% of the time, but if I'm at an all-you-can-eat restaurant for a friend's birthday I want to eat all I can!

For me, this is more of a lifestyle than a diet, so I don't have what one would call a "cheat" meal or day. Sometimes I eat more calories than my goal for a day, so I'll try to burn more calories during the next few days and/or also eat less calories the next few days just to try and balance it all out. As long as there is a deficit, I know that I will lose weight eventually. Also, if I know in advance that I have a party, event or big dinner to attend, I'll eat less calories during the day and save them up for that night. If I'm eating within my allowance (no matter what it is), then I'll lose weight. If I'm eating more than my allowance of calories for that day (even if it is all super healthy foods), then I will definitely gain weight because I'm not in a deficit.

I don't like the word "cheat". It indicates you are doing something wrong and enjoying it. There is nothing wrong with occasionally going over your calorie goal, but if you prefer to call it "cheating" then those "cheat days" will start out once a month, then move to once a week, and before you know it, you've gained back all the weight you have lost plus some.

I don't have cheat days. I have days that I choose to eat more than others. It took me a long time to get out of the guilty feelings around "cheat days". I have also figured out that if I choose to eat more I will hinder my progress. It is the nature of the beast. Cal in > cal out = no weight loss.

I too go over sometimes when I indulge in some goodies. So what... I stay on target for the most part and work out very hard. I always finish strong weather its doing 3 11 minute miles or a half hour of weight training.