What is considered a cheat?

The only thing I consider cheating is not being honest in your diary. If you choose to have a meal or day every now and then you don't record cuz it's a special occasion that is not cheating. That's just living, as long as you get back on the saddle and continue the journey, the only thing these days do is set you back another day from your goal. A long as they don't happen all the time it's not a big deal in long run to have a moment to enjoy yourself.

Also any deficit will result in weight loss, does not matter what food it is.

YorriaRaine wrote: »

The only thing I consider cheating is not being honest in your diary. If you choose to have a meal or day every now and then you don't record cuz it's a special occasion that is not cheating. That's just living, as long as you get back on the saddle and continue the journey, the only thing these days do is set you back another day from your goal. A long as they don't happen all the time it's not a big deal in long run to have a moment to enjoy yourself.

Also any deficit will result in weight loss, does not matter what food it is.

Agree, especially with the bolded statement.

I used to have cheat meals once a week on the weekend but unfortunately I used to binge on the weekend with "cheats" now I use my calories to have that cheat and I know I'm not over eating by logging everything using my fitness pal.

I don't really consider anything a cheat. I do occasionally eat junk food- had some little Debbie brownies this week- however they fit into my calorie allotment. Even when I go "over" I just call it going over. If I were to consider anything a cheat- it would probably be if a took a day and just threw all caution to the wind, ate whatever I wanted in large amounts with no thought of what I am putting in my body.

i consider cheating not logging. I do log 99% of the things. I have a 3 year old, she feeds me random stuff. most days I have a at least 50 calories left, so I figure that is where the single gold fish, maybe a gummy bear, whatever go. If it is anything substantial I log it. she fed me a pretty big bite of her cookie at sams club the other day. I guessed it was about 1/4 of a cookie and took the 50 calorie beating.
I eat foods i love every day. If i didn't there is NO WAY I would have any sort of longevity. I had rice krispies for breakfast (my fave) I am having a single serving deep dish pizza for lunch, and I am having tacos for dinner, and probably ice cream for dessert. I don't have to 'cheat' my diet is YUMMY in my TUMMY

I think we should ban the term 'cheat' when it comes to having a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating those foods you love but probably shouldn't have all the time is just PART of the lifestyle. You're human, of COURSE you're going to eat a pizza on a special occasion. Of course you're going to have a bit of cake on someones birthday. If you're aiming for a calorie deficit - work those 'cheat foods' (eeek I've said it again!) into the deficit. There are also days when you won't be under or hitting your calorie deficit - you'll be over. Make up for it the following day. Moderation is the key.

Ashleigh_91 wrote: »

I used to have cheat meals once a week on the weekend but unfortunately I used to binge on the weekend with "cheats" now I use my calories to have that cheat and I know I'm not over eating by logging everything using my fitness pal.

I used to be the same way. It was only when I started really logging those "cheat" meals/weekends that I was like "Dang so that's why the scale doesn't move much!"

For example, I've already decided that at my 50 pound lost mark (hopefully about 2 weeks away!) I'm ordering pizza. I haven't had pizza since I started 3 months ago, as I do and will consider eating pizza a cheat (and I've also never rewarded my loss with food, but dangit I want pizza!).

eat pizza. I could not imagine thinking about a food for THREE months before i ate it. And don't reward yourself with food, you are not a dog!

eat pizza because it is yummy, i have it probably 3 to 4 times a week. rewards are for something else.

senecarr wrote: »

myheartsabattleground wrote: »

Not select start? You're playing single player?

Nope, no select.

Cheating for me is breaking a promise or lying. Just like cheating in a relationship. And I do think that can apply in that you can make promises to yourself as to how much or what you will eat. For example, I have promised myself that I will average 1500 calories per day over the course of this week. If I do not keep that promise, I am "cheating" on myself. Promises are always negotiable, but lying never is. I just try not to make any promises I can't keep.

Cheating to me means going over calories, since that's how I've seen most people use it. As long as your cheat doesn't put you into 'gaining weight' calories then it's not a huge deal as long as it's only once or twice a week.

ninerbuff wrote: »

I've come to detest the description of a "cheat" meal in diet/fitness industry. You either stay within your calorie range or not. Regardless of the food choice.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Yeah I agree with this. I never feel bad about anything I eat if its within my calories for the day. Now that I'm in maintenance I only really regret it if I go over by like 500+ calories, because I know I'm gonna have to make up for it , and I hate being in a deficit anymore lol

cheating does not exist. over eating on the other hand does. food is food no matter what form it comes in. who cares if you indulge in a piece of cheesecake and lose 1 lbs by the weekend? dont over think stuff. enjoy!