Anyone else have the same struggle

I have had the same problem. Be glad that you caught it before you not only gained it all back but more. Believe it or not, that is a huge accomplishment.
I'd like to reiterate what the person above wrote: "its a lifestyle not a diet". So don't be afraid to eat what you are craving just make sure it is in moderation. This is where the calorie counting really comes into play. If you really need that pizza or shake, its okay! If you don't that need will build up and create far more problems than a few bites of ice cream.

I'm not sure I could survive if I thought I could never have another enchilada! What works for me is I set my calories for the day and keep my weekly average under that set number. So far it is working for me. I'm down 8 pounds in three weeks. My set number of calories is 2000 per day. Seems like a lot until you look at the number of calories to maintain my current weight. Last week I had a margarita and an enchilada plate. Enjoyed every bite of it. My average was still under 2000 for the week. I agree with queenliz99 moderation is the key....and record everything. When I know I have to write it down I think about it before I eat it.

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I think your story will resonate with many of us, myself included.

For me, I've sworn off the "cheat day" except for pre-planned events such as a few holidays and celebrations per year. Even on those days, I try to eat in moderation.

In looking at what has worked and what hasn't, I firmly believe you should not eliminate any food from your diet that you are unwilling to eliminate from the rest of your life. As long as I meet my calorie goals, I allow myself to eat whatever foods I want. It's fine to try to eat healthier on many days, but if you want some "junk food", you should allow yourself to have some occasionally - of course logging it and still following your calorie goals on those days!

I have found that holding the overall calorie count sacrosanct and keeping other eating habits as guidelines and recommendations works well for me. So a guideline might be to generally prefer lean meat over fattier meat, and most of the time I'll do that, but I can still eat some of the less healthy meats on occasion without breaking or cheating on my diet. Or I'll have a goal to reduce the amount of cheese in my meals (one of the key things I was significantly overeating before), but I haven't eliminated it nor do I intend to.

Another thing that helps for me is planning my meals in advance, so I make all the important decisions when I'm not hungry. I don't always trust myself to make good food decisions when hungry, and it's easier if all I have to do is follow a decision I already made.

Same thing happened to me last year I lost almost 40lbs.. I gained 50 back... MT.DEW IS MY ENEMY so 1 cheat day lasted a whole year... very disappointed in myself. I'm trying to lose as fast as I can also. I started Sept 1st. I've lost 21lbs so far. I joined this site to make sure I log all my food correctly. Maybe you should pre-plan all your meals so you won't think about cheating. I know its hard but you can do it

I have that problem, too. When I eat clean, I do really well...but as soon as I eat something not on my clean list, it is hard to get back in the swing of things.

Yep happens to me, finally getting back on the horse lol. I was 214 lbs at 18 years old at my heaviest, went down to 153, which was my lowest. Now I'm at 185 at 25 years old. Fluctuated a lot during those years......

@derek0311 I'm sane and I hate dr pepper! Haha

Like many have said, it's a cycle all too common. But, you recognize where you failed, came here for reinforcement, and have the confidence of knowing it can be done based on your past. Keep your head up and maintain focus. Lot's of good folks here to help.

For me I tend to gain weight so slowly that I don't even realize it. I was in pretty good shape in my early 20's but I was gaining about a little under pound a month. Doesn't seem like much but that's over 30 pounds in 3 years.

Forget planned cheat days maybe?? I know they never worked for me and just led to periods of poor eating choices.

Pretty much went 99% cold turkey off pizza, burgers, shakes, chips, etc. too. There is just no room for a decent amount of that kind of food when doing a big cut unless you love that starving feeling 24/7. Plus side it forced me to learn to cook healthy, tasty, and far more satisfying meals vs opening the frozen pizza box or grilling fatburgers all the time.

Also focus on macros if you are not already!! No need to get stupid with protein, but for me at least if I end up going carb heavy for the day I almost always feel like I'm starving unless I grossly overeat.