Cheat day

ejohndrow
ejohndrow Posts: 1,399 Member
edited September 2024 in Motivation and Support
I haven't really ever set 'cheat days' for myself, but on the days I eat like crap I conveniently forget to log it all in (I'm trying to change that). I ate McDonalds today after I've been walking at least 3.5 miles a day, eating healthy and working out. I gained weight on leave but I've already lost at least 6 lbs since getting here. I guess I'm calling this a cheat day, but after working so hard, really, I'm only cheating myself.

Just a thought I had...

Replies

  • NoExcuseTina
    NoExcuseTina Posts: 506 Member
    just because you had McDonalds does not mean this has to be a cheat day...yeah, you blew one meal...but you can still have 2 good meals...that would be two out of three...that's better than 50%
  • SoCalSwimmerDude
    SoCalSwimmerDude Posts: 509 Member
    I've been on MFP for about 5 wks now and lost 18 pounds. In those 5 wks, I've had 2 cheat days. I knew about them ahead of time and did a killer workout the morning of said 'cheat day'. I also lowered calories and did cardio for 2 days following my cheat day. I really don't even like to call it a cheat day, its just a day where i DONT log because it becomes cumbersome at times... oh yea, and I eat bad stuff :) I'm a prime example of nothing, but its my 2 cents of whats seemed to work OK for me.
  • barbiex3
    barbiex3 Posts: 1,036 Member
    if I were you, I would hop on the tredmilll & burn that off. Not a good idea in my opinion. and also, "walking" 3.5 miles a day is not a super vigerous workout & it doesn't justify eating a 1,000+ calorie mcdonalds meal
  • ejohndrow
    ejohndrow Posts: 1,399 Member
    Um I did go to the gym and work out,

    Walking everywhere is just something I've started rather than taking the bus or sitting around (and the ligaments are still jackedup from spraining it 2 months ago). Since sunday, 4:30pm I've walked 18 miles which puts it at more than 6 miles a day.

    On top of this I go to the gym and work out using weights, as well as extra cardio. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I PT at 0600 with the Navy. It's not like I don't work out.

    I'm not beating myself up, I was merely commenting on the irony of a 'cheat day'.
  • ejohndrow
    ejohndrow Posts: 1,399 Member
    I suppose I did put this up in motivation and support, but I didn't know where else to put this thread. It's not like I even crave fastfood, that's just where we went for lunch. Yeah I gained weight on leave, but I've been here about two weeks and I've lost at least 4-5 lbs that I'd gained. I was just musing about how hard I work, I see great results and in the end these are more important to me than a fastfood meal-exercise and healthy eating is what feels good.
  • Suzannejl
    Suzannejl Posts: 212
    Like the back tat!



    Even when I dont' eat "perfectly" I log it in, anal I guess. LOL But it helps me figure out where I can make modifications, or clue me in. And besides they say you can't make yourself nutz or you will set yourself up for failure! I even have a cheat meal labeled party food, makes it easier the next time I go to a bbq or party! lol

    I think it's a good thing that you are thinking about it now! Way to go! Keep yup the good work! It's taken me like 3 mos to lose 10#, and 2 came back this weekend of camping with the Pot luck group(too many good cooks)! :-(

    Besides, what else is there to do living on an island?! You will be missing more than just American food! McD's was for when we were homesick too.

    Don't worry, living with out a car, you'll be dropping it all!
  • gethealthygetfit
    gethealthygetfit Posts: 70
    I agree with one of the other members, just because you had McDonalds it doesn't mean you blew your whole day. Just try to exercise a little more today and you will feel better. I just think you need to look at it as an overall calorie thing than what you are eating. Moderation is the key because you cannot live off salad and veggies forever. You are going to want real food. Just make sure on the days you eat a little exercise you burn a little extra. I have my cheat days on Thursdays because this is the day I have my boot camp. I burn over 1000 calories on Thursdays, so this means on this day I can eat extra because I should eat back some of my exercise calories. Of course, I do not eat them all back, but I eat back some and it is enough to keep me satisfied because I am feeding my body and giving into my cravings. i mean sometimes you have to give into your cravings. It's part of being human. There is nothing wrong with it.


    .
  • mrstyler
    mrstyler Posts: 43
    I definitely need days where I don't log and I just eat what seems good, within reason. Usually on those days I make sure I have two good low-calorie meals, exercise and have one meal where I just enjoy whatever sounds good. On 1500 calories a day it would be hard to go and enjoy myself at a steakhouse, but I don't want to miss out on nights with my friends occasionally. I just make sure not to do it too often.

    Counting every day without reprieve gets to me, so I need days like that, but I know some people don't mind.
  • withchaco
    withchaco Posts: 1,026 Member
    I count everything, every day, even when I choose to indulge past my daily caloric budget. Logging and knowing doesn't make me feel bad; if anything, it's the opposite. I like knowing how much I can splurge and how often, without gaining back. It lets me indulge without worrying if it's going to undo my hard work. :smile:
  • brityn
    brityn Posts: 443 Member
    I used to not ever have cheat days....probably for over ten years. But recently I've cleaned up my diet severely. I cut out all processed foods, all processed carbs (only actualy whole grains, wheat berries, barley, quinoa, etc.) and no sugar except for in fruit. I have beef once every other week....I follow this plan to the 'T' six days a week, then on Sunday I eat whatever the heck I want. I exercise vigorously during the week and eat very clean and for the first time in my life I don't feel guilty about the cheating. I really don't. It's invigorating. And instead of slipping two or three times a week and beating myself up about it, I just set aside a day and go hog wild. I've lost the last 5 of my final 8 lbs this past month doing this. I'd highly recommend it
  • miss_ally08
    miss_ally08 Posts: 167 Member
    I think we all have cheat days or even just a day where we eat a bad meal, I mean after all we are human. But, girl - if you gained weight on leave & now you're loosing weight, I wouldn't worry/stress about it.

    Stay moto, keep your eye on the prize! Take care =)
  • hush7hush
    hush7hush Posts: 2,273 Member
    As long as you know that you're cheating yourself, that's what matters, in my opinion.
    I don't have cheat days, strictly because I feel like I personally could not handle them.
    For me, it would cause me to go back into my old eating habits, I think.
    But some people (ie: above poster) can totally handle eating bad one day, and keeping it clean the rest.
    Just do what works for you. If you realize that you're not losing weight, then cut back on your cheat days.
    If you still continue to lose while having bad meals once in a while, then do what makes you happy.


    And now, the line that I'm famous for:

    It's YOUR body. No one can tell you what to put in it, or on it.
    We can only give you (sometimes) educated advice.
    Do what works for you!!
  • ejohndrow
    ejohndrow Posts: 1,399 Member
    Like I said, it was more of a 'musing' than anything. I really didn't need advice.
  • Breckgirl
    Breckgirl Posts: 606 Member
    I'm on a diet that requires a day of eating anything you like per week. I have to drink a glass of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice before I eat on that day but other than that there's no restrictions. So, I'd say don't beat yourself up about it and try to be smart about your cheat day.
  • SoCalSwimmerDude
    SoCalSwimmerDude Posts: 509 Member
    Like I said, it was more of a 'musing' than anything. I really didn't need advice.

    Ha, but you are going to get advice and you are going to love it! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
  • ejohndrow
    ejohndrow Posts: 1,399 Member
    Like I said, it was more of a 'musing' than anything. I really didn't need advice.

    Ha, but you are going to get advice and you are going to love it! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

    Ha! I guess so. It's like being on website with my mom or something.
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