Is a daily treat a bad thing?
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Packerjohn wrote: »Not enough information given. How low is the OP going on daily calories. If a female is around the 1200 calories generally regarded as the minimum to get adequate nutrition, she probably doesn't have room in the diet for a daily treat. At the minimum calorie levels foods need to be nutritionally dense or health will suffer.
Yeah, sure. But 1200 is completely unnecessary for most people, personally I never ate under 1650 to lose the weight and I always had 100-200 calories to spare for a treat. I'm 5'5"and I was 34 (and 213 pounds) when I started.
Obviously though.. it depends on the treat. I can fit a cup of pudding or an ice cream bar most days. Donuts and desserts? Yeah not so much. Maybe once a week and I have to plan it. The 600+ calories treats are a twice a month thing now, if that, and I'm maintaining!0 -
I eat sweet treats often as long as they fit in my calories and have been losing weight just fine. In fact, yesterday I wasn't too hungry during the day and I had enough calories left over for 4 homemade chocolate chip cookies
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It's not cheating at all if it's part of your plan. Do what works for you.1
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I don't set aside calories for treats. I don't feel like I need a reward for suffering through a diet all day because I'm not suffering.
I feel like if I have to restrict calories, then each calorie is precious and needs to be super delicious. For example, I'm not going to have a salad for lunch because I'm not a big fan of salads and I don't really feel like one. I'd rather have an omelette and toast and a sliced tomato even if it is more calories. I'll just not have any snacks today. Totally worth it. This way every meal is sort of like a treat .2 -
If it's within your calorie allotment, then no.
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I treat myself everyday. On a good day, it's just a small chocolate bar and on a bad day it's a few cookies or an ice cream but i never go over my calories and am half way to my goal weight...so your work colleagues can shove that in their pipe and smoke it!
in my opinion, taking such a strict approach to healthy eating is not sustainable and won't do your mental state any good. 1 -
Bianica12691 wrote: »So, I'm a super sugar addict. It's one of the biggest reasons I gained weight and thus, came here. I also don't have the total willpower necessary to just shut off the craving and say no 100% of the time. To compensate, I've been allowing myself to have 1 "sweet treat" at the end of each day if I was good and have enough room in my calories, carbs, fats and sugars (or if it will only put it over by 1 or 2 grams). However at work today, I was told that was cheating and basically was making the diet worthless. Should I take stick in what they said, or is what I'm doing okay? Just want to know if any of you have done/heard anything similar.
I eat something sweet everyday. I always have 2 cups of coffee in the morning each with 2 tsp of sugar and 2 tbsp of regular half and half. This is 140 calories for my day and is non-negotiable. I also eat other sweet things. Usually Greek yogurt. I love the Chobani Flips. I do find that if I have plenty of protien I stay full longer and so I don't eat nothing but sweets all day or I would always be hungry. But you can certainly work a treat or two into your day every day. I do not consider anything I eat to be "cheating". I eat things I like and stay at my calorie goal. I lost 60 pounds doing this and have just recently moved to maintenance. If I had gone into this with an attitude that I could not eat sugar (or bread or carbs, etc) then I would never have been successful. I would have become frustrated and discouraged. I still eat sweets occasionally. I eat out sometimes even fast food. I eat processed foods when I want to or need to for convenience sake. I drink alcohol on occasion and eat pizza when my husband wants it. I never restricted anything but calories. Most of the time during my weight loss I was at around 1300 calories. Mfp gave me 1200 but I thought that was a little low so I raised it up to 1300 plus I ate back around 75% of my exercise calories. You can do this. Try not to think of foods as good or bad. You will find what keeps you full and you can decide if the sweets are worth the calories. Sometimes they will be and there will be times you will realize that even though you can have a sweet, it will take a lot of calories and you will be hungry later so you may decide to skip it. But I never consider eating sweets or anything else cheating especially if you stay at your calorie goal.1 -
Remember too that not only do your coworkers not know anything about YOUR diet and activity levels in particular, or (most likely) health and nutrition in general, that a lot of people are DEEPLY invested in magical/black and white thinking about weight and health. Admitting that it's possible to walk a middle road- that with reasonable but sustainable effort, they could achieve the same things you are- is very upsetting to many peoples' world views. By believing that health and weight loss require specific foods, restrictions, activities, and profound deprivation, they excuse themselves from making the effort.
So seeing that you can eat a cookie or whatever and still lose weight is challenging to that perversely comforting idea (that this is all totally out of their control), and they're going to fight against it.4 -
Ice Cream, Beer, Candy, Chocolate, Cake...Have probably eaten one or more everyday and as long as calories are in order i'm still losing weight.1
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Packerjohn wrote: »Not enough information given. How low is the OP going on daily calories. If a female is around the 1200 calories generally regarded as the minimum to get adequate nutrition, she probably doesn't have room in the diet for a daily treat. At the minimum calorie levels foods need to be nutritionally dense or health will suffer.
How is the OP telling you they have enough room in their daily calories and macros not telling you if they have enough room in their daily calories and macros?
Just in case you didn't actually read the whole post or just skimmed it too quick, I bolded where they gave you the info you say they didn't give you. Just because they didn't give you the actual numbers doesn't mean you can't trust they've done the math. It obviously means they thought to themselves, "Hey, I need to have X amount of calories left if I want to eat item A that happens to have X amount of calories."Bianica12691 wrote: »So, I'm a super sugar addict. It's one of the biggest reasons I gained weight and thus, came here. I also don't have the total willpower necessary to just shut off the craving and say no 100% of the time. To compensate, I've been allowing myself to have 1 "sweet treat" at the end of each day if I was good and have enough room in my calories, carbs, fats and sugars (or if it will only put it over by 1 or 2 grams). However at work today, I was told that was cheating and basically was making the diet worthless. Should I take stick in what they said, or is what I'm doing okay? Just want to know if any of you have done/heard anything similar.
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Wynterbourne wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »Not enough information given. How low is the OP going on daily calories. If a female is around the 1200 calories generally regarded as the minimum to get adequate nutrition, she probably doesn't have room in the diet for a daily treat. At the minimum calorie levels foods need to be nutritionally dense or health will suffer.
How is the OP telling you they have enough room in their daily calories and macros not telling you if they have enough room in their daily calories and macros?
Just in case you didn't actually read the whole post or just skimmed it too quick, I bolded where they gave you the info you say they didn't give you. Just because they didn't give you the actual numbers doesn't mean you can't trust they've done the math. It obviously means they thought to themselves, "Hey, I need to have X amount of calories left if I want to eat item A that happens to have X amount of calories."Bianica12691 wrote: »So, I'm a super sugar addict. It's one of the biggest reasons I gained weight and thus, came here. I also don't have the total willpower necessary to just shut off the craving and say no 100% of the time. To compensate, I've been allowing myself to have 1 "sweet treat" at the end of each day if I was good and have enough room in my calories, carbs, fats and sugars (or if it will only put it over by 1 or 2 grams). However at work today, I was told that was cheating and basically was making the diet worthless. Should I take stick in what they said, or is what I'm doing okay? Just want to know if any of you have done/heard anything similar.
As far as anyone knows the op may be on a 1000 calorie a day diet. Not only is that bad but if she is using 2-300 of those calories on calorie dense low nutrition food it's double bad.2 -
diannethegeek wrote: »I lost all of my weight allowing daily treats as long as they fit into my calorie and nutrition goals. The important thing is to find what works best for you.
I've lost 164 lbs doing the same thing. I find that few people are truly happy eating exactly the same as anyone else. I don't bother to discuss specifics of what I do with others. My hubby knows what works for me & is supportive & doesn't get in the way. Same for my two teenage/young adult kids. That's all I need. When people ask questions, I answer, but more often than not with generalities. If people want to talk specifics, I insert a "all kinds of things work for people- it's all different" & try to get them to talk about their ideas. I don't mind sharing what I'm doing, but I also don't feel like I have to justify myself to anyone who asks.
If it works for you, you're fine. I've found learning to be sensible about sugary treats very freeing. Don't let others' opinions bother you too much.0 -
Huh? What? Why would you listen to the opinions of people that you work with?
As long as your treat fits into your daily calorie goals - you're good. I have a vodka soda every night, that I leave room for in my calorie intake. Keeps me motivated to be careful about what I eat 0 -
I have something sweet every night as well, whether it's chocolate, ice cream, twizzlers, whatevs. You gotta TREAT YOSELF! Also, OP, I love your portrait, I just evolved an Eevee into a Vaproeon today 1
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It's not cheating if it fits your calories.Bianica12691 wrote: »So, I'm a super sugar addict. It's one of the biggest reasons I gained weight and thus, came here. I also don't have the total willpower necessary to just shut off the craving and say no 100% of the time. To compensate, I've been allowing myself to have 1 "sweet treat" at the end of each day if I was good and have enough room in my calories, carbs, fats and sugars (or if it will only put it over by 1 or 2 grams). However at work today, I was told that was cheating and basically was making the diet worthless. Should I take stick in what they said, or is what I'm doing okay? Just want to know if any of you have done/heard anything similar.
If that was the case, I wouldn't have lost almost 100lbs. I agree with WinoGelato's stellar post.
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I have desert every dinner. Yet to see it sabotaging my weight loss. (Or breaking the laws of physics)1
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On most days, I pre-log all of my food for the day in the morning before breakfast. I ask my wife what we're having for dessert (it's usually something between 150 and 200 calories) and enter that first, then work backward through the day to make sure I hit my calorie goal. I've lost 40 pounds so far this year.4
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I give in to my temptations on a regular basis. The trick is moderation. I eat anything that I feel like. I regularly have Chinese and had pizza earlier this week. I'm down 85 pounds.. So I must be doing something right.0
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Packerjohn wrote: »Wynterbourne wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »Not enough information given. How low is the OP going on daily calories. If a female is around the 1200 calories generally regarded as the minimum to get adequate nutrition, she probably doesn't have room in the diet for a daily treat. At the minimum calorie levels foods need to be nutritionally dense or health will suffer.
How is the OP telling you they have enough room in their daily calories and macros not telling you if they have enough room in their daily calories and macros?
Just in case you didn't actually read the whole post or just skimmed it too quick, I bolded where they gave you the info you say they didn't give you. Just because they didn't give you the actual numbers doesn't mean you can't trust they've done the math. It obviously means they thought to themselves, "Hey, I need to have X amount of calories left if I want to eat item A that happens to have X amount of calories."Bianica12691 wrote: »So, I'm a super sugar addict. It's one of the biggest reasons I gained weight and thus, came here. I also don't have the total willpower necessary to just shut off the craving and say no 100% of the time. To compensate, I've been allowing myself to have 1 "sweet treat" at the end of each day if I was good and have enough room in my calories, carbs, fats and sugars (or if it will only put it over by 1 or 2 grams). However at work today, I was told that was cheating and basically was making the diet worthless. Should I take stick in what they said, or is what I'm doing okay? Just want to know if any of you have done/heard anything similar.
As far as anyone knows the op may be on a 1000 calorie a day diet. Not only is that bad but if she is using 2-300 of those calories on calorie dense low nutrition food it's double bad.
There is absolutely nothing to suggest OP is on a 1000 calorie per day diet nor that her planned treats are any specific size.
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As long as it fits in with your calorie intake for the day it's fine. I have a doughnut eveyday, that's my treat and I love them lol. I've lost a stone since April so what the hell. Have your treat ☺0
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I wouldn't call it a cheat, if it works for you, do it .... Changing our eating habits is for a lifetime - not a "diet"2
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paperpudding wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »Wynterbourne wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »Not enough information given. How low is the OP going on daily calories. If a female is around the 1200 calories generally regarded as the minimum to get adequate nutrition, she probably doesn't have room in the diet for a daily treat. At the minimum calorie levels foods need to be nutritionally dense or health will suffer.
How is the OP telling you they have enough room in their daily calories and macros not telling you if they have enough room in their daily calories and macros?
Just in case you didn't actually read the whole post or just skimmed it too quick, I bolded where they gave you the info you say they didn't give you. Just because they didn't give you the actual numbers doesn't mean you can't trust they've done the math. It obviously means they thought to themselves, "Hey, I need to have X amount of calories left if I want to eat item A that happens to have X amount of calories."Bianica12691 wrote: »So, I'm a super sugar addict. It's one of the biggest reasons I gained weight and thus, came here. I also don't have the total willpower necessary to just shut off the craving and say no 100% of the time. To compensate, I've been allowing myself to have 1 "sweet treat" at the end of each day if I was good and have enough room in my calories, carbs, fats and sugars (or if it will only put it over by 1 or 2 grams). However at work today, I was told that was cheating and basically was making the diet worthless. Should I take stick in what they said, or is what I'm doing okay? Just want to know if any of you have done/heard anything similar.
As far as anyone knows the op may be on a 1000 calorie a day diet. Not only is that bad but if she is using 2-300 of those calories on calorie dense low nutrition food it's double bad.
There is absolutely nothing to suggest OP is on a 1000 calorie per day diet nor that her planned treats are any specific size.
I know there's not, because she never said how much she's eating. That's why my first post said, not enough information0 -
Mycophilia wrote: »I wouldn't take nutrition advice from randoms at work seriously.
As opposed to randoms on an Internet forum .
The OP is looking for advice. She apparently asked people at work who she knows and they gave their opinion as people are doing here. There is no indication anyone advising her is any sort of medical professional that would make someone's advice "better/more informed"
Nothing wrong with listening to thoughts/experiences of others, doing research and forming your own opinion.1 -
I have one square of milk chocolate every day. I'm sure those calories would be better used eating broccoli or something more nutrient dense; but I love chocolate and having a little bit every day keeps me on track. If I start saying I can't have sugar ever then it only makes me more like to overindulge when I eventually do have sugar.
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Are these the same people who "diet" harshly and excessively, reach goal (or give up because it's too hard), then gain everything back when they give a huge sigh of relief and go back to eating "normally"?
Finding a way to fit in treats without eating too much and while still getting in proper nutrition is a really good skill to practice in preparation for the ultimate goal of maintenance.1 -
In my opinion it's not Bad. I have a big sweet tooth too so I can relate, however I keep it in check. Maybe a roll of smarties, or a low fat low sugar ice cream sandwich, a diet soda, Powerade zero ect. Those are a few of my favorites. If you have enough calories you could do like a fun size candy bar. If you start swapping treats for granola bars or other breakfast bars you can start to decrease the treats you want. Good luck!0
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I eat a lot of sugar too, I have ice cream almost every day, but it fits my calorie goals and I haven't regained any of the 80 lost pounds. I actually removed "sugar" from my food diary, as I really don't care or worry about it. Replaced sugar with "iron".0
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Bianica12691 wrote: »So, I'm a super sugar addict. It's one of the biggest reasons I gained weight and thus, came here. I also don't have the total willpower necessary to just shut off the craving and say no 100% of the time. To compensate, I've been allowing myself to have 1 "sweet treat" at the end of each day if I was good and have enough room in my calories, carbs, fats and sugars (or if it will only put it over by 1 or 2 grams). However at work today, I was told that was cheating and basically was making the diet worthless. Should I take stick in what they said, or is what I'm doing okay? Just want to know if any of you have done/heard anything similar.
Doesn't sound like cheating to me.
I managed to lose over 1/2 of current body weight and have kept it off for over 2-1/2 years so far, by allowing myself to have a treat everyday for staying within my calories. Works for me and sounds like it is working for you OP. Sustainability is key for maintaining for me.
PS I would have failed, and gone back to my morbidly obese ways, long ago, if not for my daily treat. Denial does not work for me. Moderation in all foods and portion control is what keeps me from gaining the weight back.1 -
I have one square of milk chocolate every day. I'm sure those calories would be better used eating broccoli or something more nutrient dense; but I love chocolate and having a little bit every day keeps me on track. If I start saying I can't have sugar ever then it only makes me more like to overindulge when I eventually do have sugar.
I have never met anyone in real life that is happy/satisfied with just one square of chocolate. MFP is the only place I've ever heard of people doing this, and it makes me :huh: every time i read it.
I'm not having a go at you, infact I'm super impressed and jealous that 1 piece of chocolate keeps you happy and that you are able to stop at one
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