Cheat Meal

I don't do this. I sometimes decide to eat up to maintenance- but that's a thoughtful, logged decision. So I'd advise that. And/or adjust your goal of it is too aggressive.

My advice is to count the calories of your cheat day so you know what impact it's having on your overall weight loss plan.

Mary, go back and read that thing you wrote about "Why I want to get into shape".

My "cheat meal" is just about once a week when I have an unplanned outing. I don't do it on a regular basis. Its sort of like "rest days" at the gym. I don't plan them, but they happen, usually about every 8-9 days. No guilt and it's never the same. I lost 100 pounds. Cheat meals used to be 3 times a day (or more), 7 days a week. It was a way of life back then... now it's the exception.

If you're concerned you're going to binge, I'd say to be very wary of your trigger foods. Most people know what foods will throw them into a binge. I had a cheat meal last night and ended up eating all night long because I included sugary treats in the meal, which are a trigger for me.

HaleCry wrote: »

I have a take away (cheat meal) once a week. I try to either exercise a bit more, or eat a little less (-100 calories a day for example) so it doesn't have much of an effect. I've lost 17lbs. I don't go overboard on the take away though. But I tend to eat what I want during the day anyway and just fit it into my calories so I don't feel the need to binge.

this sounds good. I agree. Once a month is extreme, everyday not getting what you want, dreaming of it, fantasizing about it, nope, the urge is too strong, even if just one bite, it's better than tormenting yourself for a whole month.

AprilCoe wrote: »

LVNF04 wrote: »

HaleCry wrote: »

I have a take away (cheat meal) once a week. I try to either exercise a bit more, or eat a little less (-100 calories a day for example) so it doesn't have much of an effect. I've lost 17lbs. I don't go overboard on the take away though. But I tend to eat what I want during the day anyway and just fit it into my calories so I don't feel the need to binge.

this sounds good. I agree. Once a month is extreme, everyday not getting what you want, dreaming of it, fantasizing about it, nope, the urge is too strong, even if just one bite, it's better than tormenting yourself for a whole month.

If I want something to the point where I'm dreaming about it, I'm eating it and fitting it in my calories for THAT DAY...lol!! It's not going to be something I wait around to "cheat" for... ;-)

Copy that. lol

Nightmare_Queen88 wrote: »

I've finally decided to have a cheat meal. I'm only doing it maybe once a month so I don't go crazy and binge. Which I know I will if I do more than that. I'm worried that'll gain weight from it though. So is there any advice you can give me so I don't go overboard and binge? And what's your favorite cheat meal? Also what do you still keep an eye on, if anything, if you have you have a cheat meal? Like fat, carbs, sugar or.....etc? Let me know.

What is a cheat meal? How would it impact your weight loss? Generally speaking, a "meal" is pretty irrelevant to the big picture.

To gain one pound as a result, you'd have to eat 3500 calories above maintenance for that day. That's the equivalent of eating a full *gallon* of Breyer's ice cream on that day in addition to your regular food intake. One "cheat day" isn't going to kill you. However -- if you're worried about the effect it might have on your motivation or behavior, don't do it.

I'd also suggest avoiding the term "cheat" in reference to a conscious decision to eat something you normally don't. The language we use to describe our behavior does affect the way we view things. If you see eating extra calories as "cheating", you're adding a moral dimension to your decision. There is no Food Devil or Diet Hell.