"Cheat" items
nichell88
Posts: 364 Member
Do you guys still consider it a cheat if it fits your macros and/or you are still at a deficit? I tend to choose cheat items such as Doritos, bagels, donuts, etc. and eat them once per week but I always fit them into my macros and don't go over calories. For example, I'm having Mac and cheese from panera tomorrow for lunch but I'm still at a deficit and at 48% for my protein intake for the day. Is that considered a "cheat"?
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Replies
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Nope. It's not a cheat until I quit weighing and logging.5
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If it fits its not cheating.4
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As long as you are getting enough fiber (~ 30 grams) then its ok, if you are not hitting your fiber numbers than I would stick to a non-cheat item with more fiber.0
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No, at least it wouldn't be for me. Even if I don't hit my macros perfectly (which I pretty much never do), I tend to look at days or a week overall.0
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A treat is not a cheat if it fits your calories.4
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I consider a "cheat" ugh that word is so sensitive for some people here, but I know what you mean, food that puts me over my calories by a lot at the end of the day, not just at maintenance or 100-200 cal above maintenance. So while I eat everything in moderation, a cheat would be two large cinnamon buns instead of one, a whole pizza instead of a couple slices, 5 servings of ice cream instead of one of two...etc. I loosely watch my macros, but they have rarely ever been spot.0
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No way. I fit two cups of ice cream into my calories and macros last night. That's not a cheat, that's a WIN!!!10
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Nope. Who would I be cheating? Myself? *kitten* it, half the time my macros are whacked and I still don't consider it cheating.2
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I believe they are arguing that even if it fits within your calories and macros, you should also consider whether or not you have met your fiber goals for the day before choosing to eat something.
To me, this seems unnecessarily limited. It's important to regularly get enough fiber, but I don't think being under fiber in any one particular day is going to harm someone. I'm not sure why this person is singling out fiber instead of, say, calcium, iron, vitamin A, or any of the other micronutrients one can track on MFP.2 -
Here is just one of many articles explaining the importance of fiber.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983
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Do you guys still consider it a cheat if it fits your macros and/or you are still at a deficit? I tend to choose cheat items such as Doritos, bagels, donuts, etc. and eat them once per week but I always fit them into my macros and don't go over calories. For example, I'm having Mac and cheese from panera tomorrow for lunch but I'm still at a deficit and at 48% for my protein intake for the day. Is that considered a "cheat"?
Sounds like IIFYM to me....0 -
My point is, in MFP you can track your fiber intake, if you have achieved the right amount of fiber for the day then I would say its okay to have a "cheat" to fill in the rest of your macros. If, on the other hand, you have not hit your fiber requirement then I would eat something with more fiber.0 -
My point is, in MFP you can track your fiber intake, if you have achieved the right amount of fiber for the day then I would say its okay to have a "cheat" to fill in the rest of your macros. If, on the other hand, you have not hit your fiber requirement then I would eat something with more fiber.
What's so super important about fibre as opposed to fat or protein?1 -
Here is just one of many articles explaining the importance of fiber.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983
I know the importance of fiber, but you didn't answer my question. Micro/macro nutrients are important as well and all serve their purpose, so I'm confused the OP is asking about "cheats" and macros and you are talking about fiber being the only important thing to hit, even if someone is having a "cheat".0 -
My point is, in MFP you can track your fiber intake, if you have achieved the right amount of fiber for the day then I would say its okay to have a "cheat" to fill in the rest of your macros. If, on the other hand, you have not hit your fiber requirement then I would eat something with more fiber.
I can also track iron or calcium. Do you have the same practices for these as well?
Trying to hit 100% for all micronutrients every day is unnecessarily complicated. Wouldn't it be better (at least for most people) to focus on a general trend of getting what you need day after day instead of focusing on a single day?0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »
I believe they are arguing that even if it fits within your calories and macros, you should also consider whether or not you have met your fiber goals for the day before choosing to eat something.
To me, this seems unnecessarily limited. It's important to regularly get enough fiber, but I don't think being under fiber in any one particular day is going to harm someone. I'm not sure why this person is singling out fiber instead of, say, calcium, iron, vitamin A, or any of the other micronutrients one can track on MFP.
I agree if this happens every once in a while it will not matter but if you are doing it on a daily basis then it will, in my opinion, make a difference. I picked fiber because most of us take a multiviamin that takes care of a lot of those micro-nutrients and if you are getting in enough fiber you have to be eating nutrient dense foods by default.0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »
My point is, in MFP you can track your fiber intake, if you have achieved the right amount of fiber for the day then I would say its okay to have a "cheat" to fill in the rest of your macros. If, on the other hand, you have not hit your fiber requirement then I would eat something with more fiber.
I can also track iron or calcium. Do you have the same practices for these as well?
Trying to hit 100% for all micronutrients every day is unnecessarily complicated. Wouldn't it be better (at least for most people) to focus on a general trend of getting what you need day after day instead of focusing on a single day?
I 100% agree, and as per my last comment, taking a multi and getting fiber you along with hitting your other macros you will be default hit most of those micronutrients. I only focus on Protein, Carbs, Fat and Fiber. If those are hit then I dont worry about the other nutrients because I will have hit them or have come very close.0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »
I believe they are arguing that even if it fits within your calories and macros, you should also consider whether or not you have met your fiber goals for the day before choosing to eat something.
To me, this seems unnecessarily limited. It's important to regularly get enough fiber, but I don't think being under fiber in any one particular day is going to harm someone. I'm not sure why this person is singling out fiber instead of, say, calcium, iron, vitamin A, or any of the other micronutrients one can track on MFP.
I agree if this happens every once in a while it will not matter but if you are doing it on a daily basis then it will, in my opinion, make a difference. I picked fiber because most of us take a multiviamin that takes care of a lot of those micro-nutrients and if you are getting in enough fiber you have to be eating nutrient dense foods by default.
OP shared, in the very first post, that she isn't doing this daily. So I'm not sure why you felt the need to call out fiber to her.
I'm not sure that "most of us" do take a multivitamin. What is your source for that information? This survey would indicate that only 50% of Americans take any sort of supplementation. http://www.gallup.com/poll/166541/half-americans-vitamins-regularly.aspx Since some of those people are surely taking something besides multivitamins, I'm curious how you drew your conclusion that most people are taking one. If you focus on the world instead of American, I'm guessing it would be even lower than 50% taking any sort of supplement.0 -
Here is just one of many articles explaining the importance of fiber.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983
My point is, in MFP you can track your fiber intake, if you have achieved the right amount of fiber for the day then I would say its okay to have a "cheat" to fill in the rest of your macros. If, on the other hand, you have not hit your fiber requirement then I would eat something with more fiber.
That is not at all my question. I'm not asking whether or not I should cheat or what my cheat should look like.1 -
I fit in 2 birthday cake Oreos today.
And Totino's pizza rolls last night along with a glass of wine.
I like having the flexibility to have something that I consider a 'treat' and it helps me keep from restricting too much and then having an all-out binge later.0 -
Ummmm.....I have a snack bag of dorito's, bbq chips, cheetos or something like that nearly every day....PLUS dessert.
So I guess I am cheating every day.....and still losing.
Check out this thread - http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10498878/looking-for-friends-who-dont-eat-clean-and-healthy/p1
That thread feels like this:
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janejellyroll wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »
I believe they are arguing that even if it fits within your calories and macros, you should also consider whether or not you have met your fiber goals for the day before choosing to eat something.
To me, this seems unnecessarily limited. It's important to regularly get enough fiber, but I don't think being under fiber in any one particular day is going to harm someone. I'm not sure why this person is singling out fiber instead of, say, calcium, iron, vitamin A, or any of the other micronutrients one can track on MFP.
I agree if this happens every once in a while it will not matter but if you are doing it on a daily basis then it will, in my opinion, make a difference. I picked fiber because most of us take a multiviamin that takes care of a lot of those micro-nutrients and if you are getting in enough fiber you have to be eating nutrient dense foods by default.
OP shared, in the very first post, that she isn't doing this daily. So I'm not sure why you felt the need to call out fiber to her.
I'm not sure that "most of us" do take a multivitamin. What is your source for that information? This survey would indicate that only 50% of Americans take any sort of supplementation. http://www.gallup.com/poll/166541/half-americans-vitamins-regularly.aspx Since some of those people are surely taking something besides multivitamins, I'm curious how you drew your conclusion that most people are taking one. If you focus on the world instead of American, I'm guessing it would be even lower than 50% taking any sort of supplement.
Ok, first off, I was not calling her out. I was simply responding to her comment with my opinion. Second, my assumption was based on people who look to live a healthy lifestyle (like most people using MFP and are on these boards). If you look at most americans, they are not tracking anything, they are not going to the gym, they are not on message boards trying to get advice, so I do not believe people on these forum are like the average american.0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »
I believe they are arguing that even if it fits within your calories and macros, you should also consider whether or not you have met your fiber goals for the day before choosing to eat something.
To me, this seems unnecessarily limited. It's important to regularly get enough fiber, but I don't think being under fiber in any one particular day is going to harm someone. I'm not sure why this person is singling out fiber instead of, say, calcium, iron, vitamin A, or any of the other micronutrients one can track on MFP.
I agree if this happens every once in a while it will not matter but if you are doing it on a daily basis then it will, in my opinion, make a difference. I picked fiber because most of us take a multiviamin that takes care of a lot of those micro-nutrients and if you are getting in enough fiber you have to be eating nutrient dense foods by default.
OP shared, in the very first post, that she isn't doing this daily. So I'm not sure why you felt the need to call out fiber to her.
I'm not sure that "most of us" do take a multivitamin. What is your source for that information? This survey would indicate that only 50% of Americans take any sort of supplementation. http://www.gallup.com/poll/166541/half-americans-vitamins-regularly.aspx Since some of those people are surely taking something besides multivitamins, I'm curious how you drew your conclusion that most people are taking one. If you focus on the world instead of American, I'm guessing it would be even lower than 50% taking any sort of supplement.
Ok, first off, I was not calling her out. I was simply responding to her comment with my opinion. Second, my assumption was based on people who look to live a healthy lifestyle (like most people using MFP and are on these boards). If you look at most americans, they are not tracking anything, they are not going to the gym, they are not on message boards trying to get advice, so I do not believe people on these forum are like the average american.
I'm not American but I'm also not taking a multi vitamin - you shouldn't need to if you have a balanced diet.2 -
Ummmm.....I have a snack bag of dorito's, bbq chips, cheetos or something like that nearly every day....PLUS dessert.
So I guess I am cheating every day.....and still losing.
Check out this thread - http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10498878/looking-for-friends-who-dont-eat-clean-and-healthy/p1
That thread feels like this:
My question was more around IF that's what folks consider a cheat more than confirming that I am cheating. So it sounds like your answer is no, along with most of the rest of the thread, haha0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »
I believe they are arguing that even if it fits within your calories and macros, you should also consider whether or not you have met your fiber goals for the day before choosing to eat something.
To me, this seems unnecessarily limited. It's important to regularly get enough fiber, but I don't think being under fiber in any one particular day is going to harm someone. I'm not sure why this person is singling out fiber instead of, say, calcium, iron, vitamin A, or any of the other micronutrients one can track on MFP.
I agree if this happens every once in a while it will not matter but if you are doing it on a daily basis then it will, in my opinion, make a difference. I picked fiber because most of us take a multiviamin that takes care of a lot of those micro-nutrients and if you are getting in enough fiber you have to be eating nutrient dense foods by default.
OP shared, in the very first post, that she isn't doing this daily. So I'm not sure why you felt the need to call out fiber to her.
I'm not sure that "most of us" do take a multivitamin. What is your source for that information? This survey would indicate that only 50% of Americans take any sort of supplementation. http://www.gallup.com/poll/166541/half-americans-vitamins-regularly.aspx Since some of those people are surely taking something besides multivitamins, I'm curious how you drew your conclusion that most people are taking one. If you focus on the world instead of American, I'm guessing it would be even lower than 50% taking any sort of supplement.
Ok, first off, I was not calling her out. I was simply responding to her comment with my opinion. Second, my assumption was based on people who look to live a healthy lifestyle (like most people using MFP and are on these boards). If you look at most americans, they are not tracking anything, they are not going to the gym, they are not on message boards trying to get advice, so I do not believe people on these forum are like the average american.
I wasn't arguing that you were calling OP out, I was wondering why you felt the need to give her a recommendation about fiber, to call out fiber to her. She was up-front that she wasn't doing this daily and you said above that it will matter if one is doing this on a daily basis. She clearly isn't. So I'm not sure what prompted you to tell her to only choose lower fiber foods if she had met her fiber goal for the day.
When it comes to the vitamin issue, I think I understand: your argument is that most people here on MFP would take a multivitamin because they are looking to live a healthy lifestyle. I'm not even sure that is accurate, given the recent publicity given to the ineffectiveness (or even potential harm) of multivitamins. It is *because* I have researched and am interested in my health that I don't take a multivitamin.
It's your guess that most people here do, but I don't think we have enough information to assume that.
If the people here are like the average American, most likely aren't taking a multi. If they aren't like the average American, it still doesn't follow that most people would. Some people here are focusing on using food to meet their nutritional needs. Some people aren't here for health, they're here to meet other goals.1 -
Ummmm.....I have a snack bag of dorito's, bbq chips, cheetos or something like that nearly every day....PLUS dessert.
So I guess I am cheating every day.....and still losing.
Check out this thread - http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10498878/looking-for-friends-who-dont-eat-clean-and-healthy/p1
That thread feels like this:
My question was more around IF that's what folks consider a cheat more than confirming that I am cheating. So it sounds like your answer is no, along with most of the rest of the thread, haha
In all seriousness, I have found labeling things as "cheating", "bad" or "good" usually just complicates what should be easy. Eat what you enjoy, log it and go about your day. Meeting your macros is great, but for weight loss a calorie deficit should be priority number one.2
This discussion has been closed.
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