Cheat meals?

mirrormirror77
mirrormirror77 Posts: 47 Member
edited November 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Hi guys and girls, after reading lots of articles about cheat days/meals, I still don't know if it does more harm than good or the other way around? Do you cheat??

I want to have a cheat day! Well, my cheat day would be like half a watermelon!!!

Replies

  • SabAteNine
    SabAteNine Posts: 1,867 Member
    mirrormirror77 wrote: »
    SabAteNine wrote: »
    Articles about cheat meals/days do a lot of stupid things, of which the worst one is making you believe that eating certain foods is wrong, and that there should be „specifics” on how to „cheat” without „guilt”.

    It's not wrong. It's not cheating. It shouldn't be punished. You shouldn't feel guilty.

    All foods have calories. You have a daily / weekly / monthly calorie limit, over which you will ingest more than you expend, energy wise. Stick within the limit and you're fine, weight-loss wise. Of course, health-wise, this is a longer discussion, but as long as you're not eating your whole day's worth of cals in Oreos I think you're fine.

    Also, you mention your „cheat day” as half a watermelon so I *have* to ask, how much do you eat per day?
    SabAteNine wrote: »
    Articles about cheat meals/days do a lot of stupid things, of which the worst one is making you believe that eating certain foods is wrong, and that there should be „specifics” on how to „cheat” without „guilt”.

    It's not wrong. It's not cheating. It shouldn't be punished. You shouldn't feel guilty.

    All foods have calories. You have a daily / weekly / monthly calorie limit, over which you will ingest more than you expend, energy wise. Stick within the limit and you're fine, weight-loss wise. Of course, health-wise, this is a longer discussion, but as long as you're not eating your whole day's worth of cals in Oreos I think you're fine.

    Also, you mention your „cheat day” as half a watermelon so I *have* to ask, how much do you eat per day?
    SabAteNine wrote: »
    Articles about cheat meals/days do a lot of stupid things, of which the worst one is making you believe that eating certain foods is wrong, and that there should be „specifics” on how to „cheat” without „guilt”.

    It's not wrong. It's not cheating. It shouldn't be punished. You shouldn't feel guilty.

    All foods have calories. You have a daily / weekly / monthly calorie limit, over which you will ingest more than you expend, energy wise. Stick within the limit and you're fine, weight-loss wise. Of course, health-wise, this is a longer discussion, but as long as you're not eating your whole day's worth of cals in Oreos I think you're fine.

    Also, you mention your „cheat day” as half a watermelon so I *have* to ask, how much do you eat per day?

    800kcals? I'm not hungry

    Up it little by little until you reach *AT LEAST* 1200 cals. Preferably not of watermelon, though.

    Also, you may want to take @kommodevaran's advice and go see your doctor. 800 cals is way too little. If you've been doing it for a long time, you need to have that check-up.

    ...I have no problem eating when I'm not hungry :smiley:
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    mirrormirror77 wrote: »
    Hi guys and girls, after reading lots of articles about cheat days/meals, I still don't know if it does more harm than good or the other way around? Do you cheat??

    I want to have a cheat day! Well, my cheat day would be like half a watermelon!!!

    dare i ask why watermelon is a 'cheat'?
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    MelanieCN77 wrote: »
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    mirrormirror77 wrote: »
    Hi guys and girls, after reading lots of articles about cheat days/meals, I still don't know if it does more harm than good or the other way around? Do you cheat??

    I want to have a cheat day! Well, my cheat day would be like half a watermelon!!!

    dare i ask why watermelon is a 'cheat'?

    Because virtue signaling is a good way to get attention on the internet?

    Indeed
  • cheryldumais
    cheryldumais Posts: 1,907 Member
    When I was still losing weight I allowed a "cheat" meal once every three weeks or so. BUT, I only ate up to maintenance calories. Alot of people "cheat" all weekend and then wonder why they aren't losing weight. It's easy to go overboard. If you need a break take one but don't just go hog wild. If you aren't eating enough right now though you will likely eventually lose control because trying to diet and lose quickly rarely ever ends well. Good luck.
  • elsie6hickman
    elsie6hickman Posts: 3,864 Member
    edited September 2018
    I don't believe in cheat meals, pe se. I was out the other night and ordered a steak (12oz), but I only ate 1/3 of it. You know, it was quite satisfying and I was quite full, and I fit it into my calories for the day. I ate 1/2 of a baked potato with it and a salad. This time, I have made a lifestyle change, and I accept it as my new way of eating. Yesterday I ate out and had fish and chips, but I substituted a salad for the chips and only ate half of the fish. I didn't feel deprived at all. I think of it as portion control. Thankfully, I don't crave sweets or junk food and I never have. If I craved pizza, I would go ahead and have a slice ( not 2-3) and work it into my calories. It's just a different way of thinking about food.
  • TrishSeren
    TrishSeren Posts: 587 Member
    I don’t believe in them. I just eat everything moderatley. I have ice cream 2-3 days a week for example.

    Also you need to eat more your doing yourself a disservice only eating 800 calories a day.
  • noodlesno
    noodlesno Posts: 113 Member
    I do have cheat meals/days. Usually once a month, it will always be at a wedding, holiday whatever. It gives me the mental break I need to not track or panic about what food is going to be served to me and whether I can eat it. I actually find these help my diet. I always gain a 1lbs or 2lb in the days that follow but then weight falls off me for a week. It works for me, maybe not other but that's why you need to fine what your personal journey looks like.

    However, the other posters are right 800kcals is way too little. It has been scientifical proven a human body needs 1200kcal minimum to function. Which means you are putting your health at risk, and surely this process should be about getting healthy! I eat 1500 a day no matter what excerise I do (even that people say is too little but it works for me) and I have lost 60lbs since April. Up your kcals and give yourself a mental break.
  • psychod787
    psychod787 Posts: 4,099 Member
    mirrormirror77 wrote: »
    SabAteNine wrote: »
    Articles about cheat meals/days do a lot of stupid things, of which the worst one is making you believe that eating certain foods is wrong, and that there should be „specifics” on how to „cheat” without „guilt”.

    It's not wrong. It's not cheating. It shouldn't be punished. You shouldn't feel guilty.

    All foods have calories. You have a daily / weekly / monthly calorie limit, over which you will ingest more than you expend, energy wise. Stick within the limit and you're fine, weight-loss wise. Of course, health-wise, this is a longer discussion, but as long as you're not eating your whole day's worth of cals in Oreos I think you're fine.

    Also, you mention your „cheat day” as half a watermelon so I *have* to ask, how much do you eat per day?
    SabAteNine wrote: »
    Articles about cheat meals/days do a lot of stupid things, of which the worst one is making you believe that eating certain foods is wrong, and that there should be „specifics” on how to „cheat” without „guilt”.

    It's not wrong. It's not cheating. It shouldn't be punished. You shouldn't feel guilty.

    All foods have calories. You have a daily / weekly / monthly calorie limit, over which you will ingest more than you expend, energy wise. Stick within the limit and you're fine, weight-loss wise. Of course, health-wise, this is a longer discussion, but as long as you're not eating your whole day's worth of cals in Oreos I think you're fine.

    Also, you mention your „cheat day” as half a watermelon so I *have* to ask, how much do you eat per day?
    SabAteNine wrote: »
    Articles about cheat meals/days do a lot of stupid things, of which the worst one is making you believe that eating certain foods is wrong, and that there should be „specifics” on how to „cheat” without „guilt”.

    It's not wrong. It's not cheating. It shouldn't be punished. You shouldn't feel guilty.

    All foods have calories. You have a daily / weekly / monthly calorie limit, over which you will ingest more than you expend, energy wise. Stick within the limit and you're fine, weight-loss wise. Of course, health-wise, this is a longer discussion, but as long as you're not eating your whole day's worth of cals in Oreos I think you're fine.

    Also, you mention your „cheat day” as half a watermelon so I *have* to ask, how much do you eat per day?

    800kcals? I'm not hungry
    FOR *KITTENS* SAKE!! EAT MORE! Psychod787 out.......
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 35,263 Member
    EatMoreEatMoreEatMore.

    There are choices that would provide more balanced nutrition (which is always a Good Thing), but according to MFP, half a 15"x7.5" watermelon would be 667.5 calories. Adding that to your 800 calories per day would be better for you than not adding it, as it would take you to a much more rational 1477.5 calories.
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    mirrormirror77 wrote: »
    Hi guys and girls, after reading lots of articles about cheat days/meals, I still don't know if it does more harm than good or the other way around? Do you cheat??

    I want to have a cheat day! Well, my cheat day would be like half a watermelon!!!

    @mirrormirror77 I expect this is a subject most everyone things about at some point. I eat for better health. I find the thought of cheating on my health or spouse sounding counterproductive long term. :)

    As you are learning health is more than an X number of calories from some unknown source but we need X amounts of calories on a regular bases to be healthy. What kind and how many is something we learn over time. MFP is a good starting point for sure. I have yet to understand why some want to under cut MFP min calories?

    Yes the numbers are ball park estimated needs but the guidelines should keep you out of the right or left side ditch crashes as you learn your true eating needs over time.
  • Howard_M_Burgerz
    Howard_M_Burgerz Posts: 61 Member
    edited September 2018
    You get your 1200 to 1500 +/- calorie a day grocery bag. Fill it with whatever you like. There's no need to "cheat". I had Chinese for dinner and I'm still not over my calorie count for the day. Even if you do step off the path once in a while just get back your plan the next day. Eating 800 calories a day will backfire you in a big way down the road. Good luck
  • imxnianne
    imxnianne Posts: 216 Member
    Well I don’t believe in cheat days . Had a co worker do 1000 calories a day and she said once a week she’s stuff her face on that cheat day with hamburgers and fries or something worse. She stopped her diet because nothing changed.

    To be honest, I had Carl’s Jr. earlier. When I eat out, I eat the healthier choice on the menu
  • DoubleUbea
    DoubleUbea Posts: 1,115 Member
    How did the concept of cheat days ever get started? It seems so counterproductive, or just a foolish excuse not to eat wisely.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories