Cheat Days/ Cheat Meals

Sexynvoluptuous
Sexynvoluptuous Posts: 52
edited November 10 in Food and Nutrition
Some refer to this as cheat, others as free days or free meals. Dr Oz's topic for tomorrow's show is actually going to encourage folks who are on a weight loss plan to have cheat days/ free days etc. How do you feel about this? all week long I did really good and stayed under my calorie goal. I started this new lifestyle change 7 days ago and I am down 3 lbs, but my cheat meal today will it mess me up? I did feel deprived this week but this cheat meal was really something to look foward to. I did not blow the whole day, just one meal but I ended up about 1000 cals over normal but I feel great and I am ready to get back to work tomorrow. How do you feel about cheat/free meals? (fyi I did a search in the topics but there were no answers to the specific questions i asked)
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Replies

  • Sexynvoluptuous
    Sexynvoluptuous Posts: 52
    **duplicate deleted**
  • Sexynvoluptuous
    Sexynvoluptuous Posts: 52
    ,
  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
    I haven't had a "cheat day" in over 5 weeks. I don't feel a need to. I eat what I would like if it fits into my macros and have my calories set to above 1200 and eat plenty so I am not hungry. No reason to if you don't want to, but some like it to keep their sanity. Personally I am doing fine without
  • StrawberrySt
    StrawberrySt Posts: 235
    If you have cheat days you should exercise harder than normal on those days to allow yourself extra calories. I don't deprive myself of what I want to eat and often with some 'naughty meals' you can make a healthier version which makes you feel better about eating them.
  • Skurz47
    Skurz47 Posts: 15
    I think it's fine mentally, emotionally and physically, I've always used this rule. Over time my "what ever the hell I want day" has evolved to better choices. Making the lifestyle change to eat nourish my body has changed the way I think about food.
  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    Some refer to this as cheat, others as free days or free meals. Dr Oz's topic for tomorrow's show is actually going to encourage folks who are on a weight loss plan to have cheat days/ free days etc. How do you feel about this? all week long I did really good and stayed under my calorie goal. I started this new lifestyle change 7 days ago and I am down 3 lbs, but my cheat meal today will it mess me up? I did feel deprived this week but this cheat meal was really something to look foward to. I did not blow the whole day, just one meal but I ended up about 1000 cals over normal but I feel great and I am ready to get back to work tomorrow. How do you feel about cheat/free meals? (fyi I did a search in the topics but there were no answers to the specific questions i asked)
    A sound nutrition plan should include the option to eat whatever you want. The problem using the word cheat, assumes that what you are eating is bad or that you should be guilty. The act of restriction leads to the wanting, wanting leads to craving, craving leads to binging, binging leads to you not completing your fitness goals for 2012.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    I have always been an advocate of a free day. But now that Dr. Oz is getting behind the idea, I'm torn. So far, from what I've read on this board, everything Dr. Oz promotes is nonsense. I really hate to be in agreement with her.
  • Scott613
    Scott613 Posts: 2,317 Member
    I tried atkins but, I like carbs too much so that didn't last. I would try paleo but, too many restrictions for me.I like having cheat days once a week indulging without over indulging. Look into the spike diet. I've done it and It's what works for me. Everybody has their own preference and no one way is right for everybody. Play around until you find what you like and works for you.
  • Sexynvoluptuous
    Sexynvoluptuous Posts: 52
    Some refer to this as cheat, others as free days or free meals. Dr Oz's topic for tomorrow's show is actually going to encourage folks who are on a weight loss plan to have cheat days/ free days etc. How do you feel about this? all week long I did really good and stayed under my calorie goal. I started this new lifestyle change 7 days ago and I am down 3 lbs, but my cheat meal today will it mess me up? I did feel deprived this week but this cheat meal was really something to look foward to. I did not blow the whole day, just one meal but I ended up about 1000 cals over normal but I feel great and I am ready to get back to work tomorrow. How do you feel about cheat/free meals? (fyi I did a search in the topics but there were no answers to the specific questions i asked)
    A sound nutrition plan should include the option to eat whatever you want. The problem using the word cheat, assumes that what your eating is bad or that you should be guilty. The act of restriction leads to the wanting, wanting leads to craving, craving leads to binging, binging leads to you not completing your fitness goals for 2012.




    I agree you are right about that.
  • Sexynvoluptuous
    Sexynvoluptuous Posts: 52
    I tried atkins but, I like carbs too much so that didn't last. I would try paleo but, too many restrictions for me.I like having cheat days once a week indulging without over indulging. Look into the spike diet. I've done it and It's what works for me. Everybody has their own preference and no one way is right for everybody. Play around until you find what you like and works for you.

    I have never heard of it but I will be checking it out! Thanks
  • Sexynvoluptuous
    Sexynvoluptuous Posts: 52
    I have always been an advocate of a free day. But now that Dr. Oz is getting behind the idea, I'm torn. So far, from what I've read on this board, everything Dr. Oz promotes is nonsense. I really hate to be in agreement with her.

    Dr. Oz the male doctor on tv ;)
  • dsmonteith
    dsmonteith Posts: 65
    I always have a "cheat day" once a week now. While I was really trying to lose a lot of weight I would limit myself to a cheat meal once per week. You have to have that because it keeps your metabolism high, makes sure your body is not catabolizing itself, and it keeps you sane!
  • clairebear117
    clairebear117 Posts: 1 Member
    I really don't believe in dieting which means not avoiding the things that you like. I try to eat the best I can at home and most of the time so that when I'm with friends, out, or celebrating special occasion I can enjoy what is offered and not feel bad about it. I read an online book about losing weight without dieting and it relates how we should eat to how animals eat. Animals eat when they're hungry and drink when they're thirsty. The point here is making sure you are actually hungry, they suggest waiting 7 minutes or drinking some water. Also the book suggests we stop treating our bodies like garbage cans; stop eating when we're satisfied or full. For example, going into McDonalds, get what you want, but if you're full before you're finished, throw the rest out, if you eat what you would normally toss, you are treating your body like a garbage can. I find that if I deny myself from all of the things that I like, I fall off course and binge or just quit.
  • Sexynvoluptuous
    Sexynvoluptuous Posts: 52
    I always have a "cheat day" once a week now. While I was really trying to lose a lot of weight I would limit myself to a cheat meal once per week. You have to have that because it keeps your metabolism high, makes sure your body is not catabolizing itself, and it keeps you sane!

    Its good to hear about those who do have free meals or days and are successful with their goals
  • Sexynvoluptuous
    Sexynvoluptuous Posts: 52
    I really don't believe in dieting which means not avoiding the things that you like. I try to eat the best I can at home and most of the time so that when I'm with friends, out, or celebrating special occasion I can enjoy what is offered and not feel bad about it. I read an online book about losing weight without dieting and it relates how we should eat to how animals eat. Animals eat when they're hungry and drink when they're thirsty. The point here is making sure you are actually hungry, they suggest waiting 7 minutes or drinking some water. Also the book suggests we stop treating our bodies like garbage cans; stop eating when we're satisfied or full. For example, going into McDonalds, get what you want, but if you're full before you're finished, throw the rest out, if you eat what you would normally toss, you are treating your body like a garbage can. I find that if I deny myself from all of the things that I like, I fall off course and binge or just quit.

    Do u remember what the name was? I'd love to read it also. Thx for sharing
  • carts1179
    carts1179 Posts: 15 Member
    i use a cheat meal to spike my calorie intake once a week. i believe in it. it raises your metabolism to burn the calories and future calories.
  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    This should help.

    http://www.wannabebig.com/diet-and-nutrition/the-dirt-on-clean-eating/
  • AntWrig
    AntWrig Posts: 2,273 Member
    i use a cheat meal to spike my calorie intake once a week. i believe in it. it raises your metabolism to burn the calories and future calories.
    Nope.

    Now the boosting of leptin is a different story.
  • Gioooo
    Gioooo Posts: 301 Member

    A sound nutrition plan should include the option to eat whatever you want. The problem using the word cheat, assumes that what your eating is bad or that you should be guilty. The act of restriction leads to the wanting, wanting leads to craving, craving leads to binging, binging leads to you not completing your fitness goals for 2012.


    THIS THIS THIS
  • alpha1029
    alpha1029 Posts: 139
    Personally, I love knowing that I have a cheat meal on the horizon. It helps me stay on track. I'll take one every few weeks. I think a whole cheat day is a little overboard though.
  • sprinklytink
    sprinklytink Posts: 1
    i think that if you allow yourself to indulge in one thing every once in a while it's not so bad. It also shocks your body and in turn revs up your metabolism.
  • nutandbutter
    nutandbutter Posts: 447
    I haven't had a "cheat day" in over 5 weeks. I don't feel a need to. I eat what I would like if it fits into my macros and have my calories set to above 1200 and eat plenty so I am not hungry. No reason to if you don't want to, but some like it to keep their sanity. Personally I am doing fine without

    This. I don't feel the need to "cheat" because every day I can eat whatever I want. I also set my own calories based on my maintenance and goals.
  • Soapstone
    Soapstone Posts: 134 Member
    This should help.

    http://www.wannabebig.com/diet-and-nutrition/the-dirt-on-clean-eating/

    Thanks for that. Great read!
  • kathyc609
    kathyc609 Posts: 258 Member
    I am on low carb 17 day diet so I dont get cravings ever or feel hungry. I have been doing it since nov 1st and don't feel deprived - I just feel so much better without the sugar and processed foods in my body. When I want to spike my calorie intake I just eat more protein or add good healthy carbs. I have been losing steadily ever week.
  • Sexynvoluptuous
    Sexynvoluptuous Posts: 52
    Thanks everyone for your advice. After my free meal last night i woke up starving this morning
  • cheercoach11
    cheercoach11 Posts: 14 Member
    When i first started, I allowed myself a cheat day once a week. It didn't really affect my progress. Over time, I noticed that even on my cheat days, I couldn't physically eat like I used to. My body was just used to eating less. So even though I was eating what I wanted, it took less and less for me to be satisfied. That is also the trick, eating until your satisfied, not STUFFED.
  • angiemartin78
    angiemartin78 Posts: 475 Member
    I personally try not to cheat, but sometimes I find myself in a situation where I have no choice but to eat something that's not one of my "normal" foods. If this happens, I just workout extra hard the next day and keep moving forward. :drinker:
  • gellolicious
    gellolicious Posts: 14
    I know there are going to be days where I do not want to count calories and just enjoy myself. I call them my fat girl days or faturday, like New Year's, Superbowl, my birthday (not Thanksgiving of Christmas though because I find those easy and fun to find healthy meals for). Allowing myself to have those days, know that I'm going to be having it, has helped me stay on track. I don't look at it as cheating, just giving myself a day of luxury that I don't need to feel guilty about and know that it's just a once in a while thing.
  • merzback
    merzback Posts: 453 Member
    Just me, but I hate hate hate the word CHEAT, and for that matter, the word DIETING....
    Why is it if a fat person eats a lot one day they CHEAT, but if a thin person does it, it's just what they are eating.
    I know it's semantics, but seriously, the word CHEAT is so negative, CHEATING on a spouse is BAD,...eating an awesome meal at the Olive Garden once a week which I did last week is NOT bad, it's just enjoying different food once a week! :)
    You aren't BAD either. When people say I AM BAD I HAD CAKE , it drives me bananas-- ok thanks for listening haha
    I call it my FREE meal- not my cheat meal because I am not cheating anything...
  • stellaskies
    stellaskies Posts: 161 Member
    The only "cheat" days I give myself are holidays and special occasions (like V-day and the Super Bowl). I try not to limit myself too much on what I eat, just the amount of the "bad" food I have. My husband insisted on buying those Milano mint cookies so I give myself one bite whenever he eats one in front of me and move on. Or I'll have a brownie in the morning. If you tell yourself no too many times it will end in disaster! Like that one summer I went on the Atkins diet and ended up going to Brusters every other day after I quit. I never even craved ice cream like that before I told myself I couldn't have it..... Good times.

    I think giving yourself a cheat day once a week would be tough. I know it's hard for me to get back into healthy eating after a special occasion day. Self control fail.
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