A cheat day?

Alexstrasza
Alexstrasza Posts: 619 Member
edited November 11 in Food and Nutrition
I've heard some people say it's good to have a cheat day and others who say you should stick to your diet.

So what is the over all opinion on this?

My husband and I were thinking of going out to a mongolian bbq tomorrow but I don't know if I should be that naughty, lol.

Replies

  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    There is no overall opinion. But my opinion is to let loose once a week for a free day or splurge day. (I hate when people call it cheat day).
  • annieheavrin
    annieheavrin Posts: 47
    I just posted something about this on my "wall". I am wondering the same thing! I NEVER cheat, work out everyday BUT for some reason, today I feel like letting loose! I already worked out..but I just kind of want to eat whatever I want for ONCE and not count everything that goes into my mouth. Interested to see what everyone else says. :)
  • thekateb
    thekateb Posts: 45
    I allow myself a cheat day here and there, but I also try to save a couple hundred calories a day on the other days to make up for it. I also don't plan out a cheat day I save it for a day when friends want to go out to eat or I have a potluck at work or something like that.
  • scarpa220
    scarpa220 Posts: 1
    A depends on the type of person that you are and how well you stick to eating healthy the other 6 days a week. If you create a calorie deficiency of about 300-500 a day and do that 6 days a week it is great to have a cheat day. Eat about 500 calories more that day and you will see results. Just don't go over board, but enjoy yourself.
  • claireyf12
    claireyf12 Posts: 106
    I have a 'cheat' day every saturday i.e.i have a takeaway, its working for me so far, but everyone is different its all about seeing what works for you. However I believe you shouldnt restrict yourself and if you are sensible then you can eat anything

    Good Luck :):)
  • lutkica01
    lutkica01 Posts: 65
    I do it, just don't go way over board. For example when we go out if I crave a hamburger I will get it, and I will either just eat the hamburger by itself or half the burger and some fries.
  • porcelain_doll
    porcelain_doll Posts: 1,005 Member
    Spike days are good. Helps keep your body guessing a little, and avoid homeostasis. I've had better success doing spike days than no spike days. Today is supposed to be my spike day, although to tell you the truth, I don't even feel like eating a lot!
  • juttah
    juttah Posts: 1
    If you're in it for the long haul, one day of "letting your hair down" will not mean anything in the grand scheme of things. In fact, my husband and I might just go out to a mongolian bbq too! (A new one opened in our area). Enjoy, then get back on the wagon.
  • ladyraven68
    ladyraven68 Posts: 2,003 Member
    I've heard some people say it's good to have a cheat day and others who say you should stick to your diet.

    So what is the over all opinion on this?

    My husband and I were thinking of going out to a mongolian bbq tomorrow but I don't know if I should be that naughty, lol.

    I'd prefer to call it a FREE day, rather than cheat day, as cheat implies you are doing something wrong.
  • CallMeCupcakeDammit
    CallMeCupcakeDammit Posts: 9,377 Member
    I allow myself a cheat meal once a week, but I don't go out of my way to take one if the opportunity isn't there. I went to a Chinese buffet with my daughter last week, and we'll probably go again next Friday. I logged everything and ended up still being under my cals. I figure out if there's a big family holiday or some type of get-together coming up in the next week and plan that as my cheat. It doesn't bother me to call it a cheat meal, but I know some people don't like that term. :smile:
  • KLEALEE71
    KLEALEE71 Posts: 33 Member
    I allow myself a cheat day here and there, but I also try to save a couple hundred calories a day on the other days to make up for it. I also don't plan out a cheat day I save it for a day when friends want to go out to eat or I have a potluck at work or something like that.

    That is a good idea to save your day when you want to splurge....
  • Alexstrasza
    Alexstrasza Posts: 619 Member
    I've heard some people say it's good to have a cheat day and others who say you should stick to your diet.

    So what is the over all opinion on this?

    My husband and I were thinking of going out to a mongolian bbq tomorrow but I don't know if I should be that naughty, lol.

    I'd prefer to call it a FREE day, rather than cheat day, as cheat implies you are doing something wrong.

    :blushing:

    Sorry, heh heh.

    Okay so a "free" day then! :laugh:
  • micha1984
    micha1984 Posts: 16
    Look up the cals on what you would normally eat there and then decide what would be best for you to do! I think once you see that a plate you would normally get is an entire days calorie allotment you will decide to just bring your portion down to something that will be more reasonable for the day. You don't have to deprive yourself you your fav foods you just might be making a compromise with portion control!! GO OUT TO EAT!! :) You won't stay on your diet if you only eat "healthy" all the time. If you allow yourself to be a little bad then you know what will be safe for you to keep losing weight! Most restaurant have menus online and you can look almost any meal up before hand.
  • irisheyez718
    irisheyez718 Posts: 677 Member
    I eat Mongolian BBQ fairly often and what I have is actually lower in calories than my normal meals!
  • AuntKeke1315
    AuntKeke1315 Posts: 27 Member
    I think it is okay to spoil yourself sometimes, but I don't have a technical "cheat day".
    I'll allow myself fast food or eating out, but I still try to maintain my calorie intake for the day. Its a personal choice. I just don't want to 'cheat'. It wasn't okay when I was working hard towards my BA, and it isn't okay now.
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    Honestly? I think it is a personal thing.

    For me, I don't do cheat days or cheat meals. I eat what I want, when I want it. I simply do it in moderation. Having to wait for a particular day to eat something I REALLY want today? Well, that is too diet-ish for me. I'm not on a diet, I've changed my lifestyle.


    Do what works for you. Some people have them regularly, some people save them for special occasions (birthdays/anniversary/etc) and some people never have them (because they're worried they will fall off the wagon) and some people never have them because they choose to eat everything in moderation.
  • lilojoke
    lilojoke Posts: 427 Member
    I used to have cheat meals... They turned into cheat days... Cheat days turned into a couple of cheat days and a couple cheat days turned into a weeks worth of a ten pound gain.

    Everyone is different with this. I for one like having one day per week where I will sit down and eat a large pizza and not fret over it. I also like to eat my fav foods during the week that are healthy and enjoyable and not be a health freak either.

    Try out different scenarios and see what works best.
  • douglasmobbs
    douglasmobbs Posts: 563 Member
    (Calories out - calories in) / 3500 = weight loss. If you are on a tight calorie control diet plus exercise the odd day of higher calorie intake should not stop your weight loss, but it will slow it down. Really depends on the person, if the odd splurge keeps you on track it is probably better for you but if the odd splurge day turns into the odd splurge weekend then the odd splurge week, then month it probably is not the best way for you to lose weight.
  • sammielealea
    sammielealea Posts: 245 Member
    I love having a splurge . . . but when I know it's coming (like a dinner out, or potluck with friends), I try to eat mostly fruits and veggies all day. This makes me feel better about eating less healthy at night; mind you, I still try and log everything as best as possible so I can keep it real with my results. I try to not have an entire day though . . . I'd probably go way overboard . . . lol!
  • SueD66
    SueD66 Posts: 405 Member
    oh i like the free day, that sounds better to me too.
    I had a free day yesterday. I ate ok but still went over my cals. for the day. Today i feel fine, not guilty a bit and back on track. so for me this worked fine. I will not beat myself up ever again if i go over. that in itself is freeing.
  • ctriston
    ctriston Posts: 71 Member
    I find that a 'free day' I do like that, prefer to cheat is necessary...otherwise what is the point of all this, if you feel restricted you will inevitably resent this new way of living..

    So have a wonderful free day... and I am guessing that your new found knowledge of calories, will make you think twice about quantities...

    try lots of different tastes, you don't need to over do it, have a drink, or two, not bottle or two...
    have fun.
  • SophieC19
    SophieC19 Posts: 117 Member
    I never have a whole day off, but most saturdays i'll have an evening meal like pizza or something. I'm still loosing weight at a good rate, i think as long as you know its just once a week at least and you carry on as normal for the rest of the week theres no harm in it :)
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    I do not purposely plan on having them, but I also don't really beat myself up if I end up going on a feeding frenzy from time to time.
  • thelovelyLIZ
    thelovelyLIZ Posts: 1,227 Member
    I give myself one or two cheat days a month. If I don't, I start craving junk all the time, and I believe be too restrictive in dieting is why so many people are unsuccessful. I don't go out and eat everything that is bad for me on a cheat day though. I might treat myself to a nice dinner and maybe some dessert after. It's really about teaching yourself moderation.
  • Alexstrasza
    Alexstrasza Posts: 619 Member
    Thanks for all the replies everyone! I feel better about possibly eating at a mongolian bbq. I usually load up my bowl with mostly noodles and veggies and just a little bit of meat. (I loooove water chestnuts and baby corn, omg yum!)

    I'm sure if I just eat normally during the morning I may even average out to my normal calorie rate.
  • Alexstrasza
    Alexstrasza Posts: 619 Member
    I was just looking up the calorie information for the resteraunt (Huhot) and I think I can easily stay in my calorie range.


    My sodium intake is a whole other story.....lol.

    I'm sure one day of too much sodium will be okay.
  • Lady_Chilli
    Lady_Chilli Posts: 161 Member
    For me its just as excuse for people to eat crap when they know they shouldnt. Once a week is just not acceptable, seriously did people not eat enough crap in the first place to be here in the end trying to lose weight!

    Learn new eating habits, new healthier ways and yes of course if theres an occasion coming up, your having a night out or going for a special meal then of course dont beat yourself up about it and have a good time but get straight back on it the next day.
  • strawberrie_milk
    strawberrie_milk Posts: 381 Member
    Cheat days always hinder my weight loss, so I try to avoid them.
  • kschmi24
    kschmi24 Posts: 59 Member
    For me, some days kind of just end up being a "cheat day" I guess. Like if I go to a friends birthday celebration or something. Sure, I'll eat a little slice of cake and have an alcoholic beverage or three. But I try to plan for it by eating a lighter lunch or working out a little longer. I know myself, and if I had a cheat day I would probably over do it or not be as mindful the day or two after I had it, because it is easy for me to slip into old habits. That is just me though, others may not have that issue.

    My opinion of this is if you are going to have a designated "cheat day", stick to it and be really good the rest of the week or month.
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