I don't understand "cheat days"

I tend to agree with you, OP. I've adjust how I eat, and I pay attention to what I put in my mouth, and I exercise nearly every day, but I've never felt deprived. I still indulge in the things that I want to within reason, and I try to be as honest about logging what I consume every day, so there's no need for guilt.

Now, maybe that will change when I lose more weight and my calorie allowance goes down, but I doubt it. Maybe it's because I've always loved veggies and drinking water. Who knows? But I think it's very possible to eat well, and enjoy what you consume, even when you're mindful of what that is.

Heck, if nothing else, even disregarding the inches gone and the weight lost, I've found wonderful new and healthy things to cook!

A lot of it is unnecessary bickering. A lot of that bickering is caused because people define "cheating" differently,. Some people do fine in moderation, some cannot have even a little or they have to have more, and some like to treat themselves on special occasions. Many people call "cheat" meals a meal that they don't consider healthy, which I don't get at all. If you're eating within your calorie goals and macros, what's the cheat part?

Basically, everyone has different methods/preferences that are successful for them. Why does someone else care? I can see someone showing concern if a person chronically undereats, or even expressing concern if the person never eats anything healthy at all. But why does someone care if another person says they have a "cheat" meal or day or whatever? People define it differently. Why is a free day where a person doesn't log not okay if they're losing? Or whatever.

I don't like people coming in telling me what to do when it is only a *preference* and what works for them rather than having some scientific basis for what they are saying. Moderation works for you and you work a treat into your day every day because you want to have something exactly when you want it? Great! Do it! But don't assume that's the only way people are going to be successful. I maintain a steady *weekly* deficit. I save most of my "treats" for Saturday when I eat far above my maintenance. I like having that one day. I feel better when I *don't* have "treats" daily and instead have one day where I eat whatever I want. So find what preference works for you and go with it, regardless of what other people are doing or saying.

I think some people like the dirty sounding name. Some people like to break the rules.

Cheat days is something that was born of programs. The first time I heard of it was out of a book written by Bill Philips in the 80's called "Body for Life". I believe that book changed fitness forever. But, in it, Bill talks about the importance of cheat days. i don't think he goes into the science of it., but more of the psychological factors of it. He's also not too specific, but he does say, "don't go crazy. But, if you want to eat pizza, eat pizza." Since then, many programs have imcorporated cheat days. So, it's kind of become a thing with people that diet to have a cheat day over the weekend. For me, it's purely phsycological. For instance, I can't normally eat ice cream, like a bowl of it with chocolate sauce and maybe some sprinkles. But, on cheat day I can. And, I'll tell you what, it doesn't seem to affect anything. I still hit my goals in weight loss and strength.

So, I say if it works for you, do it. If it freaks you out, then don't do it. But, the question is more about where it came from. I've answered to the best of my ability.

There are many ways to do this, if you want to incorporate cheat days or cheat meals. I think living life stoically, sets people up to fail, and thus the cheat day gives us all an out. I am a big fan because I like parties or being social and doing stuff, and everything always revolves around food and alcohol. So, if it's a friends birthday at a restaurant on Saturday, I'll make that my cheat day, so that I can enjoy and not be such a food prude on a night that's supposed to be fun. Again, it doesn't mean you have to pig out and be ridiculous about it, it just means that while you can eat light and be aware, you can also enjoy some cheesy bread with everyone else, and have a few margaritas with your friends and have a fun time without being a dork about it all. At least, that's my POV.

Again, it's just my $.02. If you dont' agree, then that's fine by me. It's not for everyone. Also, if I did it, and I saw that my weight was not going down each wekk as I expected, I cut it out or down or modify it somehow. So, it just depends. It also depends on where you are in your fitness and weght loss journey. For some people, it might be a little careless and dangerous and could cause them to slip back into a bad habit they were trying to break. That's not my case, so I'm fine with it.

I was thinking about this the other day, because I didn't get the concept behind it. But after reading some of the previous posts, I have a better understanding of the what and why.

For me, I don't feel I need a "cheat day" because I just incorporate my favorite treats into my week. Generally on my run days when I have more calories, but not always. The word "cheat" just seems so negative, like you are doing something wrong or something you shouldn't be doing.

But I love that one of the previous posters calls it a "free day." That sounds more liberating and fun. And I like the thought of a day without weighing and measuring nearly every bite. That I could get behind! :flowerforyou:

I think cheat days or eating what you like in moderation is generally best suited to individual needs and desires. If you are working out for a contest, meet, event, and etc. I suggest near 0 cheating!!

My personal preference is to have my favorite juicy burger and a sweet treat on what I call my cheat day. Basically its my eat anything I want in normal portions day for me that is Friday or Saturday.

For me I find if I eat anything I want whenever I want the result is usually me going over either my sugar, calorie, or sodium count per day. Regardless I never suggest depriving yourself of those "vices" weekly. For example if you love donuts you SHOULD have at least 1 per week. If you deprive yourself of that indulgence altogether, when you do "give in to your desires" you'll probably eat 6 - 12 donuts instead of 1 - 2.

All in all there is no ONE way to have your indulgence. Whatever your indulgence is just have it in a normal portion size.

I totally agree with your opinion on "cheat days" If I want to eat something bad I #1 eat it early in the day. #2 Exercise a little more to compensate. Nicely put!!!

Why would it bother you what other people do?:yawn:

I like the idea of calling it a free day. That sounds better. Words and the connotations from them, do matter in so mnay different ways. So, from now on, it's a free day.

Life is short and I like to enjoy it. Once a week I have a meal that I eat whatever I want. Then the rest of the week I am not tempted to fall off the wagon. If I were training for the Olympics I might look at it differently...but I'm training for LIFE and I make FUN a priority alongside my physical fitness goals. To each their own though.