Does anyone have a cheat day?

I have a controlled cheat day (it's actually called a refeed/carb-up) because I follow a low carb diet. So I don't allow myself whatever I want but I do get to enjoy some foods that I normally don't allow myself to eat.

I feel like cheat days lead to a free for all and bad choices. I allow a cheat *meal* once a week and I also eat w.e I want for the most part but in moderation (or at least try to)

I try to not deny myself of anything. A couple of bites of whatever I am craving usually satifies my need. But, occasionally on the weekends I will have a whole piece of that birthday cake or that candy bar. If you deny yourself daily, it will most likely lead you to a binge. Moderation is key.

I've stopped planning cheat days, but if I have a day that's horrible (usually due to stress, craziness at work... or, on the flip side a happy occasion like a party), I just skip logging and consider it "cheating" because I didn't play by the rules.

I am trying to minimize the number of "cheat days" that I have, but they do happen from time to time. That's life (for me anyway). Tomorrow's another day, as the cliché goes!

When I allowed myself a scheduled cheat day, I always ended up having 2 or 3 because they were too much fun ;-p

I also try to work out like crazy the day after a "cheat".

I don't really have a "cheat day", but weekends are the hardest for me to eat healthy foods. Weekends for me are usually VERY busy so I normally get take out because I'm rarely home.

I do have an occasional day though where I need some chocolate or ice cream, or both!

A cheat day can either help you or kill your efforts. I allowed myself small cheat things like a cookie here or there throughout the month, and then I lost it. I've been off track for about 2 weeks, and now I'm back. I think special events can pass as small cheats? Like, birthdays, anniversaries, whatever kind of event that you go out to eat. Be sure to pick something as healthy as possible, but we all know restaurant food isn't all that great. I don't think here or there will be a big deal, but you have to be smart about when you have that chocolate, cookie, whatever. I would plan it a week or so ahead. And be like "If you reach this mini goal, you may have a cookie." No, you shouldn't reward yourself with foods, but it could still possibly help. This is the idea that I'm trying next. To see how it goes for me.

One day every other weekend I let myself go nuts. Still losing weight eating disgustingly yummy food here! :drinker:

Yes, I wouldn't actually say a cheat day, but I try not to deprive myself of what I want. A little bit of goodness is ok. I look at this as a lifestyle change not a diet. I know, a lot of people say that but really I want to be able to eat healthy, make healthy choices and have portion control. I think once we have portion control we can indulge in a little something sinful every now and then as long as it doesn't become an everyday thing. Good luck to you!

Cheat day? what's that! Can't cheat on what's suppose to be a lifestyle change!! LoL

Man... if only I were perfect... my house and car would always be clean, my lawn would be perfectly mowed, I'd leave work on time every day, always look flawless, never be late to anything, always say the right thing in those awkward social situations, my eating would be perfect and I wouldn't need this silly website ;-p

But... since I'm far from perfect, all of the above aspects of my lifestyle require cheats, work-arounds and improvisation at times. My eating habits are not exempt.

Just my two cents... being a little sarcastic, and I get the lifestyle thing, but for it to work for me as a lifestyle, it's gotta allow some wiggle room.

All the best!
Jen

I say everything in Moderation and you will have more success changing your habits than if you deny yourself any treats whatsoever. I still enjoy my 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks a day, or that packet of crisps if I want.

Do deny yourself all your favourite things as this will just lead to binging.

Yes--and it usually also involves copious amounts of alcohol. Last cheat day--3 beers, large gyro (split w/husband), fries (also split w/husband), 2 slices of veggie pizza. I also walked a lot--1 mile each way to a local festival, did a tour of homes, and then walked around festival. I also probably wasn't grossly over my calorie allotment, but none of it was healthy. I think it's ok to have a cheat day from time to time as long as your diet is good the other 99% of the time, and you balance it out. The next day I got up early and did an hours worth of cardio and HIT to try and make up for it.

My cheat day is Sunday. We have Sunday dinner at my Mother-in-laws house and she don't do diet. But I try to stay as close to calories as I can. Like skipping dessert.

Yes and no. One day of the weekend I'll definitely be a little more lax about total calories and I have my adult beverages as well. But, I don't eat anything horribly bad, I still eat good for you food, just more of it. For instance, I had a lovely new york steak with a baked potato and zucchini for dinner last night. (I don't usually have baked potatoes, so that was my splurge) I also had two light gluten free beers with it :drinker:

I have a cheat day once a week, on Sunday. It really helps me get through the rest of the week since I follow a very strict diet, and do not eat ANY junk food or sweets during the week. And even then, I don't go super nuts. Maybe bacon and potatoes to my usual egg white and spinach omlette, maybe use real eggs instead of just egg whites. I will eat half a bag of popcorn, have soda, which I don't during the week. Maybe a piece of cake, or a candy bar, or some M&Ms.

No, I don't have cheat days. That would really affect my weight loss