Managing cheat days
#1
FitDay Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 11
Managing cheat days
Hello Everyone,
I was just wondering how you all deal with "special indulgence" days. I'm looking at lifestyle as opposed to diet so I'm not looking to cut cake and doritos from my life. Do you do a day a week?
I'd love to hear what works for you!
Thanks!
I was just wondering how you all deal with "special indulgence" days. I'm looking at lifestyle as opposed to diet so I'm not looking to cut cake and doritos from my life. Do you do a day a week?
I'd love to hear what works for you!
Thanks!
#3
I don't do scheduled cheat days but I forgive myself quickly when I overeat and get right back at it. I sometimes give myself permission to overinduldge -- other times it just happens. Today is one of those days when it just had to be done! I'm now entering the damage however I needed the coke and chocolate badly today. Mary
#4
FitDay Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 443
I think they're a great way to sabotage all the hard work you've done all week. For example you stay under 1400 calories all week and you lose a pound, then on the 'cheat day' you go to McDonalds or Taco Bell and pig out and then you gain 2 lbs. How is that serving your weight loss goals?
I think in order to work a 'cheat day' still needs to have a calorie limit at least even with or still under your calories burned.
I think in order to work a 'cheat day' still needs to have a calorie limit at least even with or still under your calories burned.
#5
I think they're a great way to sabotage all the hard work you've done all week. For example you stay under 1400 calories all week and you lose a pound, then on the 'cheat day' you go to McDonalds or Taco Bell and pig out and then you gain 2 lbs. How is that serving your weight loss goals?
I think in order to work a 'cheat day' still needs to have a calorie limit at least even with or still under your calories burned.
I think in order to work a 'cheat day' still needs to have a calorie limit at least even with or still under your calories burned.
Oops, sorry I didn't even realize that this was in the women's section. Keep in mind that works for me may not work for you or anyone.
Last edited by 01gt4.6; 08-11-2011 at 01:18 PM.
#6
FitDay Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 11
Thanks everyone! I tend to my more lenient on the weekend provided my exercise gives me the leeway for those extra calories. I don't believe in any food being off limits. I'm going to Moxie's for drinks and apps tonight (where there is no nutritional information) so I'm aiming for moderation but a treat nonetheless.
Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks for the feedback!
#7
FitDay Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 443
My cheat days usually run 3,000-4,000 + calories. As long as I have 1 a week I'm fine. Many times the next day I'll see a significant drop in weight, unless I gorge on something salty. I haven't had McDonalds or Taco Bell in forever but my cheat days can be pretty rough.
Oops, sorry I didn't even realize that this was in the women's section.
Keep in mind that works for me may not work for you or anyone.
#8
Just goes to show ya...and emphasizes the individuality of this whole process, but I can't think of anything I would want less for breakfast. I need protein in the morning, and a heftier dose of fiber.
I think it's great to give suggestions, but there is no "one size fits all." Especially with cheat days, and also with the idea of controlled treats versus never-pass-my-lips-again.
I think it's great to give suggestions, but there is no "one size fits all." Especially with cheat days, and also with the idea of controlled treats versus never-pass-my-lips-again.
#9
FitDay Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 443
I think it's great to give suggestions, but there is no "one size fits all." Especially with cheat days, and also with the idea of controlled treats versus never-pass-my-lips-again.
An exception would be made for a day like Thanksgiving or Christmas but even on those days I'd probably try to log things the best I could just so I can know how much damage was done.
#10
FitDay Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Chicagoland, IL (USA)
Posts: 300
I definitely couldn't get away with entire cheat days - I'd never lose, and I'd have to starve myself for the rest of the week. That being said, I'm 45 and female, so already fighting an uphill battle. I eat more on the weekends, but that's also when I get my good long runs in. I refuse to tell myself I CAN'T have any foods (or drinks!) but I need to make sure to plan around my indulgences. I don't want to gain back any of the weight I worked so hard to lose.
Hope this helps!
Enjoy your meal/app's, drinks, whatever!
Hope this helps!
Enjoy your meal/app's, drinks, whatever!