Some great advice! Personally, back along, I planned one "day off" per month and it worked very well. I didn't "go crazy" and didn't (and still don't) eat any junk like desserts and/or bakery items (a major problem for me). But other than that, no limits and no regrets. I did (and do) log EVERYTHING, though.

I don't like to call this a "cheat", because it's not. The whole "cheating" thing can turn into "all or nothing thinking" and that is a slippery slope to head down. If it's a part of your plan, it's not a "cheat".

If you have particular trigger foods (like sweets for me) you might still want to avoid them, even on your day off.

Regards,
Michael

Wow, thanks for all the replies. I appreciate everyone's input, and I will be re-reading and thinking about all of your posts.

I appreciate the help!

I think more important than a rigorous "cheat day" philosophy, is the ability to dust yourself off and get back on track the very next day/meal/bite.

Wise comments Mark, Michael and Amy. Being able to handle the days you overdue it is so important. I think it's easier with the balance diet because it's not as far to get back on track. Tonight I'm having a planned increase in calories - just for today. Mary

I also do cheat days. I think my body needs the shock, my mind needs the cheesecake plus I feel kind of gross the next day so it makes me appreciate my normal healthy eating even more! :D

That's exactly how I feel.

Yesterday was an unplanned cheat day for me and I feel like I gained 10 pounds overnight.

I ate bottle caps. A hella lot of bottle caps! My friend got them for me. I only eat the soda ones and yep, I ate about 1/2 of them yesterday. :eek:

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/...8-21123805.jpg

Yeah, those are hard to find. I think I went to 3 or 4 shops on the boardwalk to find some and nobody had them.

Cheat day
 

9/30/11
I started this fit day last week and I love it. I am aware of everything I do and every thing I put in my mouth. In the past on cheat days I always felt guilty after I indulged how ever I never seemed to gain from it . :)
My biggest down fall is drinking on foot ball Sundays. I will not drink this week.
Starting weight 9/22/11 180.5
Goal weight 140
Current weight 9/30/11 174.5