Schmoops,

So glad you were able to get right back at it. I don't do a cheat day, but it's because I am trying to change my lifestyle. Once I go off something, it's been hard, but trying to get myself so I don't crave it anymore. I don't consider it depriving myself, instead I look at when I did eat this stuff as depriving myself... it deprived me of the health I wanted, the weight I wanted, and it interfered with my energy levels. It is because that is my mindset though... for many, a cheat meal/day has been wonderful!!! It allows the drive to keep to a certain eating style cause they will soon be able to have a bit of what they want in the future...almost like an incentive, and it works tremendously!
The main thing is do what you have in order to not feel like you are missing out. If that involves a cheat, do it and find what works for you :) It's amazing how individualized each person's way of losing those pounds has to be... you just need to do what works for you

I used to do cheat days and cheat meals, but I would stop counting calories and go way over board and gain back weight that I worked SOOOO hard to get off in the first place. So What I do now is give myself something yummy everyday. I still track every calorie but I budget for 100-300 calories at the end of my day for anything I want. I love red wine and chocolate so I pour a glass of wine & eat a Ghiardelli chocolate square and enjoy every last sip & bite. It is amazing that just one square of chocolate fills my craving. I used to eat like a whole chocolate lava cake from Chilis. I found I have to have what I like so I don't binge. Works best for me. I wish you luck on finding your balance. =)

I do a once-a-week cheat meal, usually lunch to boost my metabolism. I could never do a whole cheat day, I'd probably be sick to my stomach, lol.

That's great Dolly! A true incentive is that bite and drink that you love :)

fitmom, I am so glad that works for you! That must help to keep you from the dreaded plateaus!