Okay, today was an AWFUL day. I woke up hungry, and it just went downhill from there. I went WAY over my calorie limit. I feel icky tonight, like I overate. It's amazing that I sometimes used to eat this way without giving it a second thought.

Will an occasional "binge" day ruin everything? Should I try to add extra time on the treadmill to burn off the extra calories? I'd have to spread the exercise over a few days... yes, that's how much I overate today

I guess tomorrow I will just go back to trying to stay within my 1200 calorie limit. I thought about trying for an extra light day, but then I'm afraid I'll wind up really hungry again.

Ugh!

I did this a couple of days ago. The next day I wasn't even hungry. I ate like 700 calories or something and exercised more. I drank a ton of water too. Fast forward to today, I had a 2 pound drop on scale! It is not the end of the world. The point is that you continue going. No matter what!

I think all you can do after a bad day like that is to wake up the next day and start all over. One bad day isn't the end of the world you will meet your goal. I don't know that I would suggest a light day I know with me it just makes me want to eat more.

From my experience I think doling out "extras" after a bad day can backfire. Sometimes you experience it way down deep as "punishment." Then out comes the "you fat bleep" voices getting in the way, one bad day becomes two.

Just IMO -- in the morning first thing congratulate yourself for getting right back on track and forgive yourself, and back to your routine! You'll be fine....progress not pefection!

we all have them.. I've had a bad two weeks actually! but today I started back on track! and that's the the main thing to get back on the wagon as soon as possible! and you did so you should feel proud of yourself!!!

as a matter of fact I know many many calorie counters who allow them selfs a "binge day" like once a month or so ... and it doesn't affect their weight loss at all.. i was giving myself a free day and it did not hinder me either..

it's bad when it becomes 2,3,4, 5 days and then before you know it your back to your old self!

you definitely have not ruined everything so get that out of your head lol. i actually find that a 'cheat day' helps to lose, as does calorie staggering. if you set your day at 1500 calories your body will just get used to that many and your metabolism will match it. fool it every once in awhile by eating more and your body will burn more. works for me anyway.

The occasional cheating can actually keep you sane if you don't go overboard or do it too much. Food IS comforting. Deal.

Thanks everyone, today I'm back in business!!

twilight, I don't know what you currently weigh, but it may be possible that you could eat more and still loose weight. With that, then you might not be so hungry and need binge days anymore. Just consider it.