I don't do cheat days, because my cheats are all high carb and since I'm doing low carb, I end up retaining water, sleeping like crap and getting nowhere on the scale for about two days, which just upsets me.
I'm actually aiming for a cheat free January because it seems like every month since I've started there has been at least one weekend where I've been away, or there's been a family event or a holiday that throws me off track. At first it was ok - My birthday was about six weeks in to dieting and I looked forward to cheating for it -but I just think about the progress I could have made and it frustrates me. So no cheats until Valentine's for me!
I don't have anything planned but I know a few times a month even once a week there might be a social occasion where I will eat something "nice" OR have a few drinks.
I agree with Vex. The thing about cheat days is that you can't cheat "too" much. If you work hard all week to eat 500 calories less than your intake, and then eat 4000 calories one day, you end up breaking even if you aren't careful. If I know I am going out to eat or out for drinks I will try to keep my intake very low until that time of day. Not always easy!
I can't do cheat days because for me they lead to cheat weeks, cheat months and eventually cheat years; i.e., I really struggle with will power. But, I also believe in making memories and living life so I allow myself to celebrate family birthdays and the holidays. So that means having Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners -- which are big meals. And having a dinner out followed by cake and ice cream 7 times a year. I don't go all out, but I'll let myself have mashed potatoes, scalloped corn, and stuff like that for my veggies instead of steamed. It's the only way I can do it because I tell myself that I'm creating memories, not cheating on my diet.
Cheat days are supposed to be good for you-can't remember why... But I have a history of anorexia so cheat days make me want to die. I have to avoid them for my own good.
Last edited by bipolarfemme; 01-14-2013 at 02:18 PM.
I just had a cheat meal on Saturday. It was wings and potato skins.The next day I drank lots of water and went back to 1500 calories. This morning I was down 1/2 lb , since Friday. oh and it was definitely preplanned.
Looked up the dessert online because I was curious...2700 calories!. Granted, we shared it, and left about a third of it uneaten, but I probably ate more than 500 calories of it
OMG! What dessert was this? I have NEVER in my life seen or heard of a dessert with 2,700 calories!!! I want to make sure to avoid that one LOL
I don't designate a weekly cheat day, because I know I would go right back to my excessive ways of eating.
But if I want to out to dinner/drinks on a saturday night, I will make a conscious effort to restrict my calories for the day's breakfast and lunch, so that I have extra calories to use up that night. Then, I will eat off the menu, and have a couple drinks and not worry about it. I try not to go into it thinking I can eat WHATEVER I want because that will utlimately sabotage my week's efforts, but I can eat a little bit of excess. Example, If I go to a mexican place, it doesnt mean eat a whole bowl of chips, or a blooming onion and order the chimichanga and 3 chocolate martinis. Instead, it means, eat a couple handfuls of chips, get the grilled shrimp tacos, and a couple of margaritas on the rocks no salt.
For me, its OK to go out and I do, but I have made a conscious effort to plan ahead, even when the plan is to overdo it a bit...
I don't really prefer to call it a "cheat" day. But I do have one HIGHER day. I still count calories, though. On a daily basis, I average 1400 calories. On my high day (Wednesdays, to break up my week) I'm usually around 1800-1900. I find I HAVE to have this high day, or I don't lose weight as good. I think it jostles up my body. That's usually the day we get out for dinner, take out of some type. I always have a super healthy breakfast and lunch, and a very high dinner. So, it's just one meal.
Yeah I cheat on Saturdays, not to crazy just allow myself pasta, rice or bread. My hubby Pigs out since he says the plan he is following allows it. I switched my day last week to Friday since I was out and did not plan ahead, ended up having a sandwich with pasta and pizza for dinner. I felt so crappy that day, the bread and pasta made me tired. Don't wanna feel like that again.
If I know I am going out to eat or out for drinks I will try to keep my intake very low until that time of day. Not always easy!
I find I have to do the opposite -- eat a little MORE in preparation for a night on the town. For me, only bad things can come from the hungry-tipsy combo.
