I was wondering if anyone here treats themselves to a "free" meal each week. My friend was telling me she does it so she has something to look forward to and does not get cravings during the week because she knows she has this big treat coming up.

I am not quite sure about it because I know with me I could eat two days worth of calories or even three with one "Free" meal.

Do any of you gals out there do this?

I know lots of people do this with great success. I think you have to know your personality and how it would work for you.

For me it wouldn't work. That's not to say that I haven't had ANY treats since I started my journey. I have and they have been planned. But not once a week. I allow myself a treat every now and then when I have a social occasion to attend, a birthday party, a holiday, a wedding and the such. And I don't allow it to be totally "free". I have very small portions of a few different items and that's that. I kinda plan for it all week by cutting back a few calories and stepping up the exercise.

I find when I start eating "treats" I want more treats. Not so good for me. So I really have to stay totally and completely away - that's where the knowing yourself part comes into play. And quite honestly I haven't had any cravings for months now, except for the healthy foods which are now part of my daily menu. I totally am really enjoying what I am eating now and really look forward to my meals. That's treat enough for me. For the most part.

If you think it would work for you and you don't go overboard, and count the calories towards your day, I think there's nothing wrong with it. If you find it doesn't work out - then you don't have to do it again.

I am of the same camp as Robin. I also would not want to "waste" all the work I did all week long on one meal. I could easily UN-do a lot of weight loss that way. I too fitgure it works for some, but it wouldn't for me. I don't think I am missing out on anything, I LOVE the way I eat now, and I am thankful I don't have those cravings anymore.

DITTO. I really don't want the TREATS. I feel like the healthy stuff I eat is the TREATS I deserve and will keep eating for the rest of my life. This is not something I go on and then off as in a diet. This is a whole new me.

I think my issue with the notion of a "treat" is that just the idea encourages the mentality that got me to 214 pounds to begin with. I have occasional meals that are higher in calories than I need or a decadent dessert every now and then. But, I don't think of them as treats or rewards. So, with that said, I don't have a weekly planned splurge. Instead, I just pay attention to my body and if I begin to crave something in particular then I make have a reasonable portion and adjust my other meals accordingly. What has been interesting is that since I stopped thinking of "off-plan" foods as splurges I don't want them nearly as often. I suppose I've reduced the "want what I can't have" kind impulses.

I do allow myself to a free meal each week - but I still have to stay within my daily goals (1200-1500 calories along with a minimum of 2 fruits and 5 veggies). I have to plan the foods I eat during the other meals/snacks more carefully (a small orange instead of a large apple, strawberries instead of grapes, cabbage instead of peas, etc.) to allow for the "free" meal and the extra calories it might come with. To some that may not fall in the category of a free meal since I'm still strict with what and how much I can eat that day, but it gives me the opportunity to eat something that I don't eat on a regular basis.

Hi Darlene,

I do allow myself "treat" meals, but not once a week. I tend to lose slowly and a once a week off-plan meal would make my weight loss even slower. I usually aim for once a month. Allowing yourself "treat" meals is a great idea provided you can keep yourself on-plan afterward. Do not allow the meal to turn into a day, a week, a month! Its only the meal...the meals prior and the meals afterward must be on-plan or you may lose focus.

I do give myself one meal a week. It's Friday's dinner. We've always gone out to eat on Fridays. But I have noticed even on my free night I've eaten better. I just can't eat as much anymore. It helps that I've learned to throw food away. I was always one that hated to leave food sit and I knew it wouldn't be as good reheated so I forced it all down. Now I'm fine with leaving food on the plate when I'm full.
The "free" meal works well for me. I get through the hard moments thinking about what I'll order on Friday night.(lol) ANd it tastes alot better than it used to. I appreciate the flavors alot more.

I don't really do this. I plan each day/meal (weekends are still a challenge) and I do my best to stick to my points. I track ALL of my points no matter what and work off any "debt" (points over) by exercise.

If I just allowed myself a "free" meal it would be WAY too dangerous for me.