Well, after I work out, I don't want to cheat because I feel like I am ruining my hard work! Especially after I go running. So maybe try to workout earlier? Or try running instead of elliptical.

Also, if I start to feel hungry I chug a glass of water and have a piece of gum. Or I do some stretches.

Good luck!

No offense, but the eating plan would be way too stringent for me. I need flexibility. I budget the occasional treat right into my diet, and therefore it is on plan and not cheating at all. We all have to follow whatever works for us, though, and if you need the extreme structure, well then, you need it.

Which would mean getting all of the cheat foods out of your house and out of your sight. Tough to do if you work someplace where someone is constantly bringing in donuts, I know, but you'd need to stay focused.

Hubs likes doughnuts. I curb any cravings by keeping the doughnuts where I can't see them. We call that shelf the "naughty" shelf. It's worked well so far. I only sneak a bite of doughnut when he gets them down - because for me, outta sight, outta mind. He's pretty good about defending his doughnut, so these doughnut thieving missions have not derailed me at all. I usually get half a bite before he's yelling "DROP IT! MINE!!!!".

I don't "cheat" because I'm not "on a diet". I've changed my habits and sometimes I will eat something that was not planned or in excess of what I planned but that is just something that happens and I can make adjustments. I have never done well with "diets" but a change of eating habits accomplished over time has really done a lot for me.

I can't do restrictive, either. I have tried and I always end up a month in and quitting. I feel the same today as when I started. If I go over my calories for a day, I try and make up for it within the next couple of days. I kind of naturally calorie cycle anyway, so it works out.

Now saying I don't do restrictive doesn't mean it's a free for all. I do my best to stick to unprocessed foods and load up on healthier options. If I want chocolate, however, I'm likely to have it once I realize that the craving isn't going anywhere.

Precisely. This right here is how I know this is sustainable long term as in forever.