cheat days

[skeeter250]

What are your opinion on having a cheat day?

How often do you have one?

I have been trying to have only one cheat day a month because i have a goal i want to achieve for my wedding this coming year. I personally dont know if it is "worth it" to have a cheat day -I always feel bad after. What is everyones thoughts on it?

[SunsetRunner]

I'm the type of person that if I cheat and don't gain weight I'll think I can get away with it again and again.  Rather than have a cheat day I cut back a bit for a few days before and work out double the amount on the day of.  I make myself earn the treat.  

[yldthng]

It has taken me years to get to this point, but I don't deny myself. It has never worked for me. It's better for me to eat what I like, when I like, within reason than to wait for a certain day of the week or month. 

[rayce]

I say whatever works for you. If you don't enjoy the cheat days, don't do them. I have found that I tend to "fall off the wagon" more if I don't allow myself cheat days. I have cheat days on the weekend and that works for me though much slower of a process. But I'm not in a hurry and view this as a life change and not just a "diet".

[ssathya]

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@SunsetRunner wrote:

I'm the type of person that if I cheat and don't gain weight I'll think I can get away with it again and again.  Rather than have a cheat day I cut back a bit for a few days before and work out double the amount on the day of.  I make myself earn the treat.  

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I agree with @SunsetRunner . All that you need to do is maintain your intake/burn ratio near to 0.8 to 0.9 averaging for a week or 10 days.

[josephz2va]

Cheat but maintain control. Controlling yourself on eating habits is key to weight loss. Avoid sugary snacks (Donuts, Fritters, etc). For me, my cheat is a Spinach Feta Wrap from Starbucks and plain coffee. No lattes, no donuts, no pastries. It's easy to way overdo it like enjoying that Peppermint Mocha while supplies last. Don't need it.