What does your cheat day look like?

[Anonymous]

I don't believe in cheat days, but do do a form of calorie cycling where I eat fewer calories during the week so I can eat more on the weekends. Eating more on the weekends does not mean an all out binge or eating whatever I want but I will enjoy a meal out and some mini donuts at the farmers market.

[Anonymous]

A part of your eating plan, whatever it is, should account for some flexibility for whatever it is that you love or desire unless there is a health reason to avoid. This deprivation mentality is at the root of so many eating issues.

I love the concept of a "joy" food/meal/day as something that you plan to have in your eating plan (whatever that may be) that allows for the things that you love that have no redeeming health purpose other than joy. If you eat 95% healthy and 5% joy, you will do fine.

Mindless snacking on food in the evenings, however, is not planned joy or cheating, it is an unhealthy eating pattern that will undermine your goals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe in cheat days, but do do a form of calorie cycling where I eat fewer calories during the week so I can eat more on the weekends. Eating more on the weekends does not mean an all out binge or eating whatever I want but I will enjoy a meal out and some mini donuts at the farmers market.

Yes to this!

[Anonymous]

Lots of concerning comments on this thread. No one's choices are gross. However, judging others is.

My input would be to think about what will bring you happiness/joy as far as cheats and what is causing the guilt.

It sounds like the kids leftovers is the guilt, so have a plan. Drink tea or fancy sparkling water in a wineglass, eat a massive apple or celery stalks while you are cleaning up after them, spill water the leftovers or stick them right in the compost or dogs bowl. Make yourself a sticker chart - obviously it doesn't have to be stickers.

I know it is getting colder, but can you walk in the mornings? I think that would make you feel better. Or can you do anything at all at lunch? Buy a smart watch or fitness tracker- that might help you figure out how to squeeze steps/exercise in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On my cheat day, usually Saturday, I order a pizza with onions, mushrooms, and jalapenos, and eat it all by myself over the course of the evening. It feels great, and I sleep so well that night with a full stomach.

I also run at least 10 miles earlier in the day on Saturday. If I were trying to lose weight I could do it easily by avoiding dinner after my runs, but I'd rather eat pizza. I'm fine with what I weigh.

OP, do you exercise? A long, hard run feels as good as eating, just in a different way. Why not just do both?

So messed up.

DP. Not messed up at all. Running is fun. So is eating indulgently.