Cheat days and calories

[patience123]

Since I tend to eat waaay too many calories on cheat days (even if I try to have just one cheat meal), I'd like to know by how many calories (%) we can allow ourselves to go over on cheat days.

Thanks :)

[Pandora]

If you only cheat 1-2 a week, don't worry about it too much. But even so, you have to be mindful of portions to some degree even in a cheat.

[Erik]

Portion control is always a good thing. I think not being conscious of this promotes unhealthy thoughts related to food.

When your mindset is that a cheat = stuffing as much into you as you can because you have to start dieting again, I think there's potential for a problem with some people.

[ashleyk]

I think thats why I loved my refeed day so much.

eh, portion control :uuhh: ?

[patience123]

The thing is.. when the 7th day of the week comes around.. I can eat and eat and still feel hungry. So its not even about stuffing myself. Having a certain # would just be easier to stick to than just listening to my body. On the 7th day my body just tells me to eat and eat and eat :lol: Its not so much cravings as actual hunger.
Hopefully with time my body will cooperate more, but for now that's just not happening. :dry:

[Erik]

It's called self control actually. :)

[patience123]

Originally posted by Thunder@May 7 2006, 01:44 PM
It's called self control actually. :)
So are you sayig that we should stick to the planned calories on cheat days too? I was thinking that once a week it's OK to go a little over (that's why I'm asking by how much), but if not then I'll just deal with the hunger somehow. :baby:

[LisaBunny]

I never think about "stuffing" myself on my cheat meal. a) I know I'll feel like crap and B) I know I have another cheat day coming up.

There will always be another meal.

[patience123]

For me it has nothing to do with cravings. I always eat clean (I have digestive issues that I don't like to mess with). So to me a cheat day was a day where I don't count my macros and allow myself to eat a few more calories. That's why I was wondering how many more can I eat.
Or are we suppose to stick to the usual # of calories all the time (I'm not carb cycling)?

[Erik]

Originally posted by patience123@May 7 2006, 01:50 PM
So are you sayig that we should stick to the planned calories on cheat days too? I was thinking that once a week it's OK to go a little over (that's why I'm asking by how much), but if not then I'll just deal with the hunger somehow. :baby:
No, I'm saying be mindful and don't assume it's a green light to eat yourself to the point of silliness.

Cheat meals aren't for gorging yourself silly. They're an oppportunity to enjoy some normal, off plan food.

[fitness926]

i dont know about you, but if I eat clean all day then have my one cheat meal...there is no way I can stay within my cal limit for that day. I eat 5 meals a day, so saying 4 of them are clean (that's about 1200 cals), but my usual limit is 1550, my cheat is going to be more than 350 cals, unless it's just one slice of pizza.

so basically- I eat my normal clean foods all day, then have my guilt free cheat-with portion control...i dont want to feel yucky!

[Erik]

Originally posted by fitness926@May 7 2006, 02:14 PM
so basically- I eat my normal clean foods all day, then have my guilt free cheat-with portion control...i dont want to feel yucky!
Good approach.

[Brandi]

I hate cheat days.

[jrb1980]

I try to use my cheat meals for when I go out to dinner with my SO on the weekend. I try to order something "healthy"but not on plan, and usually follow it by an incredible dessert....and often a glass of wine.

Also, because I have to entertain clients some times it is good for that, as I don't want to have to get into the details of my eating habits with my client. This way we can go out, have a drink, nice dinner, and all is well.


BUT...like you the next day I tally the clories and it often is like 1,000 extra (lava cake???...mmmm...) and I think about whether it was to much.

[LauraM]

Today was my cheat meal and for the first time in ALONG time I had a hamburger. What was funny when the waitress asked me how I wanted it cooked I gave her this look :blink: . I did pass on the french fries and added a salad instead .
It was good but my stomach is jacked up right now !!!!

[tam]

Originally posted by Brandi@May 7 2006, 12:33 PM
I hate cheat days.
:o Huh? How come?

I used to go hard on my cheat days, and now I have one cheat meal a week. I'm finding I don't chow down like I used to. To me a good tasting dinner is a steak with a potato and grilled veg. Then I'll have ice cream or another kind of dessert, or have my popcorn with butter on it or something. Don't really enjoy that stuffed I want to puke so I feel better feeling anymore! http://msfit.musclemag.com/images/smilies/eat.gif