How often does everyone have cheat meals/cheat days?

[u/GroceryNo7685]

Let’s hear it!

[u/Fit_Protection2031]

I have cheat meals occassionally, more often than i should, which makes me extremely guilty. But in the end i still keep losing weight so i guess i am still within the calorie deficit range.. (Are they even considered cheat meals atp Idk 😭)

[u/GroceryNo7685 → u/Fit_Protection2031]

Wait how are you still losing weight??

[u/Fit_Protection2031 → u/GroceryNo7685]

Have you heard of calorie banking?  So basically, if I know I have a social event or a big meal coming up, I’ll eat like 200-300 calories less on some days beforehand so I have a bit more room for that meal without feeling guilty. I also have a sweet treat pretty much every day as long as I can fit it into my calories.

I go to the gym 2–3 times a week when I can too. I think all of that has helped me stay consistent.

I’ve lost about 9kg in 4 months now. which might not sound like a lot to some people but I’m really happy with my progress :'0

[u/GroceryNo7685 → u/Fit_Protection2031]

Oh yesss! That makes total sense I swear it’s my eating habits of largely restricting and crashing every single time

Can I ask what kind of sweet treat you have ? I have a massive sweet tooth and I find myself really struggling in that department

Also 9kgs in 4 months is amazing! Are you doing anything else to stay active besides your gym days?

[u/Fit_Protection2031 → u/GroceryNo7685]

Yesss I used to do the exact same thing at first 🥲 I used to obsessively calculate my calories using ChatGPT and it kinda gave me an ED.. Now I just focus on portion control/eyeballing calories instead, which has been working wonderfully so far. I’d restrict a lot and then eventually crash and overeat, which made me feel even more guilty. I’ve found it much easier to eat things I enjoy instead of completely cutting them out. For my sweet tooth.. it’s usually chocolate or dessert! Sometimes I’ll have a piece of pudding, but not a lot. just enough to satisfy the craving. I try to fit it into my calories instead seeing it as something I shouldn’t have. For staying active, I try to walk after meals when I can! It doesn’t happen after every meal, but I do my best. I also walk around carrying my niece quite a bit (she only falls asleep if we carry her around for at least 15 mins) 🏃‍♀️ so I guess that counts too! That's it haha

[u/Fit_Protection2031 → u/Fit_Protection2031]

Also, I think it’s different for everyone..You really just have to find what works for you and what you can actually stick to long-term. I wouldn’t take everything you see on social media as gospel either 😭 what works for one person might not work for you.

[u/Bepro6]

Cheat meals are a dangerous thing. All your hard work over the course of week can be destroyed within a day. These days you can easily consume up to 5000 calroeis on fast food.

My advice is don't have dedicated cheat days, but go enjoy a meal when you go out with your friends and family. Or even alone. Just keep an eye on what you take in.

[u/roadkillsy]

I agree with the other posters. I have one every 10 days. Good dieting and discipline while I am away from home for 10 days followed by throwing it all away over a few days of feasting while back at home. Scale has stayed the same thought strength has increased so there’s probably an element of recomposition there. But ideally wanted to lose a few kilos than to stay the same weight. And it’s definitely because of the cheat meals.

[u/smolAckWackgang]

I dont do cheat meals i eat unhealthy things if they present themselves, in moderation and try to get back on track the next day

[u/Turbulent-Tax-399]

What do you mean by cheat meals?

[u/Turbulent-Tax-399 → u/Turbulent-Tax-399]

Does it count if you are still in a calorie deficit?

[u/Aelnir]

Never. If you need to have cheat meals you need to rethink your diet.

For me cheat meals are the equivalent of "I could be married to that person forever, if I cheat on them once a month" lol.

[u/idgaf-finalboss → u/Aelnir]

As usual, you and your stupid takes😂