Quote:
Originally Posted by goalie204
I think i agree with you there Scott. Although i regret not even having something nice on my birthday now, cuz i am hardcore following this.
They say that the cheat day or cheat meal "tricks" your body and i've read nothing but success stories from those who were strong willed enough to get back on track, but my concern is that as a food addict, 1 meal will turn into 2, and 1 day will turn into getting off track, and it will be too hard to get back.
Anyway, BLEH!  |
I think the definition of "cheat" is what is important. It's a relative thing. If you have adjusted your lifestyle - exercise and consumption to healthy ways then "cheating" should have a different context than in the past.
Having a strawberry shortcake sunday might be a new definition of "cheating" as opposed to in the past eating the entire half gallon of ice cream with the whole jar of fudge and bag of walnuts. It's all about temperance. Not eating the 2000 calorie junk food lunch, eating healthy opens the door to "sweet rewards" occasionally without piling on the pounds. Personally I have certain foods that are "addictive" - potato chips is a good example. Just need to stay away from them as a chip usually leads to a pretty significant portion of a 1 lb bag.
When it comes to a long term weight loss program, I'm not a fan of out of context cheat days. There is no need to consume 4000 calories "because you deserve it". The occasional "rewards" are good stuff. Having a couple slices of pizza cux you miss and love it - yup. Eating the whole thing because you deserve it - nope.
I have "rewarded" over the past 100+ days of my fitness program. Having icecream, a steak etc. Have managed to avoid the "old habit rewards". No french fries, junk food, binge portions, etc. It's a change of context but .. it's all good. Tend to eat a bit less and exercise a bit the day after, which to me seems "right".
Have come to realize that no matter how hard you work out, the strongest thing you have in your arsenal to accomplishing your fitness or weight loss objectives is your mind. It's not absolute. You can fall off the wagon today. Just have the strength to get back on tomorrow with a vengence. After a while you dont fall as often or as far and the changes you make for a healthier life become a normal part of your life.