Cheating day ?

[Val THOM]

I've read that even when cutting, you will want to have a cheat day (some call it pig out day !)
Is it something you do, I never do that coz I find it so scary ! Won't you spoil the results so hard to get just in one day ?
I am curious to know your own experience on the subject ! (BTW how extra calories to make a cheat day ?) Thanks girls !

[MsFit]

Originally posted by Val THOM
I've read that even when cutting, you will want to have a cheat day (some call it pig out day !)
Is it something you do, I never do that coz I find it so scary ! Won't you spoil the results so hard to get just in one day ?
I am curious to know your own experience on the subject ! (BTW how extra calories to make a cheat day ?) Thanks girls !

Cheat days are rewarding in more ways than one. It allows you to eat what you've been craving so you don't crash and burn, and it allows for your calories to go up one day to give the body a shock. A cheat day will not harm you if it's limited to one day, if anything, it will benefit strenous dieting.

Unless you are preparing for a contest, don't sweat it. I use cheat days when preparing for a show. I begin 16-20 weeks out dieting to ease in and make adjustments so the cheat days is something to look forward to. As the show approaches I swop the "cheat day" for an "up day" meaing I eat more carbs instead of just whatever. I do eliminate the cheat/up day 4-6 weeks out from contest.

If it wasn't for cheat day I'd lose my mind. :D
MsFit

[Val THOM]

So I'll go for it ! I won't have any hesitation, if you do so with the results you get... rather reassuring !

[TrishB]

I definetely need those cheat days to survive. I usually just do a once a week cheat meal though...not a whole day. But if it turns into day of indulgence, I still don't sweat it.
So far it has not caused me any harm....but has helped the mind alot. :)

[buffxsportbabe]

what a great question!
The physical benifets are amazing when it comes to the cheat day.........u just have to know your limit....Speaking from personal experience....A whole day for me left me feeling sick (i was too extreme)....over time, it became a regular thing....Saturday's were cheat days....I had an obsession with food to the point that my cheat days were hurting me, not helping me...Now, instead of a whole day, i might have that cookie w/a meal or that piece of cake (only on the designated day). I try and keep it earlier in the day too (keeps me psychologically sane) plus, at night if i start, I wont stop.

Now that I'm 14weeks out, instead of "cheating" I maintain my carbs at a low level, enough to function at and on the weekends, I have one day of higher carbs (still clean though). It's amazing how it replenishes your energy :)

[emunah]

Not a fan of cheat days. Cheat meals are fine but a day can do some real hindrance to your goals.

[mommy*2*3]

I think a carefully planned cheat day can be beneficial but you won't know how much you can actually eat until you try it out. I don't do well with an entire cheat day either. I prefer a cheat meal which may be going out to eat or having a dessert of some kind.

[ChocoChick]

I do "refeed days" -- which are days where I eat more calories and generally more carbs than my "regular" days -- about every 4-5 days. Then I do "cheat meals" -- where I go out for a meal or have dessert -- about every 10-15 days.