How do you handle eating out?

[minick]

Hello everyone... I would like to know how everyone handles eating out or cheat meals.

The issue I am having is my fiance and i Just moved in together... we workout together... prepare our weeks food together... etc. But we have started to "plan" a cheat meal on Sat. But i just can not let it go without thinking "how many calories are in this".. will I gain fat... how far back is this going to set me..... He is starting to get really up-set with me about this and we are starting to fight..... Over food...

Yes I know it is crazy but i like to eat as healthy as possible and maybe have a cheat dessert or something... but he likes to eat hot wings, pizza, chinese food...etc.. stuff you can not get healthy chooses from....

I would just like to know if anyone..couples or singles if you have this problem and how you handle it.... How do you go out and enjoy a nice evening with your partners????

Thanks everyone

[Watch Me!]

I used to get very angry w/ my boyfriend over him wanting to go out and eat. He eats "bad" a couple times (Subway and then 1 other thing) a week and manages to maintain his single-digit bodyfat%. I tried to avoid this - but for a different reason than you. If I ate "bad" once, it would start a cycle - I'd crave it more and off the wagon I'd go. Now I've just learned to control myself! I would recommend compromising (going along) and then watching your portions. As long as it's not a 3-full-plates Chinese buffet meal, I think you'll find it won't affect you too negatively. I used to even cringe/whine at the suggestion of Subway (processed stuff!), but now I just politely accept and get the healthiest sandwich I can, and enjoy it. Hope you guys can find a middle ground!

Maybe, if you're bold enough, you could prepare your own cheat mean in a container and bring with? Tell the waitstaff you are a very restrictive diet and order a drink. That may work too.

[SexyChic]

Originally Posted by minick

But i just can not let it go without thinking "how many calories are in this".. will I gain fat... how far back is this going to set me..... He is starting to get really up-set with me about this and we are starting to fight..... Over food...

Yes I know it is crazy but i like to eat as healthy as possible and maybe have a cheat dessert or something... but he likes to eat hot wings, pizza, chinese food...etc.. stuff you can not get healthy chooses from....

I would just like to know if anyone..couples or singles if you have this problem and how you handle it.... How do you go out and enjoy a nice evening with your partners????

You get over the calories, stop being anal for that one meal and just pick something that you would enjoy! (That's what I do!)
One meal a week is not going to set you back at all. I am not saying pig out or anything, but going out with your partner should be fun and worry free.
I started off the same way you are thinking now, but I realized how silly that is.
Life is short, why deprive yourself of one meal that may be unhealthy but tastes awesome, just because you don't want to deal with a guilt trip about calories/fat content/etc.
Trust me, it will help you stay away from binge eating and all those unhealthy habits if you have cheat meals. When you start restricting yourself too much you can kiss your healthy lifestyle goodbye.

[Suelou]

My dh eats so much food, eats bad food more than he probably should, and he always maintains his weight! It used to be frustrating to watch him eat this food, and yes, he went through a "mourning" period when I was no longer sharing his nightly popcorn with him, or giving the thumbs up to chocolate malts at 10 p.m. like I did when pregnant. But we've adjusted, and he knows now that unless it's the weekend, I will not budge!

That being said, I've cheated at least twice every week since I started working out, and have consistently lost 2 lbs every week for the last 5 months. One *or two* lol, bad meals will not cause a weight gain if you're working out!

[dragon*princess]

So far, I seem to be the only one that indulges in a “Full Treat Day”. Meaning, I eat what I want…when I want (only on Saturday). There are a lot of people that say, that they couldn’t allow themselves to do it.

*I suppose it all depends on your own personal level of self control.


xoxo xoxo

[SexyChic]

Originally Posted by dragon*princess

So far, I seem to be the only one that indulges in a “Full Treat Day”. Meaning, I eat what I want…when I want (only on Saturday). There are a lot of people that say, that they couldn’t allow themselves to do it.

*I suppose it all depends on your own personal level of self control.

Nope you aren't the only one... Whenever the mood strikes me I eat whatever I want. Guilty free.
After starting out pretty picky about what I ate, I realized that once I work out consistantly I don't gain fat.

[dragon*princess]

Originally Posted by SexyChic

Nope you aren't the only one... Whenever the mood strikes me I eat whatever I want. Guilty free.
After starting out pretty picky about what I ate, I realized that once I work out consistantly I don't gain fat.

Guilt Free…Amen to that!

One day, I went confessing my Sins of Gluttony to my personal trainer (at the time) and she simply just shook her head and laughed at me.

She said, “Chill out! One day is not going to hurt you. You train hard 5 days per week, you eat extremely well for 6 out of 7, and your body only uses what it needs.”

Wow, what a relief that was to hear.
I got the green light from my trainer and I haven’t looked back since.


xoxo xoxo

[barnetjs]

Originally Posted by dragon*princess

Guilt Free…Amen to that!

One day, I went confessing my Sins of Gluttony to my personal trainer (at the time) and she simply just shook her head and laughed at me.

She said, “Chill out! One day is not going to hurt you. You train hard 5 days per week, you eat extremely well for 6 out of 7, and your body only uses what it needs.”

Wow, what a relief that was to hear.
I got the green light from my trainer and I haven’t looked back since.


xoxo xoxo

I have a question - how can you or do you mentally handle eating whatever you want all day on Saturday if you are concerned with lowering you body fat and losing weight and gaining muscle? How can you eat junk all day that your body has to process - and then deal with the 2-5 pounds of water weight that is associated with it? Does this not make you feel worse about yourself on those "fat" days? This IS ONLY a question - not an attack at all. I am trying to maintain my sanity and enjoy a fit healthy life while hopefully dropping a few percentages of body fat and gaining some muscle - I have a hard time when I have a small cheat (not that I don't have them - just play head games about it for a while) I can not image an entire day - or is it not really like a binge fest and rather if you want a icecream you eat 1/2 cup not the whole container (even if you wanted to).

[mommy*2*3]

My husband got used to my "strange" eating habits a long time ago. It's not really in issue in our marriage because I don't make it an issue. I'm going to eat what I want and that's that. There is no comprimise when it comes to MY body. I take bodybuilding very seriously (that's just me though) and am not about to have someone ruin my personal goals. It took a while, but my husband and kids really admire my self control and how I can just ignore that pizza or a piece of cake. I do have a cheat meal about once a week and sometime's it is hard mentally but I just tell myself that my body needs it. Being very strict all the time without any breaks does have drawbacks too. When it comes to eating out, I usually choose something that is kind of healthy like fish or chicken with veggies on the side or a nice steak salad. I skip the dessert or just have a spoonful of whatever. It's all about your goals really. If you take your diet seriously than you need to let your bf know that and he needs to understand without putting added pressure on you. My husband can eat whatever, whenever he wants and not gain a pound...it's not fair and once in a while (he wouldn't dare when I'm contest dieting!) he does tempt me by trying to get me to take a bite of something or another but it's more in good fun...your bf will get used to it, believe me. You never know, your good eating habits might rub off on him one day

[DolphinGrl222]

Quick question mommy,
Do you find it harder to cut for a contest because you do constantly eat well? What I have heard from other competitors is that you have to use your off season to re introduce foods and definately use it to eat those foods that are forbidden...otherwise when you do to go cut for a show your body will not respond very well because it will be acustomed to eatting so well. Just a a question for ya.

[mommy*2*3]

Originally Posted by DolphinGrl222

Quick question mommy,
Do you find it harder to cut for a contest because you do constantly eat well? What I have heard from other competitors is that you have to use your off season to re introduce foods and definately use it to eat those foods that are forbidden...otherwise when you do to go cut for a show your body will not respond very well because it will be acustomed to eatting so well. Just a a question for ya.

Good question. Actually, last year I didn't eat so well off season and put on a little too much weight IMO. I had a VERY hard time shedding it off this past year for my contest. I think my body responds better if I just stay a little leaner year round because that darn fat is so stubborn. I did reintroduce foods back in very slowly this time around and it was well worth it being able to avoid that post-comp bloat and not having my body freak out. I have been slowly gaining weight but it's been very slow which is a good thing and yes our bodies do adjust to everything. This is why competitors have to tweak their diets from season to season pretty often. Another reason for the lack of response is competing too often without giving your body a break. Being in a constant contest shape will make your body not respond as well. This is one of the reasons why I have decided not to compete until 2007.

Although it may seem like I eat really well, it's still a lot more than what I have when I'm dieting . My body definately knows the difference.

[dragon*princess]

Originally Posted by barnetjs

I have a question - how can you or do you mentally handle eating whatever you want all day on Saturday if you are concerned with lowering you body fat and losing weight and gaining muscle?

I can mentally handle eating whatever I want on Saturdays because I don’t make it into a head trip. I push myself to my own personal limit during every workout (Monday-Friday). I will lose the body fat over time, so I’m not really worried about that.

Honestly, if I only worked out 3 days a week and simply had moderate workouts, I wouldn't even allow myself a cheat meal. That’s just me.

How can you eat junk all day that your body has to process - and then deal with the 2-5 pounds of water weight that is associated with it?

I have two consecutive rest days, Saturday and Sunday. If I feel like a Fat Ass on Sunday, I just roll over in bed and say, “ahhh…I may feel like crap but, it was soooo worth it” : )

As for pounds of water weight, thoughts like that never enter my mind. I don’t put on additional pounds solely because of my cheat day.

Does this not make you feel worse about yourself on those "fat" days?

Again, No.
The “Honey…I feel so fat” days only roll around during “that time of the month” and feelings like those are already justified by PMS. So, I simply blow it off and decide to wear sweats.

This IS ONLY a question - not an attack at all. I am trying to maintain my sanity and enjoy a fit healthy life while hopefully dropping a few percentages of body fat and gaining some muscle - I have a hard time when I have a small cheat (not that I don't have them - just play head games about it for a while)

There is no way that I could advise you or suggest that you do as I do, because only you know your body and your own level of self control.

I can not image an entire day - or is it not really like a binge fest and rather if you want a icecream you eat 1/2 cup not the whole container (even if you wanted to).

I can’t even imagine eating a whole container of ice cream. I eat a little bit of whatever I am craving. Let me give you an example of some of the things I indulge in. This is what I ate throughout the day Saturday.

Meals

1. 1 rice cake, 1tbs peanut butter
2. 6tbs maltomeal
3. grilled pork, vermicelli, salad
4. 1 rice cake, 1tbs peanut butter, ½ candy bar
5. ¼ pickle, edamame
6. bacon cheese burger, fries,
7. fried apple pie, vanilla milk shake (2 lactaid)


Not a balanced diet but hey, that’s what I wanted Saturday. I don’t sit around worried about my diet because I know that what I eat 6 days out of the week is pretty clean. I am very strict on myself.

Fell free to visit my journal. I post my diet and workout everyday.


Good luck!
I hope you figure out something that works for you.


.

[DolphinGrl222]

Thanks Mommy
That makes total sense!

Dragon,
I agree with you. This is NOT AN ATTACK AGAINST ANYONE HERE, but I think sometimes we let our eatting consume ourselves a little too much. Not only can being so strict and "cut throat" with your diet be bad for you physically, it really can play mental games with you. Bodybuilding is a sport. IMO it is a lifestyle but to a point. When you start getting to obessive and alienating certain aspects of your life then you really need to step back and slow down. We need to realize, whatever your goal may be, if you are fairly consistent, you WILL get there. One mess up or "cheat meal" is not going to put you two steps behind. Try to not be so strict with yourself but just be smart in your eatting habits.

[minick]

Hey everyone... Wanted to say Thank you to everyone who has posted there "indulging" experiences!!! I am going to change!!! and that is that.. I will cheat but will do it when i am craving certain things.... and the rest of the time if i want my "health" food then that is what i will eat.......

I knew i was being anal about it... and it was starting to control me... but food is not going to control my life... I am the one to do that....

So THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!! you have helped me realize there is more than life than food... I dont want to miss out on events because there might not be anything for me there to eat.. well i will just prepare for it the best way i can .. by eating before i go or just picking the healthiest thing there...

AND I will cheat!!! LOL if i so please... and not think one thing about it!!!!

Best to luck to all of you!! HA! and ME!!!

[dragon*princess]

Put yourself at stake. Do what you say and say what you mean.
I strongly encourage you to tell everyone you know about your goals or start a journal here at bodybuilding.com

When the people around you know what your Do's and Don't are, they often times don't hesitate to make it known that you're doing a No-No.

Also, when I wake up in the morning and check the forum, I always notice the views have gone up from the day before. It makes me feel good to know that people are checking in. Plus, I feel responsible to keep my journal true and up to date, so other people can benefit too.

Try it out.
You may meet some new friends in the process : )


xoxo xoxo

[DolphinGrl222]

Good for you minick...keep that positive attitude and look forward instead of backwords and you will be fine!

[Athena]

I ask questions, I scrutinize the menu, I ask for special considerations. How is this prepared? What do they use in this menu item? Etc.

My dad, when he meets me for breakfast, tells the waitress first thing, "My daughter will be special ordering her breakfast." lol!! And I go right into my scrambled egg whites, scrambled in Pam, not butter, oatmeal, etc.

If someone around me wants to eat crap (i.e., my hubby) that's fine. I'm going to eat cleanly regardless of what it takes!

People will learn to accept and respect your wishes if you are committed to what you're doing.

[VanillaBean_21]

I dont go out to eat. Simple.

[nacersusaf]

I pride myself on my ability to stick to a clean diet day in and day out, without a single cheat meal or cheat day, until yesterday that is...
My husband's father just returned from another trip to Holland, and sent my husband and I each a devilishly decadent assortment of chocolates... and I ate the whole thing! (approx 600-700 calories or so) The thing is, I knew I was going to eat it because it was a special treat, not just a hershey bar or something, so I planned for it. Over the last week, I dropped my calories by 100 per day, and yesterday (the day of the cheat) I did an extra long cardio session.
I don't think that I ever enjoyed any bit of food as much as I enjoyed that chocolate, and it's because I got to enjoy it guilt-free. By planning my cheat out and being smart about it I was able to get over the mental part of it and not beat myself up today. Even if cutting out a few calories and doing some extra cardio didn't really make a difference physically, it took away the guilt.
I still don't plan to make cheat meals/snacks/days a part of my life, but for those of you who are similar to me and find it almost physically impossible to cheat, try planning ahead, and making your cheat something really special.

[LiftingIsLife]

excellent suggestion by nacer........
best,
~lifer

[nacersusaf]

Originally Posted by nacersusaf

I pride myself on my ability to stick to a clean diet day in and day out, without a single cheat meal or cheat day, until yesterday that is...
My husband's father just returned from another trip to Holland, and sent my husband and I each a devilishly decadent assortment of chocolates... and I ate the whole thing! (approx 600-700 calories or so) The thing is, I knew I was going to eat it because it was a special treat, not just a hershey bar or something, so I planned for it. Over the last week, I dropped my calories by 100 per day, and yesterday (the day of the cheat) I did an extra long cardio session.
I don't think that I ever enjoyed any bit of food as much as I enjoyed that chocolate, and it's because I got to enjoy it guilt-free. By planning my cheat out and being smart about it I was able to get over the mental part of it and not beat myself up today. Even if cutting out a few calories and doing some extra cardio didn't really make a difference physically, it took away the guilt.
I still don't plan to make cheat meals/snacks/days a part of my life, but for those of you who are similar to me and find it almost physically impossible to cheat, try planning ahead, and making your cheat something really special.

LOL

This was a year ago... wow...

I still plan my cheats, and I don't feel guilty about them, but I definately eased up since then. I actually do a full on cheat day about once every 4-6 weeks... and I look forward to each one.

The point remains the same though... don't feel guilty about indulging every now and then. Life is short. Eat the cookie!