I was driving home last night from the convenient store last night when I noticed something that I wish I would have never seen...P. Terry's just opened on William Cannon and Mopac! Maybe I just haven't seen it and its been there for awhile, but I just now noticed it, and started to crave one of their burgers. With such a strict diet I find it so hard to stay on track all the time, and every once in awhile I will find my way back to a cheat meal. The first couple of weeks I was cheating just a little almost everyday with a cookie or cracker, but I told myself I had to stop that or it would never end. Now I try to limit it to one cheat meal a week. I have heard tons of opinions on this subject like "Follow your diet on the weekdays and cheat on the weekends" (My favorite advice ever!), or "If you cheat you will never get good habits so never eat bread again or anything that is tasty! (BOO!)... I personally feel cheat meals will come and go but if they happen don't feel guilty about it, because no one is perfect, and if you try to be you will end up eating 35 slice of pizza at a buffet from all the built up temptation. So what I am wondering is how do you guys feel about cheat meals? Are you against them or for them? What should the frequency be on them? And if you are on a diet, what cheat meal do you like?
P.S. I understand that some people may not want to divulge this kind of info to the public so please feel free to email me here.
6 comments:
I wouldn't be against cheat meals, but I've never been the sort of person that can have them. I'm one of those people that eats something bad and then thinks, "well today is already shot, might as well start over tomorrow" and then I eat crap all the rest of the day. Can't even tell you how many times this has happened to me! It's really a problem! haha
For me, it's much more about dessert than meals. I typically like healthy food more than junk so that's not a problem, but when it comes to chocolate, lord help me! It took awhile, but I finally got it into my head that it was about portion control. I can have whatever I want, but only a small amount. If someone brings brownies to school and they look delicious, I can have some, but only a bite. Most of the time, savoring one bite is enough to satisfy the craving. That's just me though ...
Hi Ricky!
Now is the most difficult time because your goal is to TRANSFORM your body which demands CHANGE...lots of change. Change on the outside and inside: eating, exercising, thought process, attitude, acceptance, forgiveness, etc. No doubt this is hard. And no doubt you have made the COMMITMENT to get through this phase even with the ups and downs!
My advice is to not view food as good or bad...and forget about "diet" and "cheat meals". View food as fuel for your body. We'll talk more during our next session (if Diana doesn't beat me to it!).
Do not feel guilty! You are just over 1 month into your transformation and have already accomplished many changes! Focus on the positive and be proud of yourself!
See you at Workshop...Mariesa
PS How's that for sympathy? :)
I'm all about the cheat meals once a week- but I only get to cheat if I was good (diet and workout) the rest of the week- my reward system. Also, cheating is allowed for that whole day. If you can't have fun one day a week, the food cravings will drive you crazy.
If you want a sweet treat during the week, try making sugar free instant hot chocolate. One packet is really low cal and will fill you up.
Best wishes!
When it comes to "cheating" with food, I like to use the word manage vs control. It is not an either/or decision with having an indulgence...it is management of the indulgence. You may decide not to have an entire meal ....it may be a 1/4 or 1/2 a burger and 10 fries....its management but while you taste that pleasure...enjoy and then work out like hell. When I learned how to manage my weight, I also learned how to manage my life. Sometimes I manage better than other times during my life.
Here are my thoughts:
If you're putting nutrition first, you're going to be fine. Most of your meals should be designed to propel your body to excellence.
We all need to do our own research. There are so many people out their trying to get you to buy their diet plans. The ultimate truth is that you need to eat for your activity level every day, and eat the most nutritious foods you can get your hands on. If you're running a marathon, you need to eat for it. If you're sitting behind a desk all day, you need to keep that in mind, too.
Food is delicious. Most of us need to remember how real, whole foods taste and how fantastic they are. If you can get pleasure from the snap of a raw green bean or the texture of a good, lean steak, you're on the right track to enjoying the things that are going to be the best for you.
Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. If you know that you'll eat an entire bag of chips or box of cookies if they're around...don't keep them around. If you know that you get hungry around 3pm and want to hit the vending machine, have a healthy snack ready. It's the 6 P's: Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Rather than conforming to what you think you're supposed to do, figure out what works for you and take control of your own health!
"Cheating" sounds bad. It's a negative, right? I don't think it needs to be that dramatic. If you're thinking of nutrition first, then there probably won't be much space for things that are hazardous to your health on a regular basis. If there is, and it's worth it, just have the damn thing and get over it. Just know that you're going to have to deal with the ramifications: crashing blood sugar, increased fat stores, decreased energy, etc. if you overdo it. Weigh the costs and benefits (but try not to obsess!) and just enjoy your life!
I've got a million tips. :)
Diana
In my haste, I misused a word. Out there, not out their...dang it. I never do that. Whoops.
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