How often can I cheat on my diet and still maintain weight loss?

Question

Well, it's not actually a diet. I have totally changed my eating habits and have been working out regularly. I have been keeping track of my weight loss on a computer program and have been losing an average of 3.4 oz per day. How often can I cheat on my eating and still maintain weight loss? Right now its been once or twice per month. I don't want to risk weight gain but I want to enjoy good food with my kids every once in a while. Last night I ate pizza and this morning my weight is 4 lbs higher according to the scale, I can't do that! 4lbs is a major setback. I had a friend that said I can eat bad once per week. What do you think? I'm not sure how often really fit people eat what they want. Or why I gain so easily (one night of junk and I gain 3 or 4 lbs that took me weeks to lose.)

Answer 1

Actually, cheating once in a while (and not giant binges, but uppering calorie intake) HELPS you lose weight. You don't want your body to become accustom to the calories you are eating. If once every month or so you "go off your diet" and eat still healthy, but a bit higher calorie (allow yourself to indulge) you'll notice when you go back on your diet two days later, the weight will come off easier.

Answer 2

just keep up the exercise and you won't have to worry about food so much. dont eat 4-6 hours before you go to bed. eat like a King in the morning, a Prince for lunch and a Pauper for dinner. also divide up your meals to 4-6 smaller meals a day. Never skip a meal. Drink lots of water. Did I mention exercise? without it the weight will just come back because food is great!! I say enjoy your food and just exercise a little more.

Answer 3

i eat what i want, while watching it most of the time,,, if i feel ive ate high calories or extra, i just exercise a little extra, even during tv commercials, jump up and exercise, jog in place, dance etc,,,,,, i would think your weight would be higher in the morn,,,, gaining 3 or 4 lbs doesnt sound right, overnight,,,,,,,maybe you had water retention also? not to be blunt, but even things like going to the bathroom can change your weight,,,,,,i have heard its best to weigh yourself once a week,, or else use a tape measure once a week, to check inches lost,,,,,,,,,as your daily weight and even weight at certain times of the day , will flunctuate (sp),,,,,i would also go with the once a week concept,,,, if you dont do it more often then that,,,, it shouldnt affect you overall,,

Answer 4

Do 45 minutes cardio workouts a few times a week

Answer 5

swap half of the avocado in a 1 2 cup of guacamole for zucchini

Answer 6

try dieting for six days and on seventh day cheat. that'll give you something to look forward to

Answer 7

find the perfect teeny weeny polka dot bikini try on 16 suits one every 3 minutes

Answer 8

use a vegetable bean dip such as hummus instead of ranch dressing or a fatty cream based dip

Answer 9

shop during your lunch hour while carrying a 7 pound hobo bag and naturally a few new purchases

Answer 10

walk up and down 33 flights of stairs