I follow a pretty strict diet and exercise plan to maintain my weight. I workout about 3-4 times a week and watch what I eat like a hawk about 4-5 days a week. I give myself "off" days (usually round the weekends) where I'll eat what I want and not exercise if I don't feel like it. The problem is...on my "off" days I tend to pig out..like I'm compensating for the days ahead. I just end up feeling guilty and fat. Anyone experience this? Any tips to stop pigging out?
well, when you really really really want something, i say let yourself have it. not a ton, but otherwise you'll just end up pigging out.
but it sounds like maybe right now you don't have enough control for off days. (no shame in that! it's hard!) you may want to try weight watchers where you have an extra 30 points for treats or extra food or whatever.
anyway another thing that helps me is to drink alot of water so i'm full, and also eating alot of dry cheerios.
i literally keep a box next to my desk at work, and pour out a handful or two onto a piece of paper and i munch throughout the day. really helps keep me full, and it's got fiber too!
I honestly dont think you should be allowing yourself to have more than 1 cheat day per week. Anymore than that is going to be harder to get back on track.
And I would try going to the gym maybe 4-5 days (if you can swing it) might help too. The more time you invest in being healthy, the less likely you will be to risk messing it up with bad eating habits.
also, you probably feel like you need off days b/c you are watching yourself like a hawk for 5 days - lighten up a little! one of the things i learned in weight watchers is that if you totally deny yourself, pigging out is the inevitable result!
Great advice ladies!!! I just really need to build up that self-control. I'm hoping even posting this will motivate me to watch what I eat. The water advice is great...I kinda do something similar. I keep lots of sugarfree gum on me and if I get the urge to munch, I pop in a piece of gum and afterwards, I don't want to ruin my minty breathe. Sounds dorky but it helps.
i drink a ton of water and i'll pick out what i want to eat, eat it, then i will whiten my teeth. usually they suggest you whiten for about 3 hours (that's what i do), so after i eat, and pop in the whitening tray, it's at least 3 hours before i can eat....
this also helps me during my major snacking times. i will eat something small, but right after i whiten my teeth so i don't eat too much.
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"i tell you one lesson I learned
If you want to be something in life, You ain't gonna get it unless, You give a little bit of sacrifice, Oohh, sometimes before you smile you got to cry.." -The Roots
Personally, I don't believe in cheat or free days. It might work for some people, but it doesn't work for me at all. I am more successful when I watch what I eat everyday and strategically add fun foods throughout the week.