Cheat days during dieting??

[crazyfit1]

What are your thoughts on "cheat days" once a week during dieting? I have asked several women this question as I am starting my diet tomorrow for ten long glorious weeks. Some say that once a week cheat is ok up to about week 4. Others say to stay strict once you start your diet. These women compete so I can't say they do not know what they are talking about. Apparently, it works for them, so perhaps I need to make the same decision for myself. What do you all think?

for the next ten weeks, ox is my best friend! haha

Lemme know your thoughts on this. Thanks!!!

 

[diamonddiceclay]

I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT CHEAT DAYS ARE A BAD IDEA-dieting is serious business with no room for weakness-that's my take on it!

 

[augastes_stiranko]

If you have a fast metabolism, you can cheat once per day and eat 3000 calories per day and still be ripped year round. Most pro bodybuilders cheat on their diets more than you can ever imagine no matter what they say. When I was in L.A There were a bunch of pros who were eating crispy creme daugnuts and pizza like they were going out of style and that was PRECONTEST mode. Most pro bodybuilders eat mostly junk food year round and that's a FACT.

 

[crazyfit1]

If you have a fast metabolism, you can cheat once per day and eat 3000 calories per day and still be ripped year round. Most pro bodybuilders cheat on their diets more than you can ever imagine no matter what they say. When I was in L.A There were a bunch of pros who were eating crispy creme daugnuts and pizza like they were going out of style and that was PRECONTEST mode. Most pro bodybuilders eat mostly junk food year round and that's a FACT.

I am not sure about cheating "once a day". I thought once a week was bad enough!

Which pro BBs did u see eating donuts and pizza before contest?

 

[augastes_stiranko]

yes once per week is more reasonable when cutting in my book. I have already spotted craig titus eating pizza precontest and lee priest eating daugnuts with a bunch of others. It was on a weekend. Maybe it was a cheat day, but from what others told me alot of pros eat that way. as long as they are geting their protein, they have whatever they want afterwards so rumor has it. They usually pay very close attention the last 4 weeks on dieting. and maybe cheat once every 2 weeks. Some pros are so genetically gifted that they can screw up on their diet and party heavilly on weekends getting high on recreational drugs and still be a top level pro. One perfect example is chris cormier who is known for that. But there are many others as well.

 

[new@gettinbig]

I think once a week is fine...you will just have to see how your body reacts during your diet...are you competing?? It is good to cheat..shocks the metabolism..just do not get carried away...At some point you are probably going to have to cut it out...just depends how lean you want to get...your metabolism..if you are "on" anything etc...What is your bf% currently and what are your goals????

 

[crazyfit1]

I haven't had my BF taken lately, but I think it was around 15%. I am not competing this time around . I am dieting because my husband is competing and I wanted to show my support for him by dieting along with him. But I also expect to see some results for myself in this as well. I am currently 5 ft tall, 120 lbs and am looking at leaning up. After ten weeks, we want to do a photo shoot just so we have the pictures of us together shredded. hehe.....

 

[new@gettinbig]

I would keep your cheat day 1 x a week for a few weeks...then cut it out...but like I said it depends a lot on you..your metabolism..how lean you are looking to get etc....watch your body and go from there...train hard..eat clean...and add a little HIIT cardio....or some AM cardio on an empty stomach.

 

[crazyfit1]

great advice new@gettingbig. I will certainly take your words of advice. I am probably thinking that a few weeks of cheating will satisfy me enough for me to go 8 more weeks clean. I know once I see my body changing, that will satisfy me enough to where I won't want to cheat. As far as cardio goes, I am going to be doing it 3-5 times a week starting week 1 for 30-45 minutes. Is this too much or too soon??? I have a spinning bike and stairmaster at home so I can do it as soon as I wake up.

I'll be sure to take some "after" pics and post them. Thanks for your help!!!!!!!!!

 

[MS]

I think cheating is not only OK on a regular basis, but is essential for maximum fat loss with minimum strength and muscle loss. I have a high carb refeed at least once a week, and regular, smaller cheats through the week as well. But Since I know I'm going to have these refeeds, it begs the question of "is it cheating or is it a type of carb cycling"? Whatever you call it, I firmly believe you need days when your carb intake is high, even up to the last week precomp. The trick is to allow yourself enough time so that you're not trying to lose 4%bf in the last 2 weeks!