I’m 5’7”, 158 lbs, and I’ve lost almost 27 lbs so far. I feel like taking a break for around 4 days to enjoy some of my favorite foods and then go back to dieting. Is that alright?
You might slow your progress for the week and maybe even gain a little, but it’s fine as long as you get back on track.
I think it’s better to do a cheat meal instead of a whole cheat day.
It’s actually okay to have cheat days or meals. People who never allow themselves to enjoy food they like often give up in the long term. Just don’t go overboard; maybe keep one or two meals healthy during your break.
I have cheat meals every weekend after weighing myself. I even go for a walk after the meal to stay active. It’s been working for me; I aim to lose about 1 kg per week.
A diet break can be helpful if you keep it in moderation. Stick to maintenance calories instead of going into a surplus. If you do go over a bit, that’s fine as long as you get back on track after the break.
As long as you have more days sticking to your plan than cheat days, you’re doing okay.
If you’re going way over your maintenance calories, expect to gain a few pounds quickly. If that doesn’t bother you, go for it.
I hit a plateau after losing 19 kg in 19 weeks. I got frustrated and had a big binge. Afterward, I felt off for a few days, but once I got back to my healthy habits, the weight loss picked up again. Sometimes, balancing out your food over a few days works better than strict dieting.
Make it a habit to treat yourself occasionally. Go out for a meal or two every month and enjoy, but still try to keep an eye on calories and maybe share dessert or other rich foods.
Go for it, but don’t beat yourself up when you weigh yourself next. Remember, it’s just a small hiccup, and you know what to do to stay on track long-term.
If cheating means eating at maintenance or slightly above, that’s fine. But if you mean eating an absurd amount of junk for four days straight, then no, that’s not a good idea.
I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, try eating at maintenance calories.