How often can I have a cheat meal?

[neloza]

During college I had access to a full array of gym equipment and got in the best shape of my life. But in two years since I graduated I gained a lot of fat and lost some muscle. had only been working out intermediately. But I recently bought my own gym equipment and I am back on track. I am currently losing a lot of fat because I am doing cardio everyday first thing in the morning and lifting weights four times a week. My diet has been very restrictive but worth it. I am losing losing a lot weight and fat (10lbs in last two weeks) plan to reach my fat loss goal by the end off summer, then I can start with a clean slate the muscle building phase.

My question is if it is OK to have a cheat meal every now and then, you know, just to keep my sanity. If yes how often, once a month, a week?
I really miss some of my favorite foods.

Thanks.

Stats
Age = 24
Starting weight (Mid May) = 200 lbs. Current weight = ~185lbs
height 5'11"
cycle and pct experience = none, all natural (for now)
training experience = great during college, then slacked off, now back on track.

[Cousinbutch]

I think the most common problem is limiting it to one meal. For most people I know (and myself) if they cheat once it spirals out of control fast. The only thing I've ever been able to cheat with, and not get hooked, is having a drink (alcohol) every few months.

Not advice for you, just my opinion on cheating.

[JinNtonic]

I think its ok to cheat once or twice a week. But it depends on your goals.

[Damienm05]

Ideally, you should never cheat. A re-feed is different however, if you have the self-control to avoid it becoming a binge. I don't and thus, when I'm on a diet, I'm on the diet until my goal is reached.

[neloza]

I am too committed to my weight/fat loss goals right now so cheating with unhealthy foods is not acceptable. I agree with you guys that if I cheat with a burger or other form of greasy food it will only be a matter of time before my hard work goes to waste. Just hard to do when everyone around me is eating that type of food and I am eating some bland tuna or chugging a protein shake. Guess I have to use my fat loss goal as motivation to stay on track diet wise.

Thanks for the input.

[dj_pacman51]

I'll have one every ten days. And I keep it to just one meal.

[csavage0]

i always judge it by my current shape as i lose weight i set a goal say 10 pounds then i have aq cheat meal or a re feed. i really like just eating a monster footlong double chicken breast after my lift then going straight to bed ha good luck and my advise would be do it based on your progress but never under 10 days from last cheat meal...

[sean_holland]

Don't go crazy...are you trying to become a IFBB Pro? The worst road you can go down is limiting your ability to live a little. Enjoy food, but do it within reason. If one meal every week or two seems reasonable to you...then enjoy it guilt free.

Don't bog yourself down mentally because you feel the pressure from outside sources (like the people on this site).