Cheat meal help

[cardiodan]

Whatsup everyone???????

I do a cheat meal every weekend with my cut diet...(I always look forward to it )
The question I have is how should I go about the rest of the day?
Eat as normal, plus the cheat, which would surely put me above maintenance?
Should I make sure I achieve nothing but maintenance?
Should I keep on a cal deficit
Should I workout on that day?
Should I just relax and eat what I want once and the rest keep it normal?
I like exactitude, but it would be ideal if I could get a break from the canned chicken salads I make.

Thanks....
Also, if possible, include your opinion / What YOU do / What competitive bodybuilders do.............................etc...

Cardio

[Phate]

Whatsup everyone???????

I do a cheat meal every weekend with my cut diet...(I always look forward to it )
The question I have is how should I go about the rest of the day?
Eat as normal, plus the cheat, which would surely put me above maintenance?
Should I make sure I achieve nothing but maintenance?
Should I keep on a cal deficit
Should I workout on that day?definitely, in fact i would do legs on this day after your cheat meal as it probably contains a good bit of carbs which will be good fuel for a hard workout, and that uses the cheat to your advantage
Should I just relax and eat what I want once and the rest keep it normal?
I like exactitude, but it would be ideal if I could get a break from the canned chicken salads I make.

Thanks....
Also, if possible, include your opinion / What YOU do / What competitive bodybuilders do.............................etc...

Cardio

bold

[AdamGH]

Whatsup everyone???????

I do a cheat meal every weekend with my cut diet...(I always look forward to it )
The question I have is how should I go about the rest of the day?
Eat as normal, plus the cheat, which would surely put me above maintenance?
Should I make sure I achieve nothing but maintenance?
Should I keep on a cal deficit
Should I workout on that day?
Should I just relax and eat what I want once and the rest keep it normal?
I like exactitude, but it would be ideal if I could get a break from the canned chicken salads I make.

Thanks....
Also, if possible, include your opinion / What YOU do / What competitive bodybuilders do.............................etc...

Cardio

just continue your meal plan for the day. if a workout day falls on the same day as the cheat meal, then go workout. the world doesnt stop moving cause of cheat meal.

[Rugger02]

^^Agreed.
My "cheat" day (Which is just a higher carb day, not anything I actually enjoy eating) always corresponds with Leg Day. More calories taken in (even if it's cheating) = Make yourself wanna puke at the gym day for me.
JMO BTW

[soulstealer]

I just follow the rule... if I'm dieting keep my cheat meal clean but high in calories... If I'm bulking... I try to have some fun

[cardiodan]

I just follow the rule... if I'm dieting keep my cheat meal clean but high in calories... If I'm bulking... I try to have some fun

do u go above maintenance WHILE CUTTING?

[DSM4Life]

I bought a box of ice cream snickers bars and am going to eat the entire box today, does that count as one cheat meal ?

[soulstealer]

do u go above maintenance WHILE CUTTING?

yes, but not too far above.... the idea is to tell your body your eating more then you need.

[cardiodan]

You know, I found a thread by Nova in which he explicitly said that cheating is not necessary, and instead, one should do a refeed.

1) Do you guys actually do this? Ive done cheat meals for quite a while, and while I do gain weight its water I think....so I dont weigh myself the day after.
But dont u guys lose your sanity>>>Cutting isn't too fun

2) The other day, for ex., I went to a sushi restaurant. Lots of rice, lots of protein, and a scoop of green tea ice cream. Is that ok?
I mean reffeeds are boring! Big cups oats, red potatoes...
I mean Im having a BBQ and we're really good at it here.....
Brazilian Meat, sausages, Yuca (starchy carb).
Im gonna go easy on the meat and sausage, and load up on the yuca.

Am I stressing too much?
What do you guys think of my plan/habits?

[DSM4Life]

You know, I found a thread by Nova in which he explicitly said that cheating is not necessary, and instead, one should do a refeed.

1) Do you guys actually do this? Ive done cheat meals for quite a while, and while I do gain weight its water I think....so I dont weigh myself the day after.
But dont u guys lose your sanity>>>Cutting isn't too fun

2) The other day, for ex., I went to a sushi restaurant. Lots of rice, lots of protein, and a scoop of green tea ice cream. Is that ok?
I mean reffeeds are boring! Big cups oats, red potatoes...
I mean Im having a BBQ and we're really good at it here.....
Brazilian Meat, sausages, Yuca (starchy carb).
Im gonna go easy on the meat and sausage, and load up on the yuca.

Am I stressing too much?
What do you guys think of my plan/habits?

Listen man, when it comes down to it do what YOU want. Some one these guys talk so much $hit its funny. Do you compete ? Is your living based upon how you look ? Then live your life. If you want to eat out once a week then do it. As long as you are on point for the rest of the week you dont have anything to worry about.

[cardiodan]

Listen man, when it comes down to it do what YOU want. Some one these guys talk so much $hit its funny. Do you compete ? Is your living based upon how you look ? Then live your life. If you want to eat out once a week then do it. As long as you are on point for the rest of the week you dont have anything to worry about.

I know what youre saying. There are a bunch of ppl talking and giving advice on nutrition....when they dont have the body to back it up. (LIke the fat personal trainers at my gym).
Also cycling as mere beginners!
You know, I love the way you put it.....very true.


There are two benefits of cheating, that I understand
1) Psychological
2) To boost metabolism
a) If you just eat 2 big meals will it in fact boost it?
I think yes, because of surplus of cals vs. rest of week on track
Is this right?
3) What about having the best of both worlds....has anybody thought about that? Say, a reffeed (I just ate 3 small red potatoes, 2hrs ago some oats, before some frosted miniwheats and banana). Im having the bbq, and going to load up on yuca. But will still have the meat.

IS that a better plan IYO?
I know I seem obsessed, but I dont like to waste my time in the gym...

What do you think?

[DSM4Life]

I know what youre saying. There are a bunch of ppl talking and giving advice on nutrition....when they dont have the body to back it up. (LIke the fat personal trainers at my gym).
Also cycling as mere beginners!
You know, I love the way you put it.....very true.


There are two benefits of cheating, that I understand
1) Psychological
2) To boost metabolism
a) If you just eat 2 big meals will it in fact boost it?
I think yes, because of surplus of cals vs. rest of week on track
Is this right?
3) What about having the best of both worlds....has anybody thought about that? Say, a reffeed (I just ate 3 small red potatoes, 2hrs ago some oats, before some frosted miniwheats and banana). Im having the bbq, and going to load up on yuca. But will still have the meat.

IS that a better plan IYO?
I know I seem obsessed, but I dont like to waste my time in the gym...

What do you think?

Again, stop trying to justify your cheat meals. If you want to eat junk then do it but don't make a habbit of it. Most will tell you to schedule a chest meal which is a good idea. It keeps you going clean all week and when you get an urge you can tell yourself "just wait till XXX day then i can have that."

We aren't robots and sometimes social events can't help but to throw you off a meal or two. Just make the best choices and continue on man. Don't look back for a second.

[cardiodan]

Again, stop trying to justify your cheat meals. If you want to eat junk then do it but don't make a habbit of it. Most will tell you to schedule a chest meal which is a good idea. It keeps you going clean all week and when you get an urge you can tell yourself "just wait till XXX day then i can have that."

We aren't robots and sometimes social events can't help but to throw you off a meal or two. Just make the best choices and continue on man. Don't look back for a second.

Love the way u think...
Thanks!

[DSM4Life]

Love the way u think...
Thanks!

Anytime.

[cardiodan]

Look at what nova wrote me: (I sent him this before I created this thread).
Im going nuts....
He makes it seem that carbs are much better and that I am doing myself a disservice by "cheating."
I Googled it, searched it on bb.com, and here, and everyone seems to cheat.
Especially if you're closer to your goal or single digit bf%.
But then again they probably "carbup" if they want more results.
Any1?

The idea was not to cheat, and instead load up on carbs. that is where people think cheating is ok, they thinks its some kind of special metabolic boost. when in reality carbs can do the same thing. so if you cheat, you don't needd to load up on the carbs because you cheated.

so the correct way would be option 1.

If you have an occasional treat then no need to add carbs to the mix, add fiber, straight fiber is best, but chasing your cheat with fibrous veggies would be ok too. At a barbecue, just eat meat and use lettuce as a bun and have a potato or two. there's no cheat there. everything can be done well, just plan it out.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cardiodan
I was reading your thread about cheating vs carbing up.

I am not clear as to what you should do.
1) Should I do my normal diet, PLUS more carbs?
2) Can I have an occasional treat, but up the carbs? EG. I had 2 small slices of pecan pie, and then frosted mini wheats with half banana, and then 2hrs later 1 cup of steel cut oats....
There is a BBQ today so Ill be eating meat and the equivalent of yuca (a starchy carb) so Ill be loading up on that, but zero dessert.

Am I doing terrible?
My diet during the week is fine and approved by Nark.

The other week , for example, I ate sushi (didnt binge) but had lots of rice, and a scoop of green tea ice cream.

Is my idea ok? Just a little cheat, and mostly carbs?

Thanks big guy
Cardio

[DSM4Life]

Look at what nova wrote me: (I sent him this before I created this thread).
Im going nuts....
He makes it seem that carbs are much better and that I am doing myself a disservice by "cheating."
I Googled it, searched it on bb.com, and here, and everyone seems to cheat.
Especially if you're closer to your goal or single digit bf%.
But then again they probably "carbup" if they want more results.
Any1?

Everyone is different and so will be their diet/goals/progress. He says "a potato is fine," well guess what on my diet, no its not. He can't tell you what and when to eat unless he knows your diet and goals. Does he ?

You ARE NOT, i repeat NOT going to be just be able to copy a diet somewhere and have it work wonders. Like i said before we are ALL different and so will be our individual required nutrition to grow. The only process that will help you figure that out is trial and error. For example: Low carbs work for some but not others. Some might need high carbs to grow. etc etc

[FireGuy]

If it's planned and thought to be beneficial it's not a cheat meal.

[DCI]

Quality thread enjoy reading all this every time I come on here I learn some more. For me personally, my cheat meal was the whole of this weekend it shall be ended now. Time for some breaking my ass in the gym I can't wait. I'm actually excited to push myself again. Anyone ever feel like that?? That you need the challenge mentally to see how far you can do it

[cardiodan]

If it's planned and thought to be beneficial it's not a cheat meal.

What do you mean? Are you talking about carbups or scheduled non bodybuilding foods. (pizza, burgers etc).

BTW, Damien I hate off days.....While I have fun, I have the need to elevate my HR....
So I can barely wait for the gym.

Any1 have more opinions?

[Phate]

What do you mean? Are you talking about carbups or scheduled non bodybuilding foods. (pizza, burgers etc).

BTW, Damien I hate off days.....While I have fun, I have the need to elevate my HR....
So I can barely wait for the gym.

Any1 have more opinions?

i believe he means that it's not cheating if you are eating a meal that will cause progress, cheating is a negative term, though not always in bodybuilding, so doing something that is positive is not cheating

[AdamGH]

I Googled it, searched it on bb.com, and here, and everyone seems to cheat.

hate those forums at bb.com. the 16 year olds giving people shitty advice to everyone drives me nuts. off topic sorry but been involved with this thread over there about drinking diet soda. wanna pull my hair out.

[FireGuy]

i believe he means that it's not cheating if you are eating a meal that will cause progress, cheating is a negative term, though not always in bodybuilding, so doing something that is positive is not cheating

Exactly, if you are planning a high carb day once a week and are eating foods you normally would not and have determined it will actually help then to me that is not cheating. Cheating is when you have a lack of discipline and eat something or more of something than you were supposed to.

I have never endorsed the "cheating" term when it comes to dieting. I always related cheating to doing something to gain an unfair advantage. Eating crap you are not supposed to be eating 180 degrees away from gaining an unfair advantage.

[cardiodan]

hate those forums at bb.com. the 16 year olds giving people shitty advice to everyone drives me nuts. off topic sorry but been involved with this thread over there about drinking diet soda. wanna pull my hair out.

It's why I joined this one

Fireguy:
So you think "cheating" is not the best term.
By eating foods we are not supposed to shocks the metabolism and gives us an advantage over others that do not cheat. Did I understand correctly?

[DCI]

BTW, Damien I hate off days.....While I have fun, I have the need to elevate my HR....
So I can barely wait for the gym.

It's great aint it Can't wait now, heading tomorrow and gonna hammer legs haven't done them for a while.

[novastepp]

You are definitely a text-book overanalyzer.

Your off days are more important to overall growth than your training days. To rest and repair is the ultimate goal in muscle building and body composition. Don't take them for granted, they are the source of your good workouts.

As far as cheating goes, it looks like DSM has hit the nail on the head with you. If you want to do it, do it. Everyone has a varying level of dedication and discipline. Many can and do have regular cheats and do fine. Good for them. I myself have chosen a lifestyle that enjoys keeping my diet in check and reevaluating my approach and trying new things. I like carbing up. I like the way it makes me feel. I like the way it helps my workouts. I like that I can count on those days to fuel me forward in my goals. Carb cycling is also a great way to provide a "metabolic lift" without crap calories, but to each his own. When i cheat i feel like i could have done better, and isn't that the goal for everyone here? being better?

So again, I myself think there are much better ways of going about teh cheating situation. Now, does that mean if some girls want to go out with me and some buddies i wont go; no way. My lifestyle isn't constant, in fact i do change things often. It's all about where you are and where you want to be. If i want to be half naked with a blonde bird balancing on my balls, i'll do what i have to do to get there. If i want to bulk up or shred some fat, i know i have to be a little more serious about things.

[cardiodan]

LOL every1 here says I overanlyze!
It's the way I learn

Thanks every1
If any1 else is an overanalyzer, post questions here and have them analyzed
It's been a good thread. THanks!
Cardio

[Panzerfaust]

You are definitely a text-book overanalyzer.

Your off days are more important to overall growth than your training days. To rest and repair is the ultimate goal in muscle building and body composition. Don't take them for granted, they are the source of your good workouts.

As far as cheating goes, it looks like DSM has hit the nail on the head with you. If you want to do it, do it. Everyone has a varying level of dedication and discipline. Many can and do have regular cheats and do fine. Good for them. I myself have chosen a lifestyle that enjoys keeping my diet in check and reevaluating my approach and trying new things. I like carbing up. I like the way it makes me feel. I like the way it helps myworkouts. I like that I can count on those days to fuel me forward in my goals. Carb cycling is also a great way to provide a "metabolic lift" without crap calories, but to each his own. When i cheat i feel like i could have done better, and isn't that the goal for everyone here? being better?

So again, I myself think there are much better ways of going about teh cheating situation. Now, does that mean if some girls want to go out with me and some buddies i wont go; no way. My lifestyle isn't constant, in fact i do change things often. It's all about where you are and where you want to be. If i want to be half naked with a blonde bird balancing on my balls, i'll do what i have to do to get there. If i want to bulk up or shred some fat, i know i have to be a little more serious about things.

If it works for YOU, then go with it. A very good answer Nova, its all about what works for each individual. One guy might eat like a pig on a cheat meal while another simpy carbs up. Who is to say one is right or one is wrong if both are able to reach their goals. And then do both have the same goals?

So many variables come into play and I have noticed you are good about making sure people know that what works for one does not work for another.

[BIG TEXAN]

You are definitely a text-book overanalyzer.

Your off days are more important to overall growth than your training days. To rest and repair is the ultimate goal in muscle building and body composition. Don't take them for granted, they are the source of your good workouts.

As far as cheating goes, it looks like DSM has hit the nail on the head with you. If you want to do it, do it. Everyone has a varying level of dedication and discipline. Many can and do have regular cheats and do fine. Good for them. I myself have chosen a lifestyle that enjoys keeping my diet in check and reevaluating my approach and trying new things. I like carbing up. I like the way it makes me feel. I like the way it helps my workouts. I like that I can count on those days to fuel me forward in my goals. Carb cycling is also a great way to provide a "metabolic lift" without crap calories, but to each his own. When i cheat i feel like i could have done better, and isn't that the goal for everyone here? being better?

So again, I myself think there are much better ways of going about teh cheating situation. Now, does that mean if some girls want to go out with me and some buddies i wont go; no way. My lifestyle isn't constant, in fact i do change things often. It's all about where you are and where you want to be. If i want to be half naked with a blonde bird balancing on my balls, i'll do what i have to do to get there. If i want to bulk up or shred some fat, i know i have to be a little more serious about things.

AMEN!!!


Cheat meals....being as strict as I am and barely 3 weeks out from my show all I can think about is pancakes...LOL Thank god tonight is my carbup night....1/2 cup oats, 1/2 banana, 4oz sweet tater...mmmmm...sanity.

[novastepp]

AMEN!!!


Cheat meals....being as strict as I am and barely 3 weeks out from my show all I can think about is pancakes...LOL Thank god tonight is my carbup night....1/2 cup oats, 1/2 banana, 4oz sweet tater...mmmmm...sanity.

good luck to you my friend. Do you have any precontest threads going? how about some pics? I know your stats are, well...BIG.

Let us know how it goes!

[BIG TEXAN]

good luck to you my friend. Do you have any precontest threads going? how about some pics? I know your stats are, well...BIG.

Let us know how it goes!

Been posting my journal on another board...I'll def post up some pics after the show...my girl has a bunch of pics that are current...just gotta make the time to post em. Haven't really posted to much about it....coming off a back injury from 2 years ago so I'm not coming in as heavy as I used to...right now I'm down to 5% 222lbs....and at 6'2"...I'm a good size but far from my past comp weight of 245ish-250ish....what happens when ya rupture a couple of discs. Next year I'll be back at 270 in the off season and back at my normal weight...these next two shows are just a trial run to see where I'm at and if my back can handle it...and so far everything is right on the money, except being 20 pounds lighter than where I want to be.

[novastepp]

Been posting my journal on another board...I'll def post up some pics after the show...my girl has a bunch of pics that are current...just gotta make the time to post em. Haven't really posted to much about it....coming off a back injury from 2 years ago so I'm not coming in as heavy as I used to...right now I'm down to 5% 222lbs....and at 6'2"...I'm a good size but far from my past comp weight of 245ish-250ish....what happens when ya rupture a couple of discs. Next year I'll be back at 270 in the off season and back at my normal weight...these next two shows are just a trial run to see where I'm at and if my back can handle it...and so far everything is right on the money, except being 20 pounds lighter than where I want to be.

Eh' when you get the opportunity to bulk, your body will recogniz where you were with size, and I'm betting you can return to your former size fairly easily. Again, good luck!

[fit4ever180]

do u go above maintenance WHILE CUTTING?

This is something I'm still working with and will put to the true test here in another couple months, but I tried it a little over a month before I started bulking just for the hell of it. I dropped about 7lbs. over this time and still felt pretty energized for the most part.

Criticisms on this would be greatly appreciated here, as well as any questions.

I was trying to cut while staying above maintenance all the time. I generally stayed 100-300 calories above maintenance and just did some extra cardio to drop the weight. This way I kept all my macros relatively high including carbs (generally 320-360g ed) and it seemed like it took alot longer for me to feel carb depleted, at which time I was doing a 500g carb recovery day or two depending on how I felt. While cutting, I did cardio everyday for 30-50minutes at 60-80%. How hard I push the cardio, depended on how I felt. Just for reference in 30 minutes, I would typically burn 630-720 calories according to the machines (although i'm not sure of there accuracy).

[T_Own]

i think pretty much everyone here is over the top.. i'm with dsm on this one. unless your body is your job, don't stress so much. in the end, stressing over something as stupid as what extra to eat is gonna hurt your body more than just eating whatever! you may say most people don't have the look to back up all the talk and i would definitely agree. i eat terribly, pretty much anything any time, but because i'm always active and young, i don't get fat. i would never trade eating things that are good just to lose 5 pounds. i can keep ~8% bf without trying at all, so to me eating bland food all the time isn't worth it.

pretty much, do what you WANT not what people say. i'm going to eat some leftover chinese right now......

[cardiodan]

Hm....
Not every1 has your metabolism I hope you undesrtand that.
You are also doing youself a disservice health wise eating (leftover) chinese and the crap you proudly eat.
Im just looking for the edge. Congratulations on the metabolism, too bad I don't have the same as you do.

Just so you know, I enjoy following a diet because of the discipline it builds.
And man, if you've ever tried to go lower your usual 8%, by dieting/cutting/
you will see that man, you appreciate the cheat foods (which are normal foods to you) much more than normal. Think about that!

I dont know if you saw, in the History/Discovery channel, a show called HOW THINGS ARE MADE, and they were showing butcher shops and sausage making factories. It's simply disgusting. Makes you think twice about eating chinese chicken (which is 3/4 battered fat that has masking agents and flavors) and processed junk.

I LOVE CUTTING!
(Im just trying to convince myself, so I can get through it)!



But seriously, eating better isn't just for looks.

[Rugger02]

Good post.
Agreed 100%

I LOVE CUTTING TOO!
Ugh...

[cardiodan]

Ppl seeing me diet always marvel at my discipline.
Mid week restaurant at the Indian Place? No , I gotta have my canned chicken.
Sushi for dinner? No, gotta have my tuna.

PPL really notice your discipline. It turns out to be respect theyre feeling.
Just another reason to love cutting.

[T_Own]

idk about all that.. yes its true it does build discipline but back in high school when i wrestled i would be cutting 14-16 pounds by the end of the season to make weight. so i don't really want to hear about a lack of discipline when i would go 3 days on a banana an orange maybe two bottles of water, and still practice and cut the rest. you mention the feeling of getting a nice low bf and seeing the results, well i've also done that. going from my normal weight (175) to my weight class (160) i got measured and was 6% bf (unhydrated) but it still was pretty impressive

i guess it proves to each his own. i would rather indulge in life and make up my ground by working hard running or swimming (my cardio when its too cold to run outside) that take away mostly all the good foods and do less in other areas

[Rugger02]

Different strokes for different folks gentlemen...

[novastepp]

idk about all that.. yes its true it does build discipline but back in high school when i wrestled i would be cutting 14-16 pounds by the end of the season to make weight. so i don't really want to hear about a lack of discipline when i would go 3 days on a banana an orange maybe two bottles of water, and still practice and cut the rest. you mention the feeling of getting a nice low bf and seeing the results, well i've also done that. going from my normal weight (175) to my weight class (160) i got measured and was 6% bf (unhydrated) but it still was pretty impressive

i guess it proves to each his own. i would rather indulge in life and make up my ground by working hard running or swimming (my cardio when its too cold to run outside) that take away mostly all the good foods and do less in other areas

good? nope.

and what you said in no way pertains to bodybuilding discipline. it does, however, show a neglect for proper diet and training. neither of which cut it in regard to bodybuilding or cardiodan's goals.

and indulging in your life, is not even close to the kind of indulgence cardiodan is talking about.

[T_Own]

ok.. well obviously you are on the entire other side of the spectrum on this one. i'm not saying i go out 5 times a day and eat the worst food i can find, but i'm saying when i want to eat something GOOD, i won't worry for days about eating a fresh philly cheesesteak (when i'm around there) or things of that nature. you can say its a different kind of discipline, but its all mental toughness is it not? one thing helps when it comes time for the next