Cheaters can never win at weight loss!

I see, hear and read a lot about cheating on diets.

It seems that it happens a lot. Some people cheat because they’re too weak to stick to their diet plan. Other people cheat because they think they’re able to outsmart their diet plan. The one thing I know about people who cheat is they are only cheating themselves out of reaching and maintaining their weight goal.

"I'm eating this on my diet because today is a 'cheat day!'"

“I’m eating this on my diet because today is a ‘cheat day!'”

Cheating undermines success because cheating is a negative behavior.

Cheating may make somebody feel good on the surface. The cheater can tell himself, “I’m so clever. I can get away with this cheat and never get caught.” On a deeper level, however, the cheater may be feeling as though he doesn’t have the power of ability to achieve his goals without resorting to cheating. The feeling that comes from believing cheating is necessary to get ahead undermines success.

Cheating on a diet can cause self-doubt, self- recrimination, and often self-sabotage.

Cheating on a diet can cause self-doubt, self- recrimination, and often self-sabotage.

Why do people need to cheat on diets in the first place?

If you’re thinking it’s because they are weak or undisciplined, or maybe dishonest and unprincipled, you’re wrong. Maybe you think that people cheat because they can’t resist the temptation of their Twinkies and soda pop. I’m pleased to tell you that you are wrong.

People cheat on diets because they are trying to follow a food plan that’s too restrictive.

Zucchini noodles instead of pasta! It's a delicious alternative to wheat-based noodles, but if eating noodles is "cheating," then people are going to cheat.

Zucchini noodles instead of pasta! It’s a delicious alternative to wheat-based noodles, but if eating noodles is “cheating,” then people are going to cheat.

People cheat because some food plans simply leave them hungry, make them eat food they don’t like, and forbid other foods or even entire food groups.

Some people cheat because they have poor coping skills. They use food to try to relieve strong, uncomfortable emotions. They haven’t made the connection that using food that way isn’t a solution; it makes their problems worse.

There should be no guilt associated with burgers and fries but eating this to try to relieve stress usually increases stress levels when eating this meal is thought to be "cheating."

There should be no guilt associated with burgers and fries but eating this to try to relieve stress usually increases stress levels when eating this meal is thought to be “cheating.”

Some people who usually never cheat or lie have trouble remaining honest when it comes to their diets. People with high moral standards and integrity who abhor dishonesty may cheat when it comes to weight loss.

Does it mean they’re not as honest as they thought they were? 

No. It means there is a basic, fundamental problem with diets. If eating is cheating that’s a problem. Humans need to eat. If eating certain foods is cheating, there’s a problem. Humans are driven to eat a wide-variety of foods and to eat the foods that taste the best. People need a cheat proof way to lose weight.

What’s a Cheat Proof way to lose weight?

It’s not hard to build a cheat proof diet. It starts with a goal and an attitude. 

The goal is: I want to eat in a way that supports good health, good taste, and a healthy weight for the rest of my life.

Potato chips are not a "cheat food." They're potato chips. They're  made with added salt and fat, they have about 140 calories per 13 chips serving.  It's okay to eat them and better to eat them occasionally rather than daily.

Potato chips are not a “cheat food.” They’re potato chips. They’re made with added salt and fat, they have about 140 calories per 13 chips serving. It’s okay to eat them and better to eat them occasionally rather than daily.

The attitude is: I want to be able to enjoy all foods and mostly enjoy them in a manner that supports my goal stated above.

It’s not what you eat that makes you a cheat. You can eat the foods you love, without cheating and successfully reduce your weight!

 

Jackie Conn

About Jackie Conn

Jackie Conn is married and has four grown daughters and four grandchildren. She is a Weight Watchers success story. She's a weight loss expert with 25 years of experience guiding women and men to their weight-related goals. Her articles on weight management have been published in health, family and women's magazines. She has been a regular guest on Channel 5 WABI news, FOX network morning program Good Day Maine and 207 on WCSH.