Can you allow yourself to "cheat" once a week on the Low Carbs, High Protein Diet

[Quinny 1]

I was banded 5/6/2010 and had lost only 35 lbs by Febrauray of this year. Well, I got on tract on Feb. 1st eating less than 25 Carbs and at least 60 grams of Protein a day. By February 10th I had lost an additiona 8 lbs. I decided I could cheat on the 10th because it was my 5 yr wedding anniversary. I didn't do too bad - had a little popcorn at the movies and maybe 10 chips and queso - ate 1/3 of my grilled chicken and shrimp and a small portion of dessert.

The question I have is if you eat 25 grams or less of carbs a day and then eat a bunch in one day - have you seen your weight increase on the scale a few days later? I was at 237.5 lbs on the 1st and then at 229.5 on the 10th. Since cheating on the 10th, I have gone back to 25 grams of carbs or less a day; but, I weighed this morning (4 days later) and scale showed 231.

Anyone had this experience? I thought if I did really well all week I could "cheat" once a week; but, not if the scale is going to do this each time.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Suggestion - weigh only once a week - same day same time

I've never counted my carb - I just eat my pt first - then veggies and eat limited starchesand sugar and exercise - The only thing I counted during my weight loss phase was calories & pt grms.

Carbs make you retain Water along with the salt - Also - take the word cheat out of your vocabulatry - replace it with Treat -

You gotta remember this is a total lifetime lifestyle change in our eating not a diet.. I eat healthy 98% of the time allow for treats 2% - and have been able to lose 114 lbs and maintain that loss with this approach..

[honk 780]

I think it's probably Water retention. Movie popcorn and restaurant food are very salty. You only gained one pound so that would be my guess. Rememer you have to have a 3500 calorie surplus to gain 1 pound.

[L12 13]

I agree with IndioGirl55--remove the word "cheat" from your vocabulary! It sounds like you didn't get out of control, and made a conscious decision to enjoy a few treats for a special occasion. In my opinion, that's a good way to handle the rest of your life--using awareness and control, but not banning all treats forever.

[Acadia 20]

A 'cheat' day is okay once in a while (generally once a week or once every two weeks). Increase your calories by 300-500 (which isn't much when you record what you're eating).

It will make your weight go up because of the sodium if you eat sodium heavy foods.

But a week later you should notice that your weight is actually down over that longer term.