It is okay to cheat! Some people feel that cheating on your meal plan or "diet" will completely through you off and make you gain a ton of weight. This just isn't true! remember you are making a LIFESTYLE CHANGE!, your not on a diet. It just isn't realistic for you to not have cheat day's or cheat meals. Can you honestly tell me that you are willing to not eat a doughnut for the rest of your life? I MEAN COME ON THEY ARE SO GOOD!
How do we know when to cheat and when to stay strong? I use a very simple rule called "90-10" 90% of the food that I put into my body is healthy, nutritious, and I am aware of whats in it. The other 10% is not necessarily junk food but it is diffidently not as healthy. If I decided that I want that doughnut then I EAT IT. I don't however have two doughnuts, pizza, a coke, chips, and a side of fries. You need to be reasonable and realize that your 10% isn't always fatty nasty crap but your human and you need to treat yourself. Find your balance and stick to it.
Tips to follow
Portion control - If you are going to eat junk food or have a cheat meal know when to stop. If you don't know when to stop then DON'T EAT IT . Wait until you gain knowledge and self control.
Product labels - If you have a choice between a chocolate chip cookie and a chocolate quest bar, pick the quest bar. It is better for you and will help you with that craving. Reading a label and taking the time to make a decision may persuade you not to eat it!
Lifestyle- This is a lifestyle change and you need to treat it as such. You can not be successful if your going to diet! This does not mean you can eat whatever you want. Remember you tried that and it didn't work. What it does mean is you need to start making smart, realistic choices.
Carry Snacks- I always carry a water bottle and a snack. When you are tempted by a "cheat snack" and there is nothing to relieve that craving you are more likely to fail. If you have a healthy snack instead, success is much more likely. Bring a piece of fruit, granola bar, quest bar, exc....
