To cheat or not to cheat

Shape, Oct, 2005

In the article "31 Days to Maximum Weight Loss," author Emily Lapkin says, "Research shows successful weight losers don't ever allow themselves 'cheat days.'" I have been following Body-for-Life (HarperCollins, 1999) for nearly nine months, and it advocates one "free day" per week. To date, I have lost over 50 pounds. My cheat day allows me to feel like I'm not on a diet--and it keeps me motivated. Can you point me to the research you quote, and tell me what qualifies as successful weight loss?

Marcie McDowell

Henderson, Nev.

Pamela Peeke, M.D., M.P.H., author of Body-for-Life for Women (Rodale, 2005), responds: Although some diets advocate throwing calorie caution to the wind one day a week, research proves that a "cheat day" doesn't pay off for women in the long run. In a 2004 study by Brown Medical School and the Miriam Hospital in Providence, R.I., data from more than 1,400 subjects revealed that people who ate about the same amount of food every day were more likely to maintain their weight.

The original Body-for-Life book was written primarily for men. Although some women can lose weight with a cheat day, most can't for one reason: They're more likely to binge. Having a cheat day keeps you from cultivating the healthy relationship with food that keeps pounds off for good--which is the definition of successful weight loss.

I don't like the concept of a cheat day; the term I prefer is balance--a little treat here, a little treat there, all the while maintaining consistency. In Body-for-Life for Women, I recommend the 80/20 rule: Just aim to eat well 80 percent of the time. That extra 20 percent allows you to be human--whether you have PMS, you have a had day or you just need a little chocolate. (For more of Peeke's tips, turn to page 104.)

BUZZ BOX

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