A lot of times on in various different postings I see where people say they ate like crap for a day or a couple of days. I get that this is obviously not following the program. But I am curious what people actually considered to be eating like crap? Does this mean you OD on Doritos? Do you have donuts? Is it eating hamburgers and pizza? Is it just starting to eat the bread with your meals? Or are you someone who has lots of skinny pop and things that are not "as naughty" but you snack all through the day?

I realize we're all different and we have different triggers, but I think will be interesting to see the answers. Personally I feel like I am eating like crap if I have chips at all. I also feel like it if I snack through the day.

For me it's too much sugar or too many white carbs. I try to limit both, and when I indulge too much on either, it causes terrible cravings and really does make me feel like crap. Hence the "eating like crap"

I definately had an eat like crap day today. I stayed within my calorie limit, am down a little on Protein because I had too many carbs and white carbs.

The day started out great but we made in unplanned dinner at a pizza restaurant.

Because they were well known for their thin crispy crust pizza I did indulge. Which means I had two very small pieces and a couple of breaded mushrooms. Of course, it was fantastic and it doesn't make me sick per se but I don't feel as good as when I stick to protein and veggies. I was really sassy because this pizza had crispy pepperoni on it so I was nibbling on that just to push some extra protein. At least that is what I told myself.

We rarely do this sort of thing but had gone to my granddaughters basketball game. So everyone went after the game.

So I know, that I will likely stall after a day like that which is fine. I won't gain because I didn't eat enough for that to happen.

Eating like crap to me means I ate things that didn't sit well with my body. Examples: soda, candy, in and out, too much caffeine, potato chips, too much sugar.

I try not to make any foods forbidden because that would just make me want to eat them more. I try and focus on eating what I know will make me feel good all day.

Unless you're a fly, "eating like crap" is probably the refined white flour & sugar, high caloric junk foods like chips, ice cream, Cookies, excessive daily servings of Pasta, rice and white bread, etc.

Eating like crap to me is feeling out of control and eating stuff that I wouldn't normally eat but feel like it is beyond me to rein myself in. The only way around it is to get up the next day and start fresh.

Eating like crap to me is a day when I eat like I used to before surgery. I never did this until recently, but I will eat whatever I want, whenever I want, and more than I want. Just grazing all day, and not counting calories, Protein, or carbs. Just a crazy free for all. Never thought I would do that again, but once in a while, I just need a break. Of course, I have to get right back on the diet or I will weigh over 300 pounds again. I wish I could say I would never do it again, but I know better. Obesity is a terrible disease, and most of the time, I am in remission. Once in a while, I have an exacerbation.

Wow, these are all great answers! I really appreciate the honesty from everyone. I know that we are all different but as I was reading several of these posts, I was thinking "EXACTLY!" That is totally me. I am so glad to hear how others go "off the reservation" and then get back on the right path. I have learned that chocolate chip Cookies are just too much of a trigger for me. Those have to leave the house FAST or I will totally have an eating like crap day!

Obviously the important thing is not that we have an off day, but that we recognize it and get back on to our standard program/schedule. We are human after all. That doesn't (and shouldn't) give us the mental right to do it everyday or let's face it, we would be back where we started. However, I keep reminding myself this isn't a sprint, it is a marathon so I need to work on pacing myself. If I choose to eat something that is bad for me I make sure I do it knowingly and more importantly I log it! (something I totally hate doing...)

I'll give you an example.

I was up early this morning....coffee and the news.

I cooked Breakfast for the family. I had some eggs and a small piece of the breakfast ham. They had biscuits, too. After all was said an done there was one biscuit leftover.

I could have had it....but gave it to the dogs instead. ( I know....bad pet owner feeding them that "crap") That single biscuit wouldn't' have wrecked my plan for the day.......but an hour later I'd most like have desires for more junk...a handful of chips 'n dip or whatever. In other words it could have easily led to eating like crap today.....still under calorie goal, but nowhere near my Protein goal.

The fridge and cabinets are filled with Cookies, Doritos and other such stuff. It doesn't even register anymore. That's "their" food. I reach up to the top shelf for "my" food.....packs of tuna, protein powders and etc.

I've been in maintenance for a couple of years now, only occasionally logging anything anymore and maintaining pretty well. I never logged anything but Protein when I did journal during my loss phase and have enjoyed daily treats in small amounts worked into my plan and without guilt. So I'm not really "judgy" on myself as long as I'm meeting my protein goals and maintaining weight it's all "allowed".

For me, it's more when I know I'm crossing that "control" line. For example, Boom Chicka Pop with dark chocolate and sea salt. This is a product I should not have in my house! When it's there, I'll eat it till it's gone. Never all in one sitting as I physically can't anymore, but a little all day long on a weekend day or over the course of 2 days. Just Way. Too. Much. Till it's gone and I feel like crap. When I've done that, there's no way I can meet my protein goals. There's only so much room, ya know? Surprisingly enough, it doesn't always lead to gaining a few pounds either, as long as the behavior is not prolonged and I maintain my 5 day a week exercise habit. But it makes me feel like crap, mentally and physically just the same.

So what do I do to recover? Journal for a few days and return to moderately clean, high protein eating. I always feel better when I'm PROPERLY fueled!

Personally I don't consider anything crap. Since my surgery journey I've gained self control and have a good relationship with food. So if i want some junk food I can have a little bit and be happy. I can have a couple spoons of ice cream or a cookie or a handful of chips and feel happy and satisfied with that

I know ME. I am afraid to get into the "crap" game. Twice I have felt like crap because I over-ate on tuna salad, (a double portion because I didn't want to waste it,,,, uhh yea, right) and bbq pork burnt pork tips,,,, oooh soooo gooood. I am just concerned that once I start having that first handful of chips, or samples of Cookies that I will be off and running. That is so much of a predictor of my past behavior that I am not willing to chance it at this point. Maybe there will be a day I can do it, but for now, I'm going to do my best not to put myself in that situation.

In addition to what I already posted, eating highly processed foods (which many times are heavily comprised of refined flour and sugar, fats, etc).

I feel healthier when I am eating foods that are not highly processed and full of preservatives or at least minimize the foods that are.

This weekend I have skinny pop and a small piece of chocolate at the movies!!! It was so good but a treat I won't be doing it everyday.

I wish I'd never tasted the crap foods, as I find it hard to eliminate them now. It's a handful here and there. Chocolate, potato chips, soda are all on that list. I can only eat small quantities of these foods which is a blessing, but 7 months out I worry it's a slippery slope. I'm at my goal weight but am terrified of regain and know I need to curb these habits sooner rather than later. Thinking about a 5 day liquid diet to reset.

Eating like crap to me means I ate things that didn't sit well with my body. Examples: soda, candy, in and out, too much caffeine, potato chips, too much sugar.

I try not to make any foods forbidden because that would just make me want to eat them more. I try and focus on eating what I know will make me feel good all day.

This is the same for me. If something is forbidden, then I want it more, end up having it and then having guilt and so the vicious cycle begins. My theory is the same: focus on what makes you feel good. If you really want something naughty then let yourself have a little, then get right back to healthy after.