I don't think of it as 'cheating' but instead, making an unwise food choice (or choices).

Once I knew this was my way of eating forever, it stopped being a 'diet' i.e., ON it for now, then OFF it later, the pressure was off! I am in no hurry to health. It took me 40+ years to get in this poor shape and it will be awhile for me to get back to health.

Every day, every meal is a new choice. If I make a poor choice, I forgive myself and try to make a wiser choice next time. No room for beating myself up, being bummed, falling into a pit or any of that junk. It's too destructive! Been there, done that, not going back!!

That's how I do this!