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Realization about cheat days (for me)

So I started intermittent fasting about 3 weeks ago and have seen great results. Other than the weight loss, I’m sleeping better, pooping better (sorry if TMI LOL), and more energy throughout the day. I decided to have myself a cheat day. No fasting window and eating what I want whenever I want. For breakfast, lunch and dinner. Day was filled with pancakes, chicken tenders/fries and closed out my day with a pepperoni pizza. Yikes! What a horrible idea. Woke up the next morning insanely bloated, my workout sucked really bad cuz I had no energy and I was fighting fatigue at work. I’ve come to the realization that cheat days aren’t for me. Can I enjoy a cheat meal here and there as long as I’m in my window? Sure but I can’t disregard the fasting aspect cuz I’ve seen too many benefits. Has anybody else has this problem where they would indulge in an insane cheat day and feel like crap the next day to the point where u wonder if it was worth it? Also how do u guys approach your cheat days if u have them?

Answer

It’s drinking for me. I still drink a couple beers socially with friends but on nights where they “go hard” I just leave and go to bed. I don’t like feeling like crap anymore. It makes my sleep bad, my workout bad, my studies bad. I like feeling good!

Answer

I personally don’t do cheat meals and it’s because I know there are days where I accidentally consume a little more than an actual serving of say, peanut butter. I don’t get mad at myself because it doesn’t add up to a whole lot over the course of a week and I feel ok letting it slide as long as I’m not eating foods that don’t belong in my diet. If I were to start adding cheat meals then I would not only focus on those excess cals but would really regret that extra teaspoon of peanut butter too.

Answer

Not really feeling like crap… I generally feel really well when I’m eating a lot, no matter what.

But I do know that 1-2 cheat days can ruin an entire day of cutting for me. While I’m in the middle of a cheat day I’m always trying to soothe myself that it can’t be as bad but the following days I always have to make up for it.

Singular cheat meals aren’t an issue though.

Answer

For me it’s at most a cheat meal or some sweets Friday evening. Nothing more. If I go all out I feel like shit for two days, energy levels suck. I feel incredibly hungry and sugar cravings are back. Not worth it at all.