If you are following an intermittent fasting regimen, the decision of whether or not to allow yourself a “cheat day” is a personal one that is driven by your unique tastes and goals. Others may find that having a cheat day undermines their efforts and makes it more difficult to get back on track, while others may find that having a cheat day helps them stick to their intermittent fasting plan and provides a mental break. Both of these benefits may help some people stay on track with their plan.
On an intermittent fasting regimen, having a cheat day once in a while might be beneficial because it can provide a mental break and help prevent feelings of deprivation. This is one of the primary justifications in favor of having a cheat day. Some people find that the restrictions and structure of intermittent fasting are difficult to adhere to, and having a day where they are free to eat anything they want might help them feel less stressed and more in control of the situation.
On the other hand, there are a few potential downsides to having a cheat day when following a diet that involves intermittent fasting. Because you may experience feelings of lethargy and bloating after consuming a big amount of food following a cheat day, it may be more challenging for you to get back on track with the plan you created for your intermittent fasting. In addition, having a cheat day may induce you to overindulge and consume more calories than you typically would, which may nullify the positive effects of intermittent fasting and lead to an increase in body weight.
In the end, the answer to the question of whether or not it is acceptable to have a cheat day while following an intermittent fasting plan depends on your own objectives and tastes. If you believe that allowing yourself a cheat day once in a while would assist you in sticking to your plan and provide a mental break, it can be worthwhile to include cheat days as part of your routine. However, if you are concerned about the potential negatives, it is advisable to avoid having a cheat day and focus on sticking to your intermittent fasting plan. This will help you get the most out of the benefits of fasting intermittently.
