Cheat days when you do intermediate fasting every day

I have practicing intermediate fasting from 31 Dec 2024 till now. I have also up my fasting from 16 hours to 24 hours to see how far i can fast without any food. So far i have go to only 24 hours and i did not see any noticeable changes to my blood pressure. It is still maintaining at 110/80+. I believe that the food i consume is the key. Do note. CNY is definitely around the corner and i will definitely want to enjoy a bit for the 2 days. Do note balance is the key. These are the points i will note when i do the cheat. 

1. Balance Is Key

• Cheat Days vs. Cheat Meals: Instead of an entire "cheat day," consider a cheat meal where you indulge once during your eating window.
• Stick to your fasting schedule even if your eating choices vary; this keeps your fasting pattern consistent.

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2. Plan Your Cheat Days

• Choose social events or special occasions for your cheat days to align with your fasting and personal life.
• Return to your normal fasting routine the next day.

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3. Avoid Guilt

• One cheat day won’t ruin your progress if it’s occasional.
• View it as part of a sustainable approach rather than a "failure."

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4. Be Mindful of Overeating

• Even on cheat days, listen to your hunger cues and avoid binge eating.
• Overeating can cause discomfort and disrupt the benefits of fasting, like maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

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5. Stay Hydrated

• Drinking water, herbal tea, or black coffee during your fasting period can help manage cravings even after a cheat day.

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6. Monitor Your Body’s Response

• Some people find that cheat days help them stick to IF long-term, while others feel sluggish or find it harder to return to their routine.
• Experiment with what works best for your body and goals.

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7. The 80/20 Rule

• Aim to follow your IF routine 80% of the time and allow 20% for flexibility.
• This balance allows you to enjoy life without sacrificing progress.

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Final Tip

If cheat days or meals are frequent, consider re-evaluating your fasting schedule or eating approach to ensure it aligns with your goals while remaining enjoyable