Cheat Day, Feel Great

(Nathan Toben) #1

Disclaimer: talk of sweets.

Yesterday I had a big mountain run planned - ive really been pushing the envelope recently. I ended up changing plans and proceeded to eat off-plan all day, pizza, ice cream, cinnamon rolls, cereal. Maybe something like 12,000 calories for the day. Slept for 11 hours.

And today…I feel great. Strange. Usually there is a lot of guilt and shame surrounding my binges but this time, I was only mildly agitated and i feel really grounded in my body.

Does anyone else experience an increase in wellbeing after a cheat day?

Back to keto today, fasting roughly 18hrs until a yummy pork and egg dinner with pork rinds and butter.

#2

I don’t believe in cheat days! Keto is a way of life not a temporary fad diet (to me). I might have a few bites of sweet potato or some pinto beans now and then.

#3

Not to discount your theory, but maybe it was the combination of getting in 11 hours of sleep as well. Letting your body do what it needed to do. Like a reset.

I wonder if you had to get up and work or do something where you had to interrupt your rest and digest cycle, maybe it wouldn’t feel as great.

Edited to add: I’ve never felt physically better after a free for all, but I’m much better mentally at dealing with the aftermath. I practice falling off the proverbial wagon quite a bit :wink:

#4

Well I’m pleased to hear you skipped the guilt & shame & I’m dead envious of the 11 hrs sleep! I rarely eat off plan - migraines ensue - but I do find if I’m having trouble sleeping my usual 8 hours that upping my calories can help.

#5

I miss my carb induced sleep comas

(Nicole Silvia) #6

Actually, yes, it does make a lot of sense!

I’ve found a lot of info on carb cycling. I can try to share those videos. But even Delaur does it and recommends it. He recommends low glycemic carbs of course, but if you want something else, go for it. Everyone so far says your body will give you signals as to when it needs some. Basically, you can make a meal or a day of it and then as you said, fast and back to keto.

You are extremely athletic and one of my favorite people on here btw! :wink: I personally think your needs are going to vary from others aND I’m sure you know your body well enough to gauge this and adjust as necessary.

I think carbs are important for some people and some activities. They aren’t evil. They have a purpose ( immediate energy) and humans certainly ate them in “the wild” (not that it matters to me what primal man did or didn’t do).

Sounds like this worked well for you and maybe you can do it once in a while if it helps :slight_smile:

(Nicole Silvia) #7

I thought keto helped with sleep? That was one of the benefits claimed

#8

Perhaps it does for others but it never made any appreciable difference to mine. I’m generally a good sleeper but I still have nights where I don’t get as much as I’d like.

(Brian Chandler) #9

Lucky. I end up feeling like I have a hangover now. :wink: I think cheat day is ok, but not often. Definately not weekly. I’ve done mine twice a year so far. Halloween, and usually a birthday or holiday (whichever has the best dessert.)

#10

As a former binge eater, I’m a little afraid of having a carb day - my worry is that it would spiral. I’ve read a lot of different viewpoints on having the occasional carb day, and my personal viewpoint is that for many people they make sense in terms of long-term sustainability. I just am hesitant to open that door. Props to you for getting back on track!

(KetoQ) #11

Hi Nathan –

I enjoy reading your posts, always very thoughtful and insightful. Keep them coming.

I’ve been keto for about 120 days and the extent of my cheating is 3000-3500 calories of keto food, with maybe two pieces of fruit. I’ve been able to not give into temptation of sugary and carby foods.

I still have weight to lose, so I don’t want to go on a carb bender. But even when I eat too much, I think of the trend I have established for weight loss and health. So when I do have my big cheat day, it will just be a blip on the radar. I’ll indulge, enjoy it for what it is and hope to feel good about it.

But hey, you’re the Michael Phelps of this board and can burn up those extra calories in no time. Enjoy the food and the extra sleep.

Cheers,
Q