Let’s say that I can manage my diet well with a slight calorie deficit, but at the same time I want to treat myself to a cheat meal on Saturday to have that incentive to continue it (perhaps by being an Omad that day in such a way as to concentrate all the calories). Has anyone done or does this way had good results? I’m usually the type who is very strict when starting a diet, but I don’t have many pounds left to lose and it becomes difficult for me to maintain it without straying from time to time.
Perfectly reasonable way to approach it if you ask me. There are many approaches to IF, and I think the most important thing about this lifestyle is to pick the approach that works for you and your life. I also wouldn’t call it a cheat, but a reward meal 😉
I’ve done IF for 4-5 years, the whole weekend is often a cheat meal if we’re really enjoying ourselves, and I rarely fluctuate more than 1lb over average on Monday morning. I just stay in the window of eating.
I have a cheat day every Saturday. I’ve been doing 16:8 since the last week of September and have lost about 5kg. I started at 66kg so I’m not extremely overweight. I think it’s been successful for me because I don’t think it’s sustainable without some flexibility.