I was once on a Dr monitored program of diet (not carnivore but somewhat lower carb) and exercise and once a month if we met our goals we were allowed one day of all you can eat whatever you want.
I lost 100 lbs with that. BUT life happened and I could no longer afford the program and what I lost in a year was back and more 3-4 years later.
I recently decided enough is enough and started to do water fasts and carnivore OMAD or 20:4 and I’ve been feeling good and losing the weight. I will start training soon to help get a better composition.
SO, is one day of high carb junk food sweets alcohol whatever I want cheat day followed by a few days water fast then back to carnivore until the following month a big deal?
Refeed day. Which are highly recommended. Need to be able to live in a way that you can be consistent for the rest of your life.
I don’t use cheat day as it makes you think you are doing something wrong.
I had two “treat days” last month (I like saying treat), and I didn’t go too overboard. Had some fried sushi and a chicken sandwich and waffle fries. It was delicious, and I found myself actually enjoying the meals rather than just being “meh” about it. Like, it was nice to be able to go out and not have to worry about cooking that day.
This month I went and sat down by myself at a restaurant and enjoyed my meal, cut it in half and had the other half the next day. I think it’s generally about enjoying your food and seeing long term sustainable habits that you can do the rest of your life.
So don’t think of it as a cheat, see it as a treat. :)