Hello Fasting Foodie Friend!
I wanted to share something that made me feel extra grateful for my intermittent fasting lifestyle: celebrating my husband Matt’s *40th* birthday! As a mom and wife who loves making the people in my life feel special, I was excited to go with the flow and let Matt’s birthday be all about him—without stressing over food choices.
You see, before I started intermittent fasting, birthdays (and really any celebration) used to be a bit of a mental tug-of-war for me. I was always trying to balance enjoying the moment with making sure I didn’t go over my calorie count or mess up my carefully tracked weight watcher points. I remember agonizing over menu options and feeling guilty about cake—or worse, trying to avoid it altogether. The joy of the celebration would sometimes get overshadowed by this constant internal battle. Sound familiar?
But this year, with Matt’s birthday, things were different. Thanks to intermittent fasting, I was able to fully enjoy the day without stressing over every bite. Since I practice OMAD (One Meal a Day), I simply moved my eating window to match whatever Matt had planned for his special day. Whether we were grabbing breakfast at his favorite diner or having a late-night dessert after a fun day out, I didn’t have to worry about food rules or restrictions. It feels so freeing!
For a moment I had to ask, was it Matt’s or my birthday? He chose to get Thai carry-out… a personal favorite of mine!! Certainly window worth and worth fasting for!!
Instead of spending my energy calculating points or calories, I got to focus on what really matters—making Matt feel celebrated and loved. That’s the beauty of intermittent fasting. It’s not about what I’m eating but when. And that small shift has opened up so much space for joy and flexibility in my life. No food is off-limits, and I get to enjoy every moment without guilt or second-guessing.
Here is his birthday cake. He picked the flavor, I picked the design! Him and the TMNT both turn 40 this year! I had to add whimsy.
This approach would have felt impossible back when I was on strict diets. If I hadn’t hit my calorie goal or indulged in “forbidden” foods, it would’ve felt like a failure. And what kind of way is that to celebrate the people we love, right?
On Matt’s birthday, I had cake with zero stress, I enjoyed the meal we shared together, and I was able to stay present. The best part? I didn’t have that bloated or overly full feeling that used to come with overeating or indulgingin ways that didn’t align withmy diet plan. Instead, I felt satisfied—both with the food and the experience.
At the end of the day, this is why I love intermittent fasting. It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle that lets me enjoy the things and people I care about most. It’s about freedom, flexibility, and focusing on what’s important—making memories, not counting macros!
So, here’s to more celebrations, more flexibility, and more joy! If you’ve ever struggled with the pressure of food choices at family events or special occasions, I hope this brings you a little encouragement. You can celebrate fully and still stay on track. It’s all about when, not what.
Wishing you all the joy and flexibility in your own celebrations!
Chow Down & Caio!
Jackie
