Why did Sai Baba behave like a householder, and what were his actual eating habits if he wasn't fasting?

Chapter 23 explains that although Sai Baba possessed perfect renunciation, He behaved like a householder specifically for the purpose of guiding people and giving instruction to His dependents. This was part of His unique method of teaching. Regarding His habits, He did not practice fasting or other austerities. His sustenance came from daily alms, or Madhukari, where He would ask for bread from certain houses. He ate very little and was completely detached from the pleasure of taste, never craving sweets or indulging His tongue. He accepted whatever was given, good or plain, and considered it sweet.