I’ll be completely honest, I never thought intermittent fasting (IF) would be for me. I really had no reason to research it, or try it, because the truth is I love to exercise and love to eat healthy. But my curiosity got the best of me, and I really wanted to know more about IF, and I love learning about anything involving health and nutrition.
Intermittent Fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that rotates through eating and fasting. There are several options for your timeframe for fasting, but most commonly, a 16 hour fast in a 24 hour period is a popular option. This means you are only eating within an 8 hour period and fast in the 16 hours in between that timeframe. Besides weight loss, some studies show that this eating pattern can have positive benefits for your energy and focus.
After listening to a lot of podcasts, and a lot of reading, I decided the 16 hours fasting, 8 hours eating fasting method is what would work best for me. I mean Hugh Jackman does it, so it’s gotta be good right?! My typical day is a window of eating from 9-5, 10-6, 11-7, just depending on my day. As you may know, I got to bed in the 8’s, so stopping eating earlier is easier for me. I like a longer window for me, because I have a very active lifestyle and do some type of exercise daily. I’ve tried my IF window for 5 days a week with a looser schedule on the weekends. Research shows that women do well with a shorter 14-15 hour fasting frame, so I make mine a little shorter sometimes. There are sooo many different ways to do IF. Here is a great Link that details 6 different ways you can do IF.
I have been trying IF for about 4 weeks. I had a vacation during that time, which I didn't stay on the plan and have skipped some days here and there. I have been staying on track for about the past 2 weeks.
Initial Thoughts
The Bad
I haven't reached the points where I am not having hunger pains, and the non-eating window is super easy for me. I think that will take another week or so to work itself out. I am definitely ready to eat when it is time. I wouldn't say I am miserable by any means, I just am ready to eat.
The black coffee. I mean I live for a good coffee. I have even done a blog post on all the goodness I love to put in there. It is tough. Some theories say zero anything or you break your fast. Some think that if you keep your coffee intake under 50 calories, you stay fasted. I will tend to stay in the middle and only use a tiny splash of Nutpods to break the black coffee taste.
Overthinking eating time frames can be tough. I have found myself staring a the clock a few times waiting to eat. It mainly happens on the weekend if we are not go, go, go, or if I am driving on the road in the car. I also have to really listen to my body if I'm not hungry, when my window is almost over to stop myself from over eating. A few times I have probably stuffed my face because I knew I wasn't going to be eating again for a while. It has made me be more aware of my hunger cues and try to only eat when I am truly hungry.
The Good
My energy levels have been amazing. It kinda snuck up on me that it was happening. I always love my weekend naps. At least one day during the weekend, I try to take a good nap with the family. It was Sunday evening and I said to my husband, "I haven't even napped or thought about napping." It was great! I can for sure say that I have felt better and have more energy which is the best part for me.
One of the main reasons I didn't want to try IF was that my workouts are so intense sometimes, I didn't want to be weak or not have energy to do them. I will say the first few early morning harder workouts (Yoga Sculpt or Barry's) were a tiny bit challenging, but that ended quickly. I now feel totally fine for my early morning workout, and feel just as strong even during my fasting period. I still take my Advocare Catalyst before my workouts, but that is it.
I am really liking a stopping time especially at night. It is so easy to snack after dinner, even when my snacks were super healthy. This gives me an end time and goal to not eat anything til my next eating window.
Less bloating! I definitely feel like you keep that "morning skinny" stomach longer.
You technically can eat what you like during your eating window. I still stick to my lower carb, higher fiber diet, because that is what I believe in, know, and love. If you don't like counting carbs, calories, fat, this could be a perfect option for you because its all about your time window not what you eat. Obviously if weight loss if your goal the healthier you eat, the quicker you can achieve those goals.
Neither good or bad information, but I have not lost any pounds. I didn't go into this to necessarily lose weight. One of the benefits to IF is muscle toning and people lose inches. I do feel some clothes are a tad looser. I will be better about taking measurements, so I can report back better on this.
The podcast that I have been listening to is
IFpodcast. I don't do my IF exactly like these ladies, but they have great information, and break it down in a way I can understand. Check them out!
I have lots to write about and so much information that I have gathered. These are just my initial thoughts. I will keep you updated on my progress and share with you what I learn as I go.
XOXO,
Crystal
