intermittent fasting for dummies (i.e., me)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gone are the days when DCUM shrieked that fasting was disordered, unhealthy, weird and dangerous.

I can easily see how someone could go to an unhealthy extreme with IF. But someone with unhealthy extremes can take *anything* too far. I have a family member who stayed on keto way too long. Her body started breaking down. I have a friend who counts calories religiously and only eats 1200 a day even though she is already very thin. And then there's my MIL doesn't diet or restrict at all and is unhealthy and obese.

It all comes down to moderation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But does it actually work?

Yes, but not if you gorge yourself with food during your eating window.

Exactly. I IF because I count and restrict calories. I find it much much easier to eat a low calorie diet when I fast. In order to stay a healthy weight at 45, I fast for at least 18hre, restrict carbs, count calories and don’t drink. This way of eating also keeps me mentally healthy and off my antidepressants.

I also throw in a monthly 24hr fast. I’d like to get to 48hrs.

I was only able to do 24-72 hour fasts when my husband was travelling and I was going into the office - to many folks home now who don't want me fasting (my children) or wouldn't understand (my husband). I feel as if it ended up being a secret and that's just stupid.

This is disordered and stupid.

[Anonymous]

IF has been my saving grace. I fast for 20hrs daily. I started at 16hrs, and eventually found my happy spot at 20hrs. I wake up ( still fasting) and start my morning with plain green tea. Make my child’s breakfast and pack lunch. Even though I’m fasting I still enjoy the social aspect of the hustle and bustle of our morning routine as a family all while drinking my tea. Then I workout still fasting. I break my fast usually around 10-11am. I start with protein, then vegetable, complex carbs, and end with fruit. I usually will eat again around 4pm, but other ones I’m content with one meal.

IF is personal to what’s important to you. I want to eat as a family so breakfast is important to me ( even though I’m not eating, and early dinners are important to me for the connection as a family. I still have the freedom for lunch with friends or dinners out. For dinners out I will just adjust my time the next day.

I love IF because I no longer feel like I’m on a diet. I eat quality Whole Foods, and no longer X out certain food groups. I’ve dropped 30lbs so far in 5 months. I also use an IF app to log my times as I would easily forget as my day gets busy. Its helpful to keep myself accountable, and motivates me to keep going.