Anonymous wrote:If it keeps you from eating extra calories, then go for it. But in spite of the IF proselytizers here, fasting has no real benefits, so if it isn't working for you, don't force it.

One article explaining it: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/whats-new-in-intermittent-fasting-research-more-not-so-good-news/

And here is one study. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230118092030.htm

It does actually help me restrict calories. What about autophagy? I find that to be an important part of IF - for me! - as my family has a stong history of cancer.

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone here tried intermittent fasting to ditch stubborn lower belly fat? I don't have issues with blood sugar and I'm overall pretty fit and eat well, but my lower stomach has always been the trouble spot. I do have a lot of stress in my life and I'm trying to work on that.

Are you post-menopausal?

If it keeps you from eating extra calories, then go for it. But in spite of the IF proselytizers here, fasting has no real benefits, so if it isn't working for you, don't force it.

One article explaining it: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/whats-new-in-intermittent-fasting-research-more-not-so-good-news/

And here is one study. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230118092030.htm

Has anyone here tried intermittent fasting to ditch stubborn lower belly fat? I don't have issues with blood sugar and I'm overall pretty fit and eat well, but my lower stomach has always been the trouble spot. I do have a lot of stress in my life and I'm trying to work on that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve never found 16 too difficult, but I think a big part of that is drinking coffee (black). It really does suppress my appetite.

Coffee is a great appetite suppressant for me. I add heavy cream, no sugar.

Agreed!!! Me, too!

I have overall cholesterol of 222. I can't put heavy cream in there. And that will break your fast, no?

Drinking it black is probably better, but the fasting Dr guy (I forget his name) says that 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream is ok for insulin resistance purposes bc it's not enough to spike your blood sugar

Anonymous wrote:I’ve never found 16 too difficult, but I think a big part of that is drinking coffee (black). It really does suppress my appetite.

Same. Also, routine makes a big difference. A lot of what we understand as hunger is your body saying "it's time to eat." Once your body gets used to the fast, you don't get those signals anymore. My stomach doesn't rumble during my fast until about an hour before my usual lunchtime.

I’d read the Mindy Pelz book fast like a girl as well as the book feast, fast repeat

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve never found 16 too difficult, but I think a big part of that is drinking coffee (black). It really does suppress my appetite.

Coffee is a great appetite suppressant for me. I add heavy cream, no sugar.

Agreed!!! Me, too!

I have overall cholesterol of 222. I can't put heavy cream in there. And that will break your fast, no?

Heavy cream in your coffee doesn't break your fast because it's primarily fat. Also I would think (I said "think" not "know") that if you eat low to no cholesterol foods throughout the day, then a splash of heavy cream isn't going to move the dial in a negative way for you.

That is how I understand it as well. But if heavy cream doesn't do it for you, have you heard of bulletproof coffee? Coffee with a pat of butter or ghee in it. The fat doesn't break your fast, and really even fewer carbs than heavy cream. I've never tried it. And I suppose the cholesterol concerns are still there with butter or ghee.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve never found 16 too difficult, but I think a big part of that is drinking coffee (black). It really does suppress my appetite.

Coffee is a great appetite suppressant for me. I add heavy cream, no sugar.

Agreed!!! Me, too!

I have overall cholesterol of 222. I can't put heavy cream in there. And that will break your fast, no?

Heavy cream in your coffee doesn't break your fast because it's primarily fat. Also I would think (I said "think" not "know") that if you eat low to no cholesterol foods throughout the day, then a splash of heavy cream isn't going to move the dial in a negative way for you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So many threads on this - that said I do 14 hours and that is more than plenty especially if you're a woman. 16 hours is HARD.

As for hunger, I am never hungry because I eat a lot of fat and protein during my eating window.

Thanks, I will check. I'm a woman in my 30s. It's validating to read that 16 hours is hard because I thought there was something wrong with me. I get really hungry toward 14 hours and feel like a failure if I can't make it to 16.

No, nothing wrong with you. I do a 16 hr fast ht I worked up to it over time. I just listened to a podcast today where the doctors talked about how it is harder for women (especially during childbearing years). They recommend 12 with a high quality diet of Whole Foods. Staying away from
Processed food.

You can get similar results (blood sugar control, weight management) just by being very strict about NEVER eating between meals. That’s what I do and I naturally eat at 8, noon and 6 so it ends up being 13-14 hours of “fast” but I don’t track it that way at all. It has really been great for how I feel throughout the day and I don’t feel the need to do more and be miserable or restricted.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve never found 16 too difficult, but I think a big part of that is drinking coffee (black). It really does suppress my appetite.

Coffee is a great appetite suppressant for me. I add heavy cream, no sugar.

Agreed!!! Me, too!

I have overall cholesterol of 222. I can't put heavy cream in there. And that will break your fast, no?

Anonymous wrote:Start on the lower end, and see how you feel. As you proved your body will tell you if you can handle more..Current 18,20,22 hr daily faster.

Are you a male or a woman?
I can't fast that long.

Start on the lower end, and see how you feel. As you proved your body will tell you if you can handle more..Current 18,20,22 hr daily faster.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve never found 16 too difficult, but I think a big part of that is drinking coffee (black). It really does suppress my appetite.

Coffee is a great appetite suppressant for me. I add heavy cream, no sugar.

Agreed!!! Me, too!