I don't do IF or any type of exercise at 6:30 am. I do eat breakfast around 6 am, work a full day, eat lunch, work out before dinner, eat dinner pretty late, eat snacks, eat dessert, etc. My metabolism is still working in my early 50s I guess.

I haven't been gaining weight and I feel strong and fit but I keep reading I need to lift heavy (or else). I only have so much time and I really enjoy my 60 minute cardio workouts 5x per week. I do a lot of core work too and some of my cardio is 20 miles of climbing on the bike which seems to use large muscle groups. Am I just going to wither up if I'm not doing leg presses or benching 300 pounds?

OP, you need to find what works for your body and schedule. As a PP said, the best approach is one that you can sustain.

Some people can lift without eating. Some people get shaky and weak if they haven't eaten. It sounds like it's a challenge for you, and a commitment to IF is superseding what your body is telling you. IMO it's better to eat and get through a good solid workout than to muddle through to cling to IF.

Anonymous wrote:I've been IF my whole life, and I am fine and still the same weight I was in college, even after 3 pregnancies. I work out in the morning, have my first meal of the day around 12-1pm.

If a person is on a new program pushing limits then it’s better to eat after workout. Some people have goals such as building muscles or increasing speed/stamina. don’t assume everyone is working out for the looks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work out almost everyday. Now i'm in perimenopause and best practice says intermittent fasting. How do you do IF and strength train at 6:30 am? Also, what is the best type of strength training? I use peloton. advice needed. Thank you

Is Peloton classified as strength training? I thought it was just cardio...

Why do you feel you need to eat at 6am? before doing Peloton? (your method of "strength training)

Peloton has all types of fitness classes, including strength training.

Anonymous wrote:I work out almost everyday. Now i'm in perimenopause and best practice says intermittent fasting. How do you do IF and strength train at 6:30 am? Also, what is the best type of strength training? I use peloton. advice needed. Thank you

Is Peloton classified as strength training? I thought it was just cardio...

Why do you feel you need to eat at 6am? before doing Peloton? (your method of "strength training)

Fasting is great when you are trying to figure out what food is causing you problems.

Light weights is good to strengthen your bones since menopause triggers a lot of issues and reduce your muscle mass. So, eat more proteins. It's like half your plate should be proteins and veg. A small portion of carbs unless you do a lot of running.

I've been IF my whole life, and I am fine and still the same weight I was in college, even after 3 pregnancies. I work out in the morning, have my first meal of the day around 12-1pm.