Intermittent Fasting

thekat78

So I've researched this topic a little, but can't seem to fully grasp the situation for myself. A full day of not eating followed by a day of higher protein intake...?
Has anyone else ever heard of Intermittent Fasting or have they tried it/seen it in action?
Cause I'm confused.... :explode:

Sidesteal

So I've researched this topic a little, but can't seem to fully grasp the situation for myself. A full day of not eating followed by a day of higher protein intake...?
Has anyone else ever heard of Intermittent Fasting or have they tried it/seen it in action?
Cause I'm confused.... :explode:

IF doesn't necessarily mean a full day of not eating. If you're going to follow this I would recommend doing something along the lines of a 16/8 rather than an alternate day. Go to www.leangains.com for a very good resource on this.

Acg67

i've followed the 16/8 routine and it is quite awesome if you like larger meals but it's no magic bullet for weight loss, i just find it more convenient

UponThisRock

There are many different forms of intermittent fasting.

The type you described is "Alternate Day Fasting," popularized by the book "Eat Stop Eat" by Brad Pilon. (I think his plan is 2 fasts per week).

The most popular type of intermittent fasing with the fitness crowd is called "Leangains" which is a 16 hour period of fasting followed by an 8 hour eating window. So you would stop eating at say 7pm, and your next meal would be at noon the next day. More information can be found at Leangains.com

Then there is the "Warrior Diet." This diet has you eating maybe a few small snacks during the day, and one humongous meal at night.

thekat78

AH! thank you! haha I was just wondering what the point of this is?? What does it help?

Sidesteal

ok so idk what 16/8 means. haha sorry....I'm kinda new to this.

Check www.leangains.com and start reading there. 16/8 is basically an 8 hour window of time to get in your calories, followed by a 16h fast. And I agree with Acg67's assessment. It's just an alternative method for eating and the timing itself won't lead to weight loss. It's personal preference. I prefer it greatly.

cbear017

I haven't had a chance to read this yet but I recently learned about 'Experiments In Intermittent Fasting', a free e-Book that chronicles Dr. John Berardi’s 6-month long experience with various fasting plans. He is a nutrition and exercise expert with Precision Nutrition.

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/intermittent-fasting

As most have mentioned Lean Gains is another great resource.

joejccva71

Suggest you read Martin Berkhan's method of IF at www.leangains.com.

I also have done the 16/8 method which is a 16 hour fast with an 8 hour feeding window, and training fasted during this period of time as well. (Atleast my training was during the 16 hour fast)

Example:

Training was at 6am.

Fasted period was from 8pm to Noon the next day.

Feeding window was Noon to 8pm.

Understand?

thekat78

I do understand. But I don't understand how this helps? What are the pros to doing this rather than just eating traditionally 6 small meals a day and working out regularly?

UponThisRock

I do understand. But I don't understand how this helps? What are the pros to doing this rather than just eating traditionally 6 small meals a day and working out regularly?

It's a more convenient way of eating for SOME people. Some people are more busy and eating fewer meals fits their schedule better. Some are never hungry in the morning, and would rather save those calories for when they are hungrier. Some (like me) are still fat boys at heart and simply enjoy eating larger meals.

There is some preliminary evidence that fasting may have some benefits, but it's a long, long way away from being proven.

The bottom line is, find the workout method and eating schedule that you enjoy and are most likely to stick to long term, and you'll see results.

joejccva71

I do understand. But I don't understand how this helps? What are the pros to doing this rather than just eating traditionally 6 small meals a day and working out regularly?

This is why I suggested you to read Martin Berkhan's articles. He explains why and shows the studies.

http://www.leangains.com/2010/04/leangains-guide.html

http://www.leighpeele.com/martin-berkhan-and-intermittent-fasting-interview

http://www.leangains.com/2008/06/sure-fire-fat-loss.html

http://www.leangains.com/2011/03/intermittent-fasting-for-weight-loss.html

Vodkha

I startred eating this way 2 months ago. I have always been a person who doesnt feel the need to eat in the morning, or throughout the day. I did the whole 6 meal a day thing but I just cant dedicate so much time to it. The first month I lost 14lbs, granted I do have a fair amount of weight to lose. I do more of a Warrior Diet in that I fast from about 10pm-6pm the next night, then I eat between 6 pm and 10pm. It works for me. I train fasted right after work.

I also had a friend that is big into lifting. We were getting into quite a few arguments over this. Me FOR IF, and him AGAINST. Really against, and still believing in 6 meals a day. I told him to just try IF for a month and see. He dropped body fat, his lifts increased, and he loves not being a slave to food. He said he actually lost that little bit of fat he was trying to on 6 meals a day. He now eats 16/8.

You could just try it for awhile and see.

thekat78

I startred eating this way 2 months ago. I have always been a person who doesnt feel the need to eat in the morning, or throughout the day. I did the whole 6 meal a day thing but I just cant dedicate so much time to it. The first month I lost 14lbs, granted I do have a fair amount of weight to lose. I do more of a Warrior Diet in that I fast from about 10pm-6pm the next night, then I eat between 6 pm and 10pm. It works for me. I train fasted right after work.

I also had a friend that is big into lifting. We were getting into quite a few arguments over this. Me FOR IF, and him AGAINST. Really against, and still believing in 6 meals a day. I told him to just try IF for a month and see. He dropped body fat, his lifts increased, and he loves not being a slave to food. He said he actually lost that little bit of fat he was trying to on 6 meals a day. He now eats 16/8.

You could just try it for awhile and see.

Alright. This sounds really solid cause I'm tryin gmy hardest to lose little bits of fat that I just can't seem to lose any other way. So I'll definitely try it then. Thank you!

kennethmgreen

You know when you're curious about something, and may even have some preconceived ideas - or have an answer in mind that you *want* to believe, and start looking for that one particular answer? Sometimes you can miss out on good information because it doesn't quite fit the answer you're looking for.

Mmmary212

I've been IF all week.... I dont normally do this (usually just a couple times a month), but i'm trying to stretch the food dollar until next payday.

I throw back 3 tbsp of coconut oil in a 4 oz coffee. Then I go to work and I dont eat until 5pm and I eat whatever I want of whatever I want (no sugar/no grains) until my mind and body say stop. (which isn't a lot, just a normal dinner, but I dont restrict myself)

Then I go to sleep and do it all over again the next day.

I feel SO different...the jeans that are usually tight around my calf are getting baggy. I'm so excited! lol I think I should do this like...all the time.

brit49

I don't start eating till about 11am and I stop eating at about 7 or 8pm, this works for me, because I never really like having breakfast So I guess this is IF. we all do It unless your eating when your sleeping, I just extend it and break it at 11

rileysowner

The type you described is "Alternate Day Fasting," popularized by the book "Eat Stop Eat" by Brad Pilon. (I think his plan is 2 fasts per week).

Brad does not advocate "Alternate Day Fasting." Eat Stop Eat is one or two 24 hour fasts a week, usually from supper one day to supper the next. Then you eat normal the other days. Brad does not encourage more than two fast days a week, although he has nothing against them.

There is an Intermittent Fasting group here on MFP.