So, IF...

twostepsforward

I am really interested in this IF thing and I do think I could fit it into my lifestyle one way or another. I wonder what people think the best method may be for me - I am not currently in a formal lifting schedule though may start NROL4W, I just try and do something 3 or 4 days a week whether it be 30ds, callanetics or bodydoctor or something. I dont want to bulk or anything, just get rid of fat, get lean and shapely.

I don't know whether the leangains approach or eat stop eat would work best for this - or is there no real difference? Do you have to do heavy lifting for this to work well? I think a 16/8 or 14/10 would be easiest for me but I read somewhere that ESE is best for fatloss and LG for strength?

Confused!

twostepsforward

anyone?

whiskeycharged

Check out the IF group here on MFP. It has a FAQ list that will help you.

I personally do lean gains but end up fasting and feeding between a 16 x 8 to 20 x 4. I do work out everyday but my goal is to get abs. I've gotten great results so far. My BF% is dropping.

medoria

Whats your short and long term goals? For gain (in both strenght and musclemass) or general bodycomposition I would suggest start out with Lean gains, just because its the easiest. Try it a month or six weeks and see how it works for you. If your only looking for fat loss maybe ESE is better but I think its a bit of challenge doing ESE as your first IF protocol, the mental game is way bigger with ESE then LG.

twostepsforward

I am interested in fat loss- I want to get lean and shapely. Thats the goal. I agree about lean gains vs ESE - mentally I think that ESE is more challenging - especially if it needs to be done twice a week - I don't know where I could happily fit two days of it in! However, I have just had lunch and am considering not eating now til lunchtime tomorrow to see how it goes.

Its also knowing how much and what type of exercise to do. I do so much reading that I get confused and end up doing nothing at all!

splashangel

I completely understand the to much info part. I read my way from a size 14-16 to a 10. There is just so much information available. I did my first day yesterday. I set my window from 5 to 10. Woman can go longer but... That was right for me. So far today no problems. If you go to the IF group you will find a sticky with plenty of reading. Good luck on your choice.

Sidesteal

I would absolutely structure your meal timing and frequency around the best fit for your lifestyle and preference.

I have nothing against Leangains or ESE but I firmly believe that the biggest benefits are going to be adherence related and not through some massive physiological fat loss advantage. Total intake of calories and macronutrients, along with sound training, are going to drive fat loss a whole heck of a lot more than meal timing.

I'm not saying "don't do it", in fact my eating style is very similar to an LG 16/8 approach. I'm simply suggesting not to get too caught up in letting the clock or the calendar dictate your eating.

DanaDark

I normally naturally fall into an IF style. I typically have my first meal of the day at 11:45am and then last meal of the day at 7:00pm. I been doing that for months before I even heard of IF.

However, past few weeks I changed due to the discovery that I wasn't eating enough to meet ANY of my nutritional needs (Low protein, low vitamins and minerals etc).

It's a nifty system and if it works for you, it works for you. I did find it interesting that I naturally already did it without even realizing it lol.