How to fast?

Taybabe03

Hi there,
I have been trying to really research Intermittent Fasting and other fasting ideas. I have started thinking about fasting and actually started today. I lasted for 19 hours and since then have eaten 600 calories.

I am wondering how many I should be able to eat after my fast. I really wanted to fast for 24 hours but that did not workout today. Today was my first day and I am beyond proud of myself- so no complaints over here! BUT... I am wondering how long I can eat or how many calories I should eat.

How long should I have between fasts, should I fast everyday for 18 hours or maybe once a week and then once a week a 24 hour fast? Any thoughts

emnk5308

I personally don't think you should have to fast at all.. what are your reasons for it?

iWaffle

I did Intermittent Fasting for 3 weeks and was doing 16 hours off 8 on schedule. I only ate between 2 pm and 10 pm but I ate the normal amount of calories. If you're just doing 16-18 hours then every day is fine. I wouldn't do a 24 hour fast more than once a week. Just my opinion of course. There's an intermittent fasting group here you might check in to.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/49-intermittent-fasting


I stopped because I had a difficult time eating all my calories inside the 8 hour window. It just didn't work with my evening workout plan. I will say however that it does work for losing weight. No doubt about that.

yarwell

there are various approaches. One is to fast two days per week, another is to fast 18 hours a day etc etc.

http://www.leangains.com/
http://www.eatstopeat.com/

etc

It's probably important that you don't over-compensate on non-fast days.

survivor1952

You really shouldn't fast unless its for a medical test. Fasting throws the working of the pancreas and thyroid off.

janemem

You really shouldn't fast unless its for a medical test. Fasting throws the working of the pancreas and thyroid off.

Is this true?
What kind of fasting?
I only drink black tea during the day and eat at night between 7pm - 10pm, is this doing me harm?

iWaffle

I only drink black tea during the day and eat at night between 7pm - 10pm, is this doing me harm?

As long as you're eating the suggested amount of calories I don't see how it's that big of a deal. The human body is designed to have long periods of time between meals. Why else would it be so easy to store large amounts of fat?

I think the bigger problem is that a constant influx of excessive carbohydrates can overwhelm the pancreas. Type II diabetes anyone? Yep, that's one of the reasons overweight people get this. Your body loses it's insulin sensitivity.

7-10 is a tiny window but it if you don't have to eat 2500 - 3000 calories like I do then it could work out fine. I felt great when I was eating between 2pm -10pm. I just had a couple cups of coffee during the day. Honestly didn't feel that hungry and often times it would be closer to 4 before I realized I was inside my eating window.

sunlover89

I started IF 5 days ago. My window is 4pm -8/9pm. Within this time I eat up to 1400 caloriea depending on my workout. It really has worked amazingly for me. Increased energy, more focus, no thinking about food during the day etc...

Taybabe03

I started IF 5 days ago. My window is 4pm -8/9pm. Within this time I eat up to 1400 caloriea depending on my workout. It really has worked amazingly for me. Increased energy, more focus, no thinking about food during the day etc...

Quick question- in regards to eating between 4 pm to 9 pm. Do you fast for 24 hours before that. Could you walk me through a 3 day process? Sorry! Also, do you eat 1400 calories when working out, what do you eat on non workout days?