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How to fast?

Taybabe03
Taybabe03 Posts: 9
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
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 :)

Replies

  • I personally don't think you should have to fast at all.. what are your reasons for it? :smile:
  • iWaffle
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    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
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    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
    survivor1952 Posts: 250 Member
    You really shouldn't fast unless its for a medical test. Fasting throws the working of the pancreas and thyroid off.
  • janemem
    janemem Posts: 575 Member
    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
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    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
    sunlover89 Posts: 436 Member
    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...
  • 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?
This discussion has been closed.