Curious about Intermittent fasting?
_mlee_
Posts: 90
Tell me about the good, the bad and the ugly
Thanks guys
Thanks guys
0
Replies
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I turn into a roayal A-hole after about 8 hours!
not for me
I have learned to appreciate feeling empty though. Just not for too long.0 -
I turn into a roayal A-hole after about 8 hours!
not for me
I have learned to appreciate feeling empty though. Just not for too long.
Good to know! I can get quite hangry sometimes as well. I wonder if you just get used to it after awhile?
Thanks for the response 0 -
Why would you want to? Is it for a spiritual reason? For weight loss? Or just to do it?
I tried it with a group of people as a challenge and I tried several times, but it was just icky feeling.
But, we had peeps that felt more energy, there were some people that could go 3 days
I think it's an individual thing really0 -
I enjoy it and like it.
Has helped me get my appetite under control, so been able to get a lot more defined.0 -
My sister's boyfriend does it. He started with 12 hours, then 8 and is now down to 6. He lost quite a bit of weight and is into serious lifting. Because of his work schedule I think he is able to pull it off. I don't think I am able to do it since I have long days0
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For documentary that pretty much started the latest buzz, go to this link...
http://www.disclose.tv/action/viewvideo/110651/BBC_Horizon_2012_Eat_Fast_and_Live_Longer/
No question it's great for men.
But women should consider the info at this link before deciding whether it's for them or not...
http://www.paleoforwomen.com/shattering-the-myth-of-fasting-for-women-a-review-of-female-specific-responses-to-fasting-in-the-literature/
I do fast each week from late Sunday afternoon to Tuesday morning, and never had a problem w/it. So I was very excited to try IF, but after reading the very detailed article about women's results, I just keep it to 1 day/week. Most IF is not truly fasting, but just very low cal. When I fast, I do have a little slightly sweet tea and skim milk, mostly because I have migraines and if all I'm drinking is water, then I tend to get one.
ADDED NOTE: It's great for some for getting an appetite under control. Only bad thing I notice is I can have trouble sleeping the night after I've been fasting all day.0 -
Tell me about the good, the bad and the ugly
Thanks guys
There are 5:2 groups here on MFP....http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/8005-5-2-fasting
The good:
Plenty of people have success with this (not tried it myself). Plenty of people follow a "true" 5:2 plan. A true 5:2 plan is not a quick weight loss scheme.....just a different method of calorie shifting.
The ugly
......plenty of other people will tell you they do 5:2 when in fact they have created their own quick weight loss scheme. They take the fast days.....and incorporate them with a low calorie diet.0 -
I never realized I was doing it until someone pointed it out. I usually skip breakfast and have a very low cal, high protein lunch (usually a quest bar or a kind bar or something). I have a somewhat large, early dinner and one or two snacks into the evening. So, if you count sleeping, I'm on a 12 hr cycle. It works for me and it helps control my appetite. That being said, if I'm wildly hungry - I eat. I don't stick to it as a hard rule.0
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I love it. I don;t do 5:2 or anything formal, just about once a week, I pick a day and don't eat. 12-14 hours into the fast, I have more energy, more mental clarity, and more stamina. Nearly every personal best I have ever hit (Lifting or running) has been while fasted.0
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Interesting! Thanks for all the great info. I'm really just curious about it at the moment. I am not sure if it is for me but just looking for information. I would rather ask people who may have experience with IF rather than google it. Hopefully by hearing real experiences it will give me a better understanding. I have seen it posted numerous times and a few people on my list follow this plan so I would really like to learn more. 0
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I've been doing daily IF for 6 months. Basically I don't eat until lunch. Only coffee, water, tea in the morning.
It makes things easier. I only have to think about 2 meals instead of 3. However, I do eat high protein, high fat, low carb (around 100 grams / day). Eating that way makes me feel fuller.
I don't feel hunger pains ever except for the hour before lunch. Initially, it took about two weeks to get in the groove.0 -
I've been following IF for about 5 months solid now, and then last summer as well.
I follow a 16 hour fast with 8 hour feeding every day. The first week was strange to say the least, but quickly you discover that pain in your stomach isn't really hunger. just make sure you drink a lot of water during your awake-hours fast and that helps keep your mind off food.
After about a week you won't even feel hungry in the mornings anymore. but also keep in mind women should go only as long as 14 hour fast / 10 hour feed.0 -
There's two forms that people are talking about. One form of IF is usually listed as 16/8 or 20/4 and you have a small eating "window" each day and only eat during that time and "fast" during the rest of the day. For women, I've seen it recommended that you not fast for more than 16 hours. I do this generally (more in the 15 hour fast range) and don't eat until noon or later most days and am done eating by about 8-10 depending on my day.
The other form of IF is usually 5:2. With this form of IF, you have two "fast" days and 5 feast days. On your fast days you eat about 1/4 of your maintenance calories for the day. On the feast days, you eat at maintenance.
I've done both (am doing both currently). I like the 16/8 because it helped me get my binging under control and I am just generally more satisfied eating 2 big meals a day + having room for treats and snacks when I want them. It works well with my lifestyle because my DH cooks dinner half the time and he doesn't always cook low calorie foods (neither do I for that matter). I'm not sure on the 5:2 yet. I'm only on my second week. I like it well enough, but I'm not sure the benefit is there for me to continue doing it at this time. I'm going to try it for a month and see how it goes.0 -
I recently started IF about 4 months ago and I love it. It's basically shifting your eating time, simply put. Personally, instead of eating "breakfast" in the morning, I 'break-my-fast' at 12:30pm and my eating window lasts for 8 hours. The first few days, yes, you will be hungry while your body adjusts to things. Instead of your body dictating to you when to put something in your mouth, you tell it. I like the control it has given me. And, yes, I have seen results. My weight is dropping off, but also in part the other component of IF and that is counting your macros. IF just gives me a way to control. Many people think they can't survive without eating for this long - but really, most of it is spent during sleep, the other few hours, just make yourself busy. (women are also advised to not fast for 16 hours but for 14 hours. Me, I've done 20 hours fasting, 16 and 14 hours... just depends on your body).0
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Absolutely love it.Tell me about the good, the bad and the ugly
Thanks guys
6 weeks and 26 lbs.
I do 24 hour cycles and not a calender day so even on fast days I am having a good meal.
Starteed on 5:2 but wen tto 4:3 to speed things up and to make it easier.
Questions you can friend and send me questions.0 -
One of the IF groups on here
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/66-intermittent-fasting0 -
Absolutely love it.Tell me about the good, the bad and the ugly
Thanks guys
6 weeks and 26 lbs.
I do 24 hour cycles and not a calender day so even on fast days I am having a good meal.
Starteed on 5:2 but wen tto 4:3 to speed things up and to make it easier.
Questions you can friend and send me questions.
You're already on my list
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Wow, after reading all your comments I realized that this is actually how I used to eat until about 2 years ago when I kept hearing you NEED to eat breakfast to "kick start" your metabolism so I forced myself to start eating breakfast and now it is just habit. I would not eat until lunch (around 12-12:30pm) and would stop eating around 8:00pm.0
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Tell me about the good, the bad and the ugly
Thanks guys
I can only tell u the good... Ok, maybe a little of the ugly...
The Good:
Helped me increase my water intake (drink loads now on fast and non fast days)
Defo helped me shift the last of the weight i had to lose
My mood has improved greatly (i was a happy bunny any way but am somehow even happier)
If you plan well u can still have some lovely foods, i think it encourages healthier choices as cals are restricted on fast days, i have found this has rolled over to non fast days, today i was deciding between having a jacket potato with dinner or a Reese's Nutrageous, i'm choosing the potato!
I am awake and alert, naturally wake earlier these days
The other health benefits - obviously i don't know whether they are taking effect but the idea of potentially reducing risks of some cancers, diabetes and Alzheimer's/Dementia has got to be good (if this turns out to be true, research is still happening)
I promise it does get easier after week 2
The bad:
I really cant think of any, apart from personally i cant workout hard when i'm fasting but i will just use them as rest days
The ugly:
When ur inconsiderate boyfriends eats a delicious chill meal with all the extras in front of u during a fast day and then gets out a Reese's Nutrageous which u cannot eat on that day. Oh boy, that turned ugly!!
I have been doing the 5:2 but as i'm now at goal i do the 6:1. I would highly recommend the 5:2, i would say to make sure u watch the documentary Eat Fast, Live Longer to get the full low down of other health benefits as well as weight loss.
By the way, judging by ur profile pic u dont look like u need to lose weight at all!!0 -
Tell me about the good, the bad and the ugly
Thanks guys
I can only tell u the good... Ok, maybe a little of the ugly...
The Good:
Helped me increase my water intake (drink loads now on fast and non fast days)
Defo helped me shift the last of the weight i had to lose
My mood has improved greatly (i was a happy bunny any way but am somehow even happier)
If you plan well u can still have some lovely foods, i think it encourages healthier choices as cals are restricted on fast days, i have found this has rolled over to non fast days, today i was deciding between having a jacket potato with dinner or a Reese's Nutrageous, i'm choosing the potato!
I am awake and alert, naturally wake earlier these days
The other health benefits - obviously i don't know whether they are taking effect but the idea of potentially reducing risks of some cancers, diabetes and Alzheimer's/Dementia has got to be good (if this turns out to be true, research is still happening)
I promise it does get easier after week 2
The bad:
I really cant think of any, apart from personally i cant workout hard when i'm fasting but i will just use them as rest days
The ugly:
When ur inconsiderate boyfriends eats a delicious chill meal with all the extras in front of u during a fast day and then gets out a Reese's Nutrageous which u cannot eat on that day. Oh boy, that turned ugly!!
I have been doing the 5:2 but as i'm now at goal i do the 6:1. I would highly recommend the 5:2, i would say to make sure u watch the documentary Eat Fast, Live Longer to get the full low down of other health benefits as well as weight loss.
By the way, judging by ur profile pic u dont look like u need to lose weight at all!!
Wow that is ugly
lol
Thanks for the info, I will have to look up that documentary.
That pic was taken about a year and a half ago. I like to look at what I would like to get back to! I actually don't have a lot of weight to lose (about 10 pounds) but I DO have fat to lose (specifically in the belly and legs/thighs) and looking at different ways to achieve my goal (in a healthy way) thanks everyone for the posts. 0 -
I like doing a 24 hours water only fast once a month around the time I start my cycle. It helps me not feel totally bloated and terrible. If you go dinner to dinner it is not too bad really.0
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I do intermittent fasting. 18 hours of fasting and 6 hours for consuming my needed calories. It feels great and I'm losing weight easier. Even when I feel hungry, I'm in a good mood knowing my body's burning fat.
I might be able to answer your questions as I've studied a lot about it.
You can start with this informative article:
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/08/06/a-beginners-guide-to-intermittent-fasting/0 -
The thing is that you need to try it yourself and see if it works for you. By trying I mean at least for 10 days not 2!
For me, it was so easy as I hate breakfasts and have never made it a routine in my life. So all I needed to do was eating dinner a little earlier than usual. (7 pm)0 -
But women should consider the info at this link before deciding whether it's for them or not...
http://www.paleoforwomen.com/shattering-the-myth-of-fasting-for-women-a-review-of-female-specific-responses-to-fasting-in-the-literature/
This is very interesting, thank you. I do intermittent fasting, with 18-19 hours fasts and 5-6 of eating. I feel very, very good following this pattern, have lots of energy, increased mental capacity and I'm never "hangry" at all. HOWEVER, I don't get my period anymore. My gynecologist had no idea why, because at a 1500 kcal diet, it's not very common to stop menstruating. This could be the reason then.
So I experience basically all the things mentioned in this article, except that I sleep very well.
I don't know what to do now ...I enjoy having no cycle, to be honest, but at this point I should really question if I should maintain IF if I know that it is very likely the reason for my hormonal problems.0 -
But women should consider the info at this link before deciding whether it's for them or not...
http://www.paleoforwomen.com/shattering-the-myth-of-fasting-for-women-a-review-of-female-specific-responses-to-fasting-in-the-literature/
This is very interesting, thank you. I do intermittent fasting, with 18-19 hours fasts and 5-6 of eating. I feel very, very good following this pattern, have lots of energy, increased mental capacity and I'm never "hangry" at all. HOWEVER, I don't get my period anymore. My gynecologist had no idea why, because at a 1500 kcal diet, it's not very common to stop menstruating. This could be the reason then.
So I experience basically all the things mentioned in this article, except that I sleep very well.
I don't know what to do now ...I enjoy having no cycle, to be honest, but at this point I should really question if I should maintain IF if I know that it is very likely the reason for my hormonal problems.
No period?? Ever?? :noway: :noway: :noway:
So weird how the body responds to certain things...
And you are eating your needed calories daily I assume??
Fats are on target??0 -
I don't know what to do now ...I enjoy having no cycle, to be honest, but at this point I should really question if I should maintain IF if I know that it is very likely the reason for my hormonal problems.
You are only 19 hun.
Please don't hurt or damage your body.
I do IF and 5:2 (female) and my cycle has never stopped. That is something I personally wouldn't want to mess with.0 -
OP, I do IF and am currently doing 5:2 and I love it.
It's all personal preference. You may try it and hate it...but then again it may just be a perfect fit.
I don't like to meal plan and prepare and all that.
And I like to eat a good hearty dinner with my family that I cook so that is part of the reason it works for me.0 -
I had my last "real" period in January I guess, some spotting afterwards, and now for 2 months nothing.
I know this is not good at all and I have seen 2 doctors about it, nobody could truly explain it. They thought I had PCOS but my hormones proved normal, although male hormones were a bit high, but still in the normal range.
They also said it could be linked to eating too little, but they didn't think that 1500 kcal net would cause that. I didn't tell them that I do intermittent fasting though so maybe that would have been the "key". I didn't withhold the information on purpose but IF is somehow natural to me and I always tended to skip breakfast, so I didn't even think it could be a factor.
and @MityMax: Fat could also be a problem because that's a macro I have paid too little attention to. But I have fixed that and now I am on my daily target.
It's hard to tell what really is the problem, I don't want to scare people away from IF, but when I read the article I really thought "this is you!" that's why I responded.
And I know I should really try to solve that problem. I will come into maintenance soon and maybe my body will adjust if it gets more calories.0 -
Please inform your doctor of everything....
I would be concerned with a normal body function, not working normally....
Could be other things going on, that you are not aware of that can be harmful.
But make sure your Fats are on point.....too little fat will wreak havoc on your system....0
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