Fasting.......have you done it??

Google intermittent fasting. There are several people on here that do this. It's just another way to create a deficit.
Although, I would skip the 4 day fast.

I did IF last summer (16:8 fasting). It felt easier than I expected during the fasting periods, even when I was exercising. But I did not lose any weight because during my 8 hours of eating I did not track my calories very closely and obviously ate more than I should have. The bottom line is we need a consistent daily calorie deficit. If IF helps you do that, then you should use it. But fasting for certain periods does not guarantee results.

I did 16:8 for a bit with a 24 hour fast once a week or 2...I felt really good on it, but it was too difficult to maintain seeing as how I have an erratic work schedule and I can't always stop to eat at the same time every day.

I also read that fasting isn't as good for women. Any truth to that?

I tried 5-2 for about a month and a half. It was easy and enjoyable at first (and effective at creating a deficit; I was losing over 2lbs a week doing it) but after awhile it got harder and it started to feel restrictive so I stopped.

I still think fasting is healthful though so sometimes, when I don't feel very particularly hungry, I decide to just go with it and water fast for as long as it feels comfortable. Which usually just means I skip a meal but once, maybe twice a year, I deliberately extend the fast out to 1-3 days. I eat a fairly strict low carb diet which helps since going in and out of ketosis is normal for me and I don't feel sick or weak from missing a meal. Before going low carb missing a meal would have been very difficult.

Ryudori wrote: »

I did 16:8 for a bit with a 24 hour fast once a week or 2...I felt really good on it, but it was too difficult to maintain seeing as how I have an erratic work schedule and I can't always stop to eat at the same time every day.

I also read that fasting isn't as good for women. Any truth to that?

There isn't any empirical evidence. You'll find anecdotes only. I like 16/8 and I'm a woman. It's easy, it follows my natural hunger, and I don't feel I've had any problems. I did it before counting calories and didn't lose, so it isn't a magic bullet. It's a tool.
I tried 5:2 but didn't like the low days. There is also JUDDD, Johnson's Up Day Down Day, which is a similar version.
You'll find studies on fasting that involved men and examined a variety of regimens and effects. Nothing, that I know of, looking into how it affects females.

Fasting certainly has benefits if done for the right reasons, 4 days without eating however will never be found in any true fast plan.

I tend to fast every couple of weeks.
I consume all of my calories within the hours of 8pm and 11pm, go to sleep an hour or so later and then do exercise at around 12pm.

The reason for fasting isn't because you will loose any more than you would if you were staying within the same deficit but eating at normal meal times, more because there are marked improvements in bodyfat loss when you couple doing High intensity exercise with being in a fasted state.

Would i reccomend it? If you want to try it, please do your research and do it safely.
People often confuse fasting with starving yourself and this truly isn't the case. fast won't usually last more than 14-15 hours.

It is beneficial but not beneficial enough to risk creating an unhealthy lifestyle and forming unhealthy habits for.

All the best!

I cant do IF since i have a history of eating disorders (anorexia in early teens) followed by binge eating. For me, if i restrict all day and get used to eating huge portions, i have a REALLY hard time mentally handling it.

5:2 i think works pretty well though i think. It's easier to eat a higher amount most days, and then a light day of eating.

In all actuality, it's really what works best for you.

BTW: I dont think a 4 day fast is necessary.

I follow a 5:2 plan and it just works well for me personally. It's definitely not for everyone, but I just like the flexibility and feel more satisfied.

I have done one day fasts (typically about 30-36 hrs) on numerous occasions.

On a daily basis I typically go 16 hrs (m/l) between dinner one day and my first meal of the next, but I don't realy consider that fasting.

I can't do 5:2. I think of nothing but food. I have, however been eating within a 3-5 hour period and have lost 18 pounds in a month. I find it really easy.

Do whatever you think is best to help you manage your calorie deficit.

Have been curious about this as well...thanks for posting OP. I think I will lurk around the group for a bit and keep this in my "back pocket" as an option.