Just started 8 wk challenge!

Hi. I know this post isn't exactly new, hoping you have kept up with it and can share your experience. I have finished week 3 and feel amazing. Lost 5kg so far and feeling like I did at peak fitness in my 20s (OK so I'm only just over 30 lol) . I have been going fairly gentle to begin with and using my fitness pal to keep calories in check. MIght ramp it up as I get fitter and my body adapts. In any case so long hunger (for the most part ignorance if it does niggle) and hello a waist for the first time in about 2 years of trying to just 'eat less and excercise more'.

I'm not doing the 800 a day. I'm following the principle of maximising nutrition and minimising empty and potentially harmful calories e.g. sugar, refined carbs etc... pretty much what most people on MFP are doing. That being said I am also not eating unless I am hungry (though always having something for breakfast regardless) and trying to stop when I am satiated... which is difficult given the tasty food and my portion distortion habits. With that in mind I have had days where I have not wanted any more that 800 cal and other days when I have had 1600 or more. Mostly I am around my MFP suggested calorie count of 1450, I'm regularly exercising and feeling great with more focus and drive, lost a fair bit of middle (2 inches off my waist in 3 weeks). Got the recipie book for inspiration too.

I am looking at it as a lifestyle change not a temporary fix. Low fat is no fun and the fat is usually replaced by sugar, I cook from scratch for most meals so about the most processed thing I eat is quorn or bread. And bread is a once a week thing.

I doubt you will find many here who eat all that differently to this diet. And a fair few do the intermittent fasting with success and peer backing. I think a lot of people focus on the 800 a day and misunderstand that this is only advocated (under medical supervision I hastily add) for type 2 diabetics and prediabetics.