Any Other Intermittent Eaters Out There?

I won't even bore you with all the diets I've been on in my lifetime because I'm sure you can fill in the blank. If you can think of it, my answer is, "Yes." Fast forward a few decades, post kids who are now in their 20s, growing a LITTLE bit of a brain, learning dieting doesn't work and only healthy eating, portion control, and keeping track of calories ends up being the answer. (Enter MFP)

But, of course, there is always something new on the horizon. A few years ago I was introduced to the idea of interval training and then intermittent fasting. It makes sense to me because it's the way I've always wanted to eat naturally. I've never been a grazer or big snacker. My problem comes in at meals when I overeat and then I also struggle with sugar which, for now, I've cut out completely. I almost never drink my calories and I don't do any diet drinks or artificial sweeteners. It's pretty much water, a few cups of coffee a week, the occasional glass of milk (except when I'm not doing sugar, like now, because uh, what's the point of milk if there isn't a cookie or five to go with it?). So, now the tweak.

Enter the intermittent fasting. I don't do the two days a week of fasting but have chosen the long stretches each day. I wrap up my eating by 7 or 8pm and then go between 14-18 hours every day eating nothing, though of course I'm drinking water. Most days this just isn't hard for me and I know that I will be happily full for most of the 6-8 hours where my food comes in. I'm staying around 1600 calories a day and walking 4 miles at time 4-5 days a week. This feels like THE most doable thing to me but I've only been doing it for eight days. First weight loss at one week was 4.7 pounds but all of us seasoned calorie cutters know that's not unusual for a first week. So far I love it but I would seriously like to hear from others who have done it and how their weight loss was in comparison to regular eating. Also, have you been able to keep it up and for how long? I would also love to hear from those just starting, like me, so maybe we can keep up with each other. My son is doing this as well (we started together) and any advice, encouragement, or personal experience is a boost to him as well.

Hey, thanks a lot. This is my first thread start so, hello and all the encouragement out here is great. All the best!