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Calories when fasting

Antmcd1392
Antmcd1392 Posts: 7 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
How many calories do you eat when not in your fasting hours? I do the 16/8. So when in my 8 hour eating window, how many calories should I be roughly looking to eat? Thanks 😊

Replies

  • dcresider
    dcresider Posts: 1,272 Member
    Eat the same amount of calories, no more than usual.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Antmcd1392 wrote: »
    How many calories do you eat when not in your fasting hours? I do the 16/8. So when in my 8 hour eating window, how many calories should I be roughly looking to eat? Thanks 😊

    The same amount of calories as you would if you were eating 3 or 6 or 10 meals per day. I eat around 2K-2200 calories per day to lose weight at a decent and healthy clip...I typically eat 5-6 times per day...I've done IF as well and eat those same number of calories, just in a smaller window of time.

    There is no special magic to IF. It is simply a method that may or may not help someone maintain a consistent calorie deficit. When I did IF I usually felt full and heavy and tired because I was eating so much in a shortened window...I do much better with 5-6 smaller meals and snacks throughout the day because I hate feeling full and I hate the sluggishness that came with IF for me. That said, I often use that approach for those occasions when we are having a big meal out or if we're having a big BBQ or party or something where i want all of those extra calories available to me when I'm at the restaurant or pulling food off the grill.
  • benol1
    benol1 Posts: 867 Member
    It’s individual and a lot depends on your body. When I set up MFP my goal was to lose 1kg a week. Shortly after I started intermittent fasting (16/8). So I have been on a base of 1200 calories per day. I also exercise everyday. Depending on how many calories I burn during workout I increase my calorie intake - but usually not as daily allocation/day + workout calories. Also, I only fast for 4 days per week.
    My fasting days are typically:
    Nothing except a black coffee and water until:
    -12:30 high protein bar (45g protein/330 cal) then
    -6.30: (usually) low carb dinner mostly plant based (steamed vegetables) with some lean protein such as chicken breast, fish, beans or tofu, some nights it’s a low calorie soup. Occasionally dessert which is a protein shake.
    Non-fasting days are typically my days off and I burn a truckload of calories at the gym. On those days I may have a breakfast such as a protein shake or rye toast. I’ll skip lunch (or just have a high protein bar) and have a regular meal at dinner time.
    Since end of January I have lost 18kg.
    If you are looking for information on intermittent fasting I recommend Dr Jason Fung’s video’s on YouTube.
    Wishing you all the best!
    Ben
  • Antmcd1392
    Antmcd1392 Posts: 7 Member
    Thanks everyone! You have all been a big help. Much appreciated that you took time to answer 👌

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