Fast Facts
I completed my first week of Intermittent Fasting. There are many different periods to fast for in any given week, but I chose one that was relatively "watered down." If you are interested in the potential benefits of IF, head on over to 2 Meal Mike's site and do a little reading. I also recommend. a look at Dr. Eades site for some additional sciency stuff.
WHY did I decide to do this?
My goal is ultimate health. I know I carry about 15lbs of pure fat around my hips and waist that is NOT doing me a bit of good. I lost about 80lbs in 2004/5 by counting points on Weight Watchers and exercising to home workout DVD's. After 2 babies in less than 2 years, I had most of the weight back and lost most of it ALL OVER AGAIN by counting calories. I feel that I am overly obsessed with the almighty calorie and the number on the scale. Moreover, I have stalled this last 9 months within 15lbs of where I want to be.
WHAT am I doing?
I am doing a version of Intermittent Fasting that places me within an 8 hour window with which to eat and 16 hours of fasting. I eat healthily, mostly plant based foods and whole grains. I love sugar, but limit it...or try. I am not a vegan, vegetarian, or any other -arian. I just want to eat healthy, whole foods that taste good.
HOW did the first week go?
I was strict to the plan 5/7 days of last week. Two of the days, I had snacks in the evening and one day we went out to eat and had some desserts and lovely cheese sauces that I wouldn't normally have. I noticed right away that the 9am - 5pm window had to be flexed just a little. We start school at 9am - so I eat about 8:45. My last daycare child leaves at 5:15 - so supper is at 5:30. Other than that, I stuck to it. I wasn't overly hungry during my workouts, but was glad to eat when it was time. I didn't see a difference in performance at all.
RESULTS?
I didn't count calories all week and that was extremely liberating. I hopped on the scale this morning and was down 1/2lb. Not stellar, but a move in the right direction. And hey, if I don't have to count every blessed calorie that goes in to my mouth I'll take the small loss. I plan to continue for 3 more weeks, and then check my body fat percentage. I think the lack of evening snacks is a real help in creating a calorie deficit and the fasting workouts don't hurt the cause either.
Comments?
WHY did I decide to do this?
My goal is ultimate health. I know I carry about 15lbs of pure fat around my hips and waist that is NOT doing me a bit of good. I lost about 80lbs in 2004/5 by counting points on Weight Watchers and exercising to home workout DVD's. After 2 babies in less than 2 years, I had most of the weight back and lost most of it ALL OVER AGAIN by counting calories. I feel that I am overly obsessed with the almighty calorie and the number on the scale. Moreover, I have stalled this last 9 months within 15lbs of where I want to be.
WHAT am I doing?
I am doing a version of Intermittent Fasting that places me within an 8 hour window with which to eat and 16 hours of fasting. I eat healthily, mostly plant based foods and whole grains. I love sugar, but limit it...or try. I am not a vegan, vegetarian, or any other -arian. I just want to eat healthy, whole foods that taste good.
HOW did the first week go?
I was strict to the plan 5/7 days of last week. Two of the days, I had snacks in the evening and one day we went out to eat and had some desserts and lovely cheese sauces that I wouldn't normally have. I noticed right away that the 9am - 5pm window had to be flexed just a little. We start school at 9am - so I eat about 8:45. My last daycare child leaves at 5:15 - so supper is at 5:30. Other than that, I stuck to it. I wasn't overly hungry during my workouts, but was glad to eat when it was time. I didn't see a difference in performance at all.
RESULTS?
I didn't count calories all week and that was extremely liberating. I hopped on the scale this morning and was down 1/2lb. Not stellar, but a move in the right direction. And hey, if I don't have to count every blessed calorie that goes in to my mouth I'll take the small loss. I plan to continue for 3 more weeks, and then check my body fat percentage. I think the lack of evening snacks is a real help in creating a calorie deficit and the fasting workouts don't hurt the cause either.
Comments?
Not counting anything and still losing something would be a success for me!! I'm interested in seeing how it works for you in your 3 weeks left :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lauren. I have felt a mental sigh of relief as to the simplicity, and not kicking myself for having a treat has helped my overall outlook!
ReplyDeleteHmm I will be very interested to see the results of this. I know I get hungry at night and I can't fall asleep if I'm hungry. Are you super hungry in the morning?
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted! :-)
I think my evening hunger has been taken care of by eating a little hardier dinner. I also am in bed by 9:30/10 at the latest. I workout early morning and am pretty hungry by 9am but not horribly so.
ReplyDelete