Intermittent Fasting and Me

Hi again!

Intermittent Fasting has changed my life. My friends and family have heard me talk about it A LOT.

I find myself suggesting it to everyone and anyone I come across.

"Struggling with weight?  Intermittent Fasting!"

"High blood pressure? Intermittent Fasting!"

"Digestion or gut issues? Intermittent Fasting!"

"Need help moving? Intermittent Fasting!"

Okay, maybe that last one hasn't happened...yet, but I'm gonna give it time.

There are a LOT of IF plans out there and, while I can't speak to what will for you, I'll be covering what works for me in this quick break down.

My Fast
I've been fasting since the end of January 2018 and focus on a 19:5 fasting/eating plan. This means that I fast for 19 hours per day, then I have a five hour eating window. Typically, my eating window falls between 3pm and 8pm.

Sometimes, this varies, though. I've noticed that if my activity level increases (I'll talk more on my "workouts" in a future post), my hunger level usually follows. I have been known to break my fast early because I'm just ravenous and can't possibly hold off eating any longer.

This can work the opposite way, as well. Just yesterday I made it to 5:30pm, over 21 hours, without needing to eat. It wasn't planned, but it's what worked for my body. 

There have been several times that I've been able to complete over 24 hours fasted without batting an eyelash, too.

My DietObviously, during my fasting window, I don't eat, but I can take liquids. I mainly stick to water, still or sparkling, as long as it's unflavored, but I'm also somewhat of a caffeine junkie. Thankfully, I can have all the black, unsweetened coffee I want. I will also have the occasional unflavored tea if I need to switch it up.

 What can I eat in my eating window? About anything I want, really.

I do have some dietary restrictions (hello, lactose intolerance), but just about anything I've been craving, wanting, or have handy is fair game.

That being said, I do strive to maintain a balanced diet with plenty of veggies, fruit and as little sugar as I can manage. I've also learned to eat slowly, so as not to over eat. An overly full belly after a long fast can be very uncomfortable.

I have a bit of a sweet tooth, but I had really already moved away from super sugary anything before I began my IF journey. I will admit to the occassional soda (or pop depending on where you're from), but I may only have one or two a month, if that and prefer to stick to water.

Water is definitely my bff when it comes to IF. I keep my steel water bottle with me basically at all times and am constantly sipping on it.

My BodyIt's really about listening to my body. Following IF has helped tune me into what my body needs. Like, as I type this, I'm feeling what I used to think was hunger, when in fact, I'm thirsty.

Or there were times in my past when I ate out of boredom. IF makes me more accountable to myself on what I'm putting in my body and when.

My Results
Every person is different and will have different results in different time spans. Currently, I'm at a 19lb weight loss. I know some IF followers who have dropped more than 100 pounds and some that have lost several inches without the scale moving much. Some are still finding their groove, as well, based on their body type and medical needs.

The biggest thing I've come to love about Intermittent Fasting is that it's FOR HUMANS. It's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to adjust your windows based on your schedule. It's okay to count calories, to not count calories, to have carbs, to not have carbs.

It can be mixed and matched with whatever dietary restrictions or non-restrictions that work for you and your body...as long as you have your doctor's go ahead!

There are many support groups and Resources out there if you're interested in starting or finding out more about whether Intermittent Fasting is right for you.

Leave a comment or shoot me an email, and I'll be happy to help you on your journey!

Thanks for stopping by,
Carly