Comments on: 20 hours without eating: Intermittent fasting part 2

By: The “Lose 25 lbs Before Camping” Plan « Health Fitness Support

The “Lose 25 lbs Before Camping” Plan « Health Fitness Support — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:02:03 +0000

[...] Some folks will recall that I lost about 20 lbs at the beginning of the year using a combination of intermittent fasting (IF), whole foods, and reasonable indulgences. But the biggest motivator? An event – a weekend [...]

By: The “Lose 25lbs Before Camping” Plan | AlmostFit.com

The “Lose 25lbs Before Camping” Plan | AlmostFit.com — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:52:35 +0000

By: Fred Kolb

Fred Kolb — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:54:34 +0000

Nicely written article! I have been using IF pretty much daily for about four years with a food window from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. I am 66 and teach at a university so my work is not physial. I walk 20 minutes to and from school each day and never feel tired walking home–which is mainly uphill. In the beginning I felt hunger and tightness in my stomach, but now I never feel any effects of going without food. I do have maybe 4-6 cups of tea to give myself some “taste rewards” during the day. I find that it is important to show some flexibility to remain socially connected–if someone brings in a special treat I will take a piece and enjoy it. One of the things in the article that especially matches my experiences is that when I do eat, the taste of the food is exceptionally sharp. I find that IF matches my personality (I am frugal and get satisfaction from exterting self-control). I certainly never try to convince others to use it (my wife has no interest in it but lets me make my choices). I think the article presented the subject in a very informative and interesting manner. Thanks!

By: John

John — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:26:33 +0000

I am doing a 19 hour fast followed by a 5 hour eating window in order to shed a few unwanted pounds and to make weight for a Jiu Jitsu tournament that my son and I will attend in a month. I have now been doing this for just over a week.

I have been very surprised that energy levels are only marginally affected and that I have been able to stick with it. I also find that when I start to eat, that I fill up very quickly and then have virtually no desire to eat again.

So far 3.5 pounds lighter. I have been running and training at the gym as usual and none of my reps have fallen off so I must be getting sufficient fuel from my eating window.

No verdict yet and I will continue as long as I feel well.
John´s last blog ..Intermittent Fasting – Fast 5 – 19/5

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:52:45 +0000

Hi Metroknow,

Any advice I can pass on I will be more than happy to do so. I think looking back one of the big things for me was that it helped my get a greater understanding of my eating habits. I would eat because it was 1pm and lunchtime, not because I was hungry. The fasts helped me get a true understanding of when I was hungry. It is hard to explain, but you just seem to learn to listen to your body more.

4hrs into my first fast of the week now as I write this.
Dave´s last blog ..Weight Loss Tips – My View

By: Metroknow

Metroknow — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:13:07 +0000

@stephanie – my apologies – for some reason your comment got caught up in the spam folder (no idea why). For me (but with a big note that this may not be true for others), it had a huge effect on my blood sugar – it stabilized it. In retrospect the first day was a bit harder in some ways (although I can’t tell how much was blood sugar-related but as I mentioned I suspect as much), but the 3rd and 4th times I’ve done it since I have great blood sugar levels (at least based on how I feel) – abundant energy, no “jitters” or sweats that I’ve had with a sugar spike/crash, and so forth. Of course, I’ve also eliminated almost all refined sugar from my diet currently, and eat fruit sparingly in favor of vegetables and proteins, so that also plays a huge roll. But like I said, I firmly believe it is a very individual thing, and certainly may not have the same effect for others. Thanks for your thoughts!

@Hanlie – thanks as always for the visit and the insight. I do find that if I “overdo” it when I stop the fast I don’t feel especially well. I try to eat light, whole foods particularly for the first things I put in my mouth afterwards .

@michael – I really did get a tiny glimpse of why fasting is such an old tradition. I think it helps me with focus, and if used for religious purposes I can certainly see that as an important side-effect to the value and importance of the worship aspect. Thanks for your words.

@Brandon – I totally respect your view – I think ultimately you have to find what works for you and follow it. For me I started with that perspective in my twenties, but in my case it didn’t have the effect I wanted it to, so I’m trying this approach . That said, I definitely have friends (particularly athletic folks, climbers etc.) who view food the same as you and it works wonders for their ability to manage their intake. Thanks for the alternate view.

@Mizfit – I have to laugh – when I wrote about it, YOU madame actually came to mind when I said “them’s fightin’ words” because I know you have found the smaller meals approach so effective. Thanks for being so gracious [folks, MizFit’s blog is one of the best blogs out there for health, fitness, and a morning laugh – as this post is living proof: http://mizfitonline.com/2010/01/25/im-going-to-disney-world/ . Thanks for the visit Ma’am. I know you are busy busy.

@Seth – I don’t think its cliche at all – it is spot on. I loved that aspect. made planning the meals for the day way easier too, as there umm…weren’t any before dinner.

@Dave – I have to tell you that your comment was really inspiring. I can see this being part of my approach for the long haul, and it is so encouraging to see somebody who has forged ahead before me. Thank you, truly. I’ll be visiting your site today.

By: January health and fitness goals - two minute warning | AlmostFit.com

January health and fitness goals - two minute warning | AlmostFit.com — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:19:48 +0000

[...] guessing” technique. I’m using a combination of eating methods: I’ll practice intermittent fasting (IF) one day, then eat primal foods the next, then eat all things moderately the next, then have an [...]

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 20:23:40 +0000

Interesting to read about your first fast. I remember my first one on Jan 1st 2009 when I became a retired dieter, and so much of what you say reminds me of that time .I can tell you that it does get easier the more you do. Today more than a year later it is effortless for me.

Don’t worry about your metabolism slowing down, studies show that fasts of even 72 hours show no slowing of metabolism. I.F. brought me amazing results, I lost over 56lbs of fat by Oct 2009, I also kept that weight off. I.F continues to be how I control my weight. Stick with it and I am sure you find it a big help in your own weight loss efforts. You can see my pictures one year on here http://retireddieter.com/2010/01/weight-loss-success-pictures/

By: H.Facts

H.Facts — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:06:08 +0000

fasting it must be really hard i can never do fasting but i have seen many people even fasting for more than 5 days…..its shocking but i think fasting for a day can be good.

By: seth

seth — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:20:20 +0000

I enjoyed this post. Fasting can be a very positive thing. I have done it a few times myself and saw the benefits of, but did not think that they were strong enough to make it a lasting exercise. I think what I enjoyed out of it most is that I am not being controlled by what I eat but that I can control what I eat; as cliche as that may sound, I like the midset of knowing that I have the focus to be in charge of it.