What I Wish I Knew About Intermittent Fasting When I was 18
Honestly, I used to really struggle with keeping my weight from fluctuating and getting rid of fat after having my two babies. I was exercising regularly and watching what I ate but it just wasn’t enough. My struggle continued until about 15 years ago when I decided to make one small adjustment that completely changed my life. Strategic meal planning along with a short period of fasting, also known as Intermittent Fasting, is the reason I believe I have been able to stay so lean – while still enjoying some of my favorite comfort foods.
I only wish that I would have learned about Intermittent Fasting sooner rather than struggling with my fluctuating weight for so many years. If you’re curious about what it can do for you, here is what I wish I knew about Intermittent Fasting when I was 18.
Intermittent Fasting Is NOT a Diet
Repeat after me: Intermittent Fasting is NOT just another fad diet.
Unlike a diet, Intermittent Fasting does not restrict what you eat, only when you eat. There are no pills to take or special weight loss shakes to drink. You don’t have to count calories or track your macros. No foods are off-limits during Intermittent Fasting.
Now, to feed your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy while fasting, you still need to stick to a mostly healthy diet full of protein, fiber, and complex carbs. But if you occasionally want to indulge in a glass of wine or your favorite dessert you should not feel guilty. Remember, no foods are off-limits. You eat what you want to eat.
Intermittent Fasting Is Not Too Hard For Me
Going for an extended period of time without eating sounds crazy and too hard for some people. The truth is, you have most likely fasted for at least 16 hours without even thinking about it before.
If going 16 hours without eating sounds too crazy for you at first, start with something that seems doable to you. Start with 12 hours or even eight hours at first. The beauty of Intermittent Fasting is that it’s totally customizable to each individual.
Intermittent Fasting Is NOT Punishment
The purpose of fasting is to let your digestive system rest, help you overcome carb and sugar cravings, and help you make better food choices. You are not starving yourself to compensate for overindulging or punishing yourself for eating poorly. Intermittent Fasting is a good thing for your body – not a punishment!
If you are miserable, lethargic, or feel deprived during Intermittent Fasting, do not continue. If you are hungry or not feeling well then you should eat something. The purpose is not to starve yourself. You can always start back up tomorrow or the next day, next week, or never. It’s up to you! Do what works for you.
Intermittent Fasting Is NOT An Excuse To Binge
Just because no foods are off-limits during Intermittent Fasting does not mean that it’s ok to binge eat a bunch of junk food. You will do your body a huge injustice if you overindulge for eight hours then fast for 16 hours. You will feel like crap and you will be cheating your body out of the benefits of Intermittent Fasting.
While it is ok to indulge in your favorite foods occasionally, you should still make healthy (at least mostly healthy) food choices during your eating window.
Intermittent Fasting Is NOT Complicated
Intermittent Fasting is so much simpler than most people think. Don’t get too bogged down in sticking to a strict and exact schedule. What makes Intermittent Fasting work so well for people is how flexible and easy it is to follow.
Don’t overcomplicate your Intermittent Fasting journey with strict rules and technical details. This will only make you feel overwhelmed, stressed, and more likely to give up. Find what works for you and stick with it. It doesn’t have to be so hard!
You Should Exercise While Fasting
Just because Intermittent Fasting burns the weight off quickly doesn’t mean that your body doesn’t need exercise. Exercise does so much more than just burn calories. It gives you mental clarity, improves cardiovascular health, builds muscle, and improves your mood. Those are things you don’t get just from Intermittent Fasting.
When you do exercise during Intermittent Fasting you should start slowly. Try yoga or taking a brisk walk. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your workout. Once you see what your body can do during Intermittent Fasting you can increase your intensity level. You might be surprised what your body is capable of during your fast.
Its flexibility and easy implementation make Intermittent Fasting a great weight loss and health improvement tool for so many people. If you would like to learn more about how I use Intermittent Fasting to stay lean and healthy, check out my ebook The 8 Hours Ab Diet.