Start with veggies, kale/spinach, broccoli/green beans, carrots. Pick a main protein, chicken, fish, beef, whatever. Fill out protein goal w eggs, goat cheese, greek yogurt, maybe a shake(I used to use cow milk but I cut a bunch of sugar by switching to almond milk & sugar free oat milk). Then fill out your calorie goal with fats, nuts, olives, more cheese, etc.
> I don’t feel bad at all. I dont feel deficient, or tired, or hungry or anything that would indicate what I am doing isn’t good for me.
I’d explain exactly this to your wife if you haven’t already. I know it must feel frustrating but she’s concerned, a lot of people can and do misapply fasting, but if you tell her that you feel fine and promise to stop if you start to feel unwell, I’m sure that’ll quell her fears.
I do 20:4 too and started the first month not necessarily eating the most nutritionally-dense foods, but I’ve improved a lot on that lately. People around me were concerned (usually ends up with “as long as you eat something when your fast is done” which I can vibe with) but I’ve explained I don’t necessarily feel any worse so I kept going and here we are, third month in.
(just as an addendum, I don’t feel better either unlike a lot of people here)
I’m sure there was something that convinced you it was a good idea to start? Maybe a YouTube video or article? Share that with her. When anyone questions what I’m doing, I just say, “do you think when our ancestors woke up thousands of years ago to go hunting, they stopped by their refrigerator for some food?”
I’d make sure your one meal was a healthy one. If the only fuel your body gets is junk food, it’s going to catch up with you. I do OMAD occasionally, and usually by sheer coincidence. Do your research and share it with your partner to alleviate their concerns. But make sure you make that one meal count! Gratz on the weight loss so far!
I find that when sharing diet strategy or weight management strategy with anyone, that I am very capable of triggering them. In general I have become more mindful that folks all around us can have trauma they may not even recognize until its triggered as an adult. It is surprising just how many folks have issues with eating and self perception. I generally do advocate body transformation to be done in tandem with a therapist to handle this stuff as it no doubt will come bubbling to the surface.
20:4 and is fine, the same with ADF, EF or other time split ratios. The friction will start if you are missing social engagements for your eating, So if you can time your eating to allow for that daily rhythm of social interaction, that is a great start. Also be flexible, some days you and her may have events going on that will change your eating schedule, do your best to maintain but try not to become inflexible.
I hope this helps
Maybe find some literature on fasting and give it to her to read up on. There is nothing harder then keeping a fasting regimen going when you don’t have the support. Fasting has so many health benefits, but western culture has ingrained into our minds that you need 3 massive meals a day plus snacks in between. As long as you are getting your proper nutrients, there is nothing wrong with giving your body 20 hours to digest and process the food you consume.