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Am I doing it right?

Hey everyone, I’m a male, in my mid-20s, 5’9,” and a little over 240 lbs. First timer, currently on my 4th week of IF Week 1 — I experimented with 15:9 Week 2-3 — was able to do between 16-18 hours of fasting depending on the day. Week 4 — 18 hours of fasting day going on to 20 hour fast. Even though this is my first time fasting, I’m finding it surprisingly easy. Almost *too* easy. So I’m just wanting to see if I am doing it right. So feel free to share your input or any suggestions: • I fast 5 days a week and eat “normally” on the weekends. • during the fast, I drink only black coffee, herbal tea (no cream or sugar), and room-temp apple cider vinegar water. • in terms of physical activity, I do yoga 6 days a week of varying levels. Recently I’ve been adding 30 minutes of cardio at least 3 times a week. • I break my fast with a light salad (no dressing, just oil & vinegar) and some fresh fruit. • every night I have dinner. Admittedly the food is a little richer, consisting of asian home-cooking. White rice is a staple, usually accompanied with poultry or meat and occasionally fish. Also a side of steamed or stir fried veggies. Though I haven’t really changed the way I cook/eat, I’ve been cutting my portions to half of what I used to eat. • I’ve given up on fast food, but completely cutting out sugar/sweets is still a work in progress. My end goal is to lose weight. I’m hoping to go down to 180 lbs by the end of the year. Is that realistic if I continue to do what I’m doing now?

Answer

It’s easy because, going a day without a meal is a lot more normal than year after year of burdening the body with daily over-consumption.

24 hours into a fast, is when things enter into beginning to get interesting. Going multiple days without taking food results in unusual states of physical and mental peaking.

As you get more acquainted with your dormant super power the thing to look out for is, forgetting to stop and eat. Stay nourished throughout your journey. The fat’s there sure but, the body still requires macro and micro-nutrients to operate.

Answer

It seems you are doing great! Gradually easing to wider fasting window and eat mindfully. I would add protein to the first meal, though.I am glad that you are feeling better and I’m sure you lost some weight. Congratulations!