Last Saturday I began my IF journey, and honestly, it hasn't been super terrible up to now. I'm not really that hungry outside of my fasting windows, and if I am it's right when I wake up, or right when I go to sleep. Once I get up and start moving around I completely forget I'm hungry.
I'm consuming about 1500 calories per day, taking a multivitamin, and consuming a protein/meal replacement shake towards the end of my fast each day. First thing in the morning, I go for a walk (1-2 miles.) At noon I take my lunch break and workout for 35 mins + shower and eat lunch at one when my feast period begins. I'm feeling extremely motivated about this and really love the lifestyle so far.
I have two main concerns.
A. Since I started fasting I have upped my water intake, as well as my coffee intake. I noticed that I was urinating significantly more than before. Today I have urinated 10 times and it's 2:30 PM (woke up at 6 am.) Is this to be expected while adjusting or is it cause for concern?
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B. My main workout begins 1 hour before my fasting ends, that being said I have noticed a significant amount of fatigue during these workouts and don't feel like I can push myself nearly as hard as I was. To be fair, that's not incredibly hard to begin with because I haven't worked out in two years, but I can definitely feel the difference. Yesterday for example I felt like I was going to pass out several times so I had to slow down. Today I took it easier so the feeling wasn't quite there. Is this something my body will adjust to? If I were to start doing Yoga in the evenings would it make the noon workouts even harder?
My goal is to work out 5x a week with 3x yoga sessions per week. With 2 whole days off on the weekend.
Also, i'd be happy to hear any feedback about my feasting habits from what little I explaineD!
Answer
If you’re drinking more water, you’ll pee more. That is normal and not a cause for concern.
It’s not normal to feel like passing out during your workout. That is a sign to ease up on the intensity while fasting. Especially while your body is still adjusting to your new fasting schedule anyway. It might get better as your body adjusts over the next couple of weeks.
It’s normal to not be able to achieve quite the same peak intensity while fasting as you can while fed. You still get the benefits of exercise. Just don’t push yourself quite so hard.
If working out while fasting stays hard for you, then you might want to think about shifting your workout time or your eating time so you can work out while in a fed state.
Everyone is different. Some people feel great working out while fasting. Other people just don’t feel good, and need to work out after a meal. Listen to your body and be willing to experiment.