F 18 4’10 SW: 148 CW:125 GW: 110
Okay so I made another post yesterday and I’ve decided that I’d like to try 20:4 instead of my usual 23:1. I’ve been doing the 23:1 for months now and while I’ve lost 23 lbs (it’s kinda only on a good day when I’m fasting 100% right though so idk) I’m just not losing anymore and honestly it’s not mixing well with my job or spending time with my family. I’d usually be done eating at 1PM start eating at 12 and I really miss family time and going out to eat with them. For 3 days I ate 2 meals and then yesterday I did a 23 hour fast and this is the FLATTEST my stomach has EVER been on this entire journey and I have loads of energy. But my weight did go from 125 to 131 and now 129? So now I’m wondering if I’ll benefit more from eating 2 meals and then every now and then do a 23 hour fast because I think my issue with 23:1 is that I’m not eating enough, and no I don’t count calories for personal reasons and I seriously don’t intend to start so please don’t tell me that’s what I need to do, even though I know it works. Has anyone ever switched like I’m about to do? I’m sure my weight is gonna fluctuate a lot with this too which scares me and makes me feel like I’m working backwards but I want to try something new! any advice or stories similar are very helpful. I’m also going to incorporate 30-60 minute walks when I can. I’m so close to my goal weight too so I’m really trying to find something that works best for my schedule all while still losing weight.
Answer
If you don’t want to count calories, just take notice of what you’re eating and monitor your weight. If you’re not losing anything, cut back a bit on the food or eat less calorie dense meals. Counting calories gets tiresome.
20:4 is still really good. You need to do something that is maintainable. 23:1 is no point if you’re going to fail after a short time.
With everyone being so different with personal biology and also socially, you’ve just got to experiment and do what works. 20 hours is still a really good time so I don’t think you should be feeling like it’s not.
Answer
First, nothing wrong with not counting calories. I don’t either and I’ve had good results.
I don’t think there is a substantial difference in benefit between 23:1 and 20:4. If 20:4 is a better fit for your life, it will be easier to maintain, which is important.
While goals are important, keep in mind the number on the scale isn’t really the point. What you want is to lose fat, right? You estimate that after losing the fat you want to lose, your weight will be about 110. How your clothes fit and your flat stomach are better measures of progress.
A few pounds of fluctuation are not something to be concerned about, it’s normal. How you look and how you feel are much more important.
Answer
Your weight will fluctuate depending on your menstrual cycle and salt intake (I’ve lost 2kg in 2-3 days just by finishing my period!) I wouldn’t worry about it too much about everyday weight, but the average over the month :)