I do OMAD currently (1/2 way through month 3) and am looking at possibly doing rolling 48s - specifically one meal every other day.
Does anyone do this? How is refeeding while consuming in just a short period? I’m nervous of two primary things: 1. Gastro issues with breaking my fast 2. Ruining progress I’ve already done.
I’d appreciate any feedback/thoughts. I’m 34/F with the purpose of weight loss. (Not disclosing weight stats because my account is not anonymous). Thanks.
Answer
I’ve done Omad every other day, or rolling 48 hour fasts.Not for an extended period of time, just one week a month but I’ve been in maintenance for a long time. I did it more for being able to stay in touch with the feeling of not eating. I’ve been OMAD so long, I’m so used to it that I’m never hungry and I just felt I needed a fasting refresher. I did a lot of fasting when I was losing weight.
I never had any issue with refeeding. I think gastric issues have more to do with what you eat. I’m a carnivore and I’ve found out that there is no issue with breaking a fast with meat.
I dont think the rolling 48 would set you back. My guess is it might propel you forward. I’ve heard stories from others who lost weight very effectively using that technique.
My only advice is not to use it for an extended period of time. More as a temporary boost every so often.
I stay anonymous on here but I have a lot of experience and have told my who story on my YouTube channel.
Answer
I nearly do this. I generally don’t eat on Mondays and Wednesdays. About me: 35 / Male / 200 lbs ish. Fasting with primary goal to lose weight and secondary goal to let gut relax. My insights:
- Don’t pay attention to the scale during lengthy fasting times. On hour 35 you’re going to be pretty light, so expect scale fluctuations. For instance, this morning I weighed 187 lbs, drank a bunch of coffee and water and weighed nearly 189. Just remember, food has mass and you’re consuming it. Related, a heavy carb meal will make you retain a lot of water, pushing the scale up. For instance, I had COVID from Jan. 1 on. While sick, I ate a bunch of chow mein, dim sum, and didn’t fast at all. I hit 200 lbs on Jan. 9 or something.
- Break your fast intentionally. I actually do a little meditation to help me focus before the meal.
- The only gastro issues I’ve had is some acid reflux from too much coffee, so I switch to a tea. I like more “substantive” teas, generally a licorice tea is my flavor of choice.
- Be careful with too much caffeine. I’m not scientist, but caffeine seems to affect me more when there is nothing on board.
- Being very active works well for me. On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I will work out twice a day, once in the morning and once at lunch or the afternoon. I may not go that hard, but being active means I’m not lounging in my house with the temptation to graze. A secondary workout can be a 40 minute walk for me.
Good luck!