Hey there,Since you’re still in high school, you have to keep in mind your body is still developing. So the goal is to avoid ‘starvation’ because that’ll hurt you in the long term.
I started with intermittent fasting by cutting out soda (it took me a few weeks to switch to flavoured water, but eventually I just drink tap water).
If you’re having three meals a day, cut down (and eventually cut out) all snacking in between. I have a set time when I have dinner. (For me it’s 7pm) After 8pm, it’s only water that I drink. No food until morning.
Your ‘fasting window’ doesn’t have to start super long. I started 8pm-8am, which is 12 hours fasting, and 3 meals a day. I then pushed back the time I had breakfast by 30mins every few days, as I felt comfortable. Over a few weeks, I pushed my ‘fasting window’ to 12pm and skipped breakfast altogether. That gave me a 16:8 fasting schedule. I stick with that because it works for me.
Consistency is the goal. I have fallen off the wagon several times. I’ve gotten sick with the flu and couldn’t stick with the IF schedule in order to heal. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s important to forgive yourself and get back on the wagon.
You got this. This community has been a godsend for support and encouragement.