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How To Start?

Hi everyone! I really want to do IF but I'm having trouble starting. Obviously I'm not physically starving as I'm overweight, but it feels that way every time I try to start this! I tried to start 18:6 and work my way to OMAD and even 24-36 hour fasts. I'm failing miserably! One of my weaknesses is a glass of red wine (or two) during that hour or two between settling into bed (reading or watching TV) and actually going to sleep. I could give up the end of day wine, but another issue is, I keep confusing Keto with intermittent fasting and when I did eat, I still felt hungry shortly after. Also, I have never had a sweet tooth, but when I do try to fast, it's like my body is screaming for sugar. Any tips on how to counter this, especially for someone who's about to start from scratch (again)? I'm still confused as to whether or not to count calories and what food/drink is acceptable during that six hour window,

Answer

Why are you trying to do omad and 36hr fasts?

If you can do the 18:6, stick to that, just stay under your TDEE. No reason to push yourself too far if it won’t work long term. This is a lifestyle, not a quickie diet

Answer

I had to take a week to train my appetite. I did this by skipping a late night snack (going to bed earlier helped this) and holding off on breakfast as long as I felt comfortable. Started at 12 hrs between eating, moved to 13,14,15,16.

I am not real far in but I’m now comfortable with a lateish dinner (7 or 8) and skipping breakfast. This usually lands between 16 and 18 hrs, but it’s occasionally 14 or 20 depending on my mood.

I am not in this to suffer or punish myself by feeling uncomfortably hungry. It took me a long time to get to this weight, and will likely take a long time to take it off.

Thats just me though

Answer

I usually have trouble starting after a bad period of emotional eating. It takes a few days, but what works for me is having all sorts of liquids available. Tea, coffee, diet soda, carbonated water. When I feel hungry, I just fill up on liquids. Also my last meal before starting a fast has to be a protein-packed one, otherwise I get hungry much faster

Answer

If you’re just starting I’d definitely do it in steps. Get your fasting time down first so you’re in a routine. If you’re doing 18:6 that’s fantastic. Don’t worry about calories etc. whilst you’re getting that routine down.

As you feel it gets easier you can then either tweak your fasting hours or what you’re consuming.

I tell myself: It’s a lifestyle not a diet. It will take time.