Hi! You sound like me - I’m 5’3” and started at 219 lbs in November, currently at about 175 but my ultimate goal is closer to yours (120). My doctor recommended IF to me. I’m guessing you’re younger then me (I’m 55 and weight loss is soooooo much harder at my age). I do 16:8 IF - basically stop eating around 8pm then start again at noon next day. I try to eat less carbs but I haven’t cut them out. I do restrict my calories by about 500 but on days that I exercise A LOT I may eat a bit more. Weight loss has been slow but steady which is the best way to go if you want it to be sustainable. If I eat outside my window I don’t beat myself up about it. If you want to know more about IF in general try watching Dr Jason Fung on YouTube. All this to say, IF does work but you have to commit to it and be in it for the long haul if you don’t want to regain the weight. Good luck! This sub is awesome for support and advice.
I do OMAD, but if you are used to frequent eating, it might be best to gradually build your way to OMAD. Maybe start with only 3MAD no snacks, get to 2MAD no snacks, and then OMAD.
I wouldn’t worry about counting calories at all because the real benefits of fasting aren’t from calorie restriction. It’s about giving the body a break from insulin during which your body burns ketones aka fat.
Good nutrition is also important along with fasting. I would avoid processed carbs and omega 6 fats. Keto is good, but not entirely necessary. Just avoid too much sugar basically. Vegetables are important as well as omega 3 fats like nuts.
Start slow. Do 12/12 for a week or two, then 14/10, then 16/8, etc. if you get to a place that’s too uncomfortable, drop back to the previous level for a while, then try again. If you fall off entirely, start back one level below where you fell. It’s not a race, it’s a lifestyle change. You can do it!
Hello :), another small person here - 5’0”. I’ve been doing mostly 18:6 IF since March and looked at healthy meal prep to get me started. A Sweet Pea Chef has a 5 day anti-inflammatory meal prep that I love. I also used Betty Rocker’s free 30 day /15 min a day workout program because - 15 min seemed doable. I’d hold myself accountable to at least out on workout clothes and do 1 or 2 minutes then stop or continue depending on how I get that day. It is harder after 50 yrs for sure. I also sometimes listen to podcasts or audiobooks and just walk around my home to get moving and healthier. You can definitely do this- all of the best to you:)!