New to this so just some questions :)

Hello, so as I’ve mentioned in the title I have only just discovered intermittent fasting. I’ve gone through this page and can I just say all of your transformations are amazing and I’m so happy for you all! You’ve all inspired me to try this out however I just have a couple of questions. My first question is about whether you all go to the gym or workout at home or don’t at all? I’m F(18) and I can’t join a gym at this moment in time for personal reasons, however I’d like to workout more at home though it would be in my room and have to be quiet workouts haha, so how relevant is working out to the progress made? My next question is about the fasting. I’m thinking of doing 12pm-6pm and then not eating the rest of the time, but did you all cut back on what you were eating or eat normally? I’ve heard some people say they ate what they would normally eat, however some others say that they changed what they ate during this time, so what do you recommend? And my final question is how you all stopped thinking about food during the time you couldn’t eat it? Like, how did you all stop the cravings? Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Answer

Can’t help on most points as I don’t think what I do really counts as IF but I got resistance bands so I could do home workouts during the pandemic and they have been genuinely life-changing. The gym was so expensive, such a chore and really socially draining - I think I got a better workout there but I’m saving so much money and much less resentful of regular exercise since. And I really feel the benefits of maintaining some extra muscle in day-to-day life.

Answer

I have to preface by saying I’m only a newbie at IF too, so far this worked for me but make of it what you will:

12-6pm is fine, although I’d recommend starting with 16/8 (10-6pm for example), it’s easier to build some successes mentally before going longer, but it doesn’t have take a long time. Everyday I still set my app for 16/8 but I averaged 19 hours and change (fasting hours per day) only a few weeks in. And every 2 weeks I will have a longer window and do 16/8 that day as a cheat. I was amazed how easily my hunger adjusted.

As for exercise, doing it at home is ok for resistance training/body weight exercises/calisthenics. Once again the key is consistency, so I wouldn’t jump into 5 days a week. There are plenty of apps or YouTube videos that take you through a progression. I do like to run outside for cardio though.

As for diet, I also gave up alcohol (except thanksgiving I had friends over and we drank), and all sugary snacks, it was a lot easier than I expected, I eat during my window and naturally just find my self going for unprocessed food that is fulfilling. I didn’t set out modify my carb intake.

I think it’s important to be flexible in your plans so while you can always try to eat a certain diet in combination with IF, it’s important set some wiggle room, particularly in the beginning.

On some days it’s still difficult to keep mind off of food, particularly if I have a late night, but I either chuck some cold water, go on a run, or look at my app for progress so far or browse this sub :) to keep my efforts on track.

Overall it gets easier, I feel great and wish you luck on your journey!