Hello all! I have been reading through all your success stories and so first of all congrats! SECOND... I just need some overall advice on tackling this thing! SO my fiancé and I aren't in horrible shape, I would say average weight. Prior to us dating we both lifted twice a day and were in considerably better shape. When we started dating we gained the happy weight and here we are now. We decided since we both work whacky schedules and are only home together at night we would eat from 2-10 and then fast the rest of the time.
My diet has been made up of carbs, fast food, limited veggies, and some protein. This is mostly because I commute an hour to work, work an 8 hour day, and then commute an hour home. Take out is always the easiest option. (obviously not the best option but we are more self aware now) I have made up a nice little meal plan consisting of Salmon, Chicken, (some) beef, Rice, and veggies... I guess my main questions are as follows:
\- What meal has allowed you to fast MOST successfully?
\- Are fruits bad for fasting? Should I avoid fruits?
\- What kinds of foods should I be looking towards for healthy fats that ARE NOT AVOCADO (my fiancé is allergic :/ )
\- How did you overcome the initial challenges of fasting outside of water/tea/coffee? (IE: dizziness)
\- What is your biggest achievement thus far outside of losing weight?
Thank you for taking the time to read this and provide any advice!
OH I'm 23f my SW is around 148 and GW is 120/115 I'm 5'2" and I'm trying the 16:8 window!
Answer
Ok, a lot to unpack here so let me share my perspective and try to answer the questions.Meals - I do keto/low carb to make sure my insulin stays low and highly sensitive. Things like greens, high quality meats (organic/grass fed, bison,), fatty fish/wild salmon, nuts (macadamia, walnut, pecans, almonds) and lots of good salads, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and other healthy fats…plus yummy fat bombs.
Fruits - fruits are fine depending on what diet strategy you are following. For me (on keto) I stick to occasional berries (raspberry’s, blueberries, blackberries, maybe occasional apple or pear) and avoid those with higher glycemic impact.
Healthy Fats - look to nuts, fatty fish or make some fat bombs with coconut oil/butter, ghee, hemp seeds and chia seeds are all really good options. I love chia pudding with almond milk and you can mix in all kinds of fun stuff
Dizziness - this could be from a electrolyte imbalance as your body will deplete electrolytes when fasting. So try a big glass of water with a 1/4 tsp of Himalayan salt, 1/4 tsp of cream of tartar (for potassium), and 1 TBsp of apple cider vinegar (with mother). This helps bring back that balance (for me at least) and I feel much better after one of those while on a long fast.
Achievement- I feel much better, fit in my clothes, mental sharpness, better sleep, better mood and way less grouchy
Hope this helps!
Answer
Hi, welcome! We are similar, I am 27F 4’11 and started at 159 lbs, now I’m at 128 about 4 months later. You should also join r/PetiteFitness if you haven’t already!
- I do OMAD, high protein, low carb. I feel full and satisfied for longer compared to high carb.
- Fruits aren’t bad. Fruits do contain more sugar though, I would favor more veggies than fruit.
- Olive oil, salmon, nuts
- Simple (but sometimes hard) patience. Just stick with it! You’ll adjust, just give it a chance.
- I feel great inside and out! No longer feelings of shame or regret with how I neglected to care for myself.