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Starting again

(Sorry for my English) A year ago, I've been informed about intermittent fasting. Did some research and asked questions about it here. Days after, I tried doing the 16:8 window period and realized that I can do OMAD. After a week of doing OMAD, I've seen good result on my weight. I think I've lost about 5 kg's in a week or two but, after that I stopped because I think that I'm not getting all the nutrients that my body needs all because it's expensive to buy fruits or protein powders, etc. (as someone below middle class living in the Philippines) Now after a year of eating unhealthy foods, no exercise, and seeing myself gain more weight, (I can't even see a photo of me), I realized that I'm still not getting the nutrients that my body needs. My new year's resolution is to start doing IF again and I know I can do it. Any tips that you can give me to avoid having the same issues as I did before and any tips you can give will be much appreciated. Anyway, I'm a male, 24 yrs old, 178cm, probably around a 100 kilograms.

Answer

Good luck! A lot of people here dont take protein powders because it usually contains sugar. I bought protein powder and haven’t even opened it. So you’re not missing out by not buying expensive powders.

I dont take any supplemental vitamins and minerals but if you’re really scared of that just buy some and take it with food.

Answer

I don’t eat huge quantities of fruits myself coz they spike my sugar levels (I’m borderline diabetic) so you’re not really missing out. I also don’t drink protein shakes coz you’re right, they’re expensive. It’s actually more expensive to take supplements than just eating whole foods.

Don’t give up on yourself. Maybe it’s more sustainable for you to do 16:8 than OMAD.

I find for myself that it’s more expensive to eat processed foods. I also cut down on eating fastfood and/or eating out. It’s cheaper to recreate foods at home, and most of the time you’ll have leftovers for your next meal, so you’ll actually save more. Rice is also my staple and I still lost weight. I just stir fry some veggies, or replace rice with tofu, or replace meat with dried shiitake mushrooms if I’m on a budget. There are a lot of healthy, affordable substitutes that are underrated. Food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive to be “healthy”.

It does take patience and a bit more dedication and mindfulness. Don’t lose hope. With just a bit of research and dedication, I know you’ll find a way to start on IF again and stick with it, and feel much better too. Also, take it slow.