Consider trying a longer fast a couple times a week. Mixing it up has helped for me. I lazily started IF 4 days a week 16:8 then 18:6 in April. The other 3 days. Mayhem. Anything I wanted. Since early August, I pushed my fasting windows and have done 24 hr fast every other week and IF 7days. I’ve have dropped 3 sizes and about 30lbs. My mood is improved. My knees don’t hurt. Skin looks clearer. I eat what I want in my window. I’m making better choices but not always. My appetite has changed. Decreased. Naturally. It’s the best thing I’ve done. I drink black decaf tea in the morning until lunch. So easy.
Hope that helps. Good luck.
I went 48 years without knowing about a bacon butty. Is HP Sauce like A1, I wonder? Ugh - should not have googled anything to do with bacon 20 hours into a post binge day fast.
Anyhoo - I agree with readjuju. Change it up. Fasting is like working a new muscle. Some days you feel strong, some days not so much. Really start listening to your body. Sounds hokey as heck, but it’s true for me. That increased intuition is one of the big benefits I’ve found.
Changing my diet to primarily meat, fish, eggs and veggies really increased my energy and ability to fast longer without hunger. Daily chia/flax pudding with almond/macadamia milk has helped my digestive system level out. I add vanilla and pumpkin pie spice for flavor.
The benefits seem to be different for everyone. I’m trying to change my relationship with food (and alcohol) as well as the benefits autophagy brings.
48 F, SW: 250 pounds CW: 183 pounds GW: 150 pounds. Started: February 2022, OMAD with occasional longer fasts 48-96 hours.
I do 18/6 too and in addition to the weight loss, I’ve completely eliminated cravings (so keep going and see if this happens for you too) and IBS/heartburn/various GI symptoms. My body feels healthier in every way!
I’m with these other people. Mix in some fibrous foods and try nutrition on for size. Seek out ways to find the “other” benefits and then do benefit/cost analysis on your chop butties or your treacle tarts or whatever.
Like maybe it’s milk? Maybe try eliminating one thing or another until you find the culprit. I stopped milk and a couple of other things and achieved regularity. It’s life changing.