From my experience, severely limiting sugar and sweeteners for the first month, can have a profound effect on your tolerance levels. Slowly reintroduce them after that in moderation. The difference is amazing.
I don’t really deprive myself of any food, but I do eat a lot more protein and veggies. Still, I make room for a treat (ice cream, candy) nearly every day. The biggest thing for me has been portions: instead of a giant ice cream sundae, I just have one scoop. Instead of going back for seconds, I just have one plate, etc.
Changes like that, I feel, have had the most impact in my weight loss. I also exercise at least 4-5x per week for about 20-30 minutes.
IF is a powerful tool but it can’t overcome a bad diet.Obesity is largely related to insulin, and sugar/carbohydrates are responsible for insulin levels.
To see real results you need to eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet and eat at a calorie deficit. It doesn’t need to be major but it’s still important. Combining these things with IF will provide results.