Intermittent Fasting

So I've been slightly discouraged lately...ok, for the last 6 months or so...on my progress. I started on a LCHF lifestyle last June and did very well the first 6 months....then it stopped. I started gaining weight and have been struggling within 10-15 lbs up and down since then. I still don't eat wheat or grains and very little sugars but I'm still struggling. Why??

Well, I think I figured it out. Not only was I eating too much fat and protein (too many calories) but I was eating more sugar than I thought. Self sabotage!

So I was doing some research on how to kick my self in the butt and reset my motor and I came across fasting as an option. I wasn't thrilled with the idea because I LOVE TO EAT...but everything I read told me that I would feel great. So, I had my last meal Wednesday night (7/22) around 9pm and I haven't eaten since. It's Friday 7/24 around noon. It's been almost 40 hours since I ate solid food. I have been drinking tea and coffee with a little bit of light cream and water. I feel AWESOME!! Mental clarity, energetic, happy, in control, just really good!! I have had some hunger pangs but if you understand what it means when your tummy growls you will know it doesn't mean your body has to eat. It means your digestive tract is used to working all the time and needs retrained.

I'M ABSOLUTELY NOT PROMOTING "NOT EATING" AS A WAY OF LIFE. Healthy nutritious food is necessary!! I am getting ready to have a small lunch of 2 eggs, a few thin slices of ham, and 5-6 cherry tomatoes., but I am going to continue with a fasting program built into my LCHF lifestyle. I'm trying to decide if I want to go with the 5:2 plan (five days eating - 2 days fasting) or the 16:8 plan (16 hours fasting - 8 hours eating). The 16:8 plan means you don't eat for 16 hours straight and that includes your sleep time, then you eat your entire calories for the day in an 8 hour period. Either in one big feast or in smaller meals...it's up to you. I think smaller meals/snacks would be better. I'm sure both would be successful, I just want to pick the method that fits my lifestyle the best.

I know some people think you need to eat small amounts of food every few hours to keep your body burning and metabolizing but I really don't know if that is true. I've done a lot of reading and research the last few days and our ancestors didn't graze all day.

I'm going to give it a try for the next few weeks and see how it goes. If it works and I feel good, then I'll continue. If it doesn't work or if it is uncomfortable and makes me miserable then I'll continue my journey of finding what is best for me.

Have a great weekend all