Hello! Got into IF about 4 weeks ago. Started at 82ks, currently 78kgs, targetting 70kgs. I’m 34M 180cm. Was 93kgs in august and got to 82kgs with calorie counting. Switched to IF as i was losing momentum / motivation… so i think I’ve had a good run since August, but not near my target weight yet! It has been harder as the time has past…
I’ve been averaging 1kg a week but this week started to stagnate. Also seeing christmas round the corner, tempted to enjoy it with lots of mind pies and the rest. Whats your views on this? Is it easy to get back on the house after?
I have been IF for about 5 years now, with a few breaks during the time(mostly during COVID when I YOLO’d) and have a few methods I have tried. All work in my opinion.
Free day-Enjoy yourself, it’s one of 3-4 days a year that I consider truly free. Eat, drink and be merry. No fast, no restrictions, enjoy.
Fast up to the meal(s) and practice OMAD if you have a big family Xmas dinner like many do. Eat this meal or meal(s) within your window and then start back up on the regular schedule.
Same as 2, but perform a 24 hour fast on the 26th. I’ve found that this method led to my quickest turn around. If you haven’t done one before or have reservations that it won’t work, don’t do it. I go to the gym, spend time with family, etc. on the next day and it seems to level me back out.
My most insane method and probably least fun, but led to a loss ultimately even after a HUGE feast. All numbers that don’t have fast behind them are in reference to the December date: I 24 hr fast on the 24th (if we are eating Xmas lunch on 25th, I eat a big lunch on 24th), eat as much as I would like on 25, then I 24 hr fast again on 26.
No matter what, the biggest thing to do is start fresh. Leave the guilt behind and don’t let one day turn it a week long binge. I try and limit myself to eating the leftover meats only on the days after Xmas, not all of the holiday treats. I’ve found that it makes it easier not to slip back into a high calories place. I also second everyone saying not to measure/weigh for about a week. Especially if you don’t have the strongest mental capacity when it comes to spikes on the scale. Those free days can cause 5-6lbs in weight gain, which isn’t real weight, but it is demoralizing nonetheless. Good luck and enjoy!
Im new also but allowed myself Thanksgiving, one night with two conditions 1. To start the fast again the next day and 2. Not look at the scale for a few days after. I didnt get to where I was in one night or day. So I did just that and am now down 12 lbs since 11/17. Thats what worked for me.