Hiya! I’m new to IF (although it’s very similar to how I ate when I was younger).
I started with 18:6 and am doing fine with that time frame, but I usually end up fasting for 20 hours or so because I am such a big eater, so I’ve naturally fallen into a OMAD habit.
I eat very healthy normally (tofu, veggies, rice, salad, smoothies, grilled chicken, etc), but I worry that my tendency to eat two (or even 3) bowls in one sitting will hurt me in the long run even if the calorie amount isn’t crazy when it’s the only meal I’m having. Eating this way is the reason I gained weight in the first place…
Has anyone with binging tendencies found success with OMAD? Do you think it’s better to lean into what’s natural for me (overeating in one sitting) or should I try more actively to spread out my food over 6 hours so that when I am no longer fasting I don’t have the habit of going back for more? What is healthier?
Thanks for helping a newbie like me!
Eat something high fibre with a big glass of water before any other meals. I go with a salad but ymmv. I have similar problems to you and this helps me a lot.
Diet soft drinks also help me. They have blood sugar implications so I use them sparingly but if you’re having a cheat day and struggle with binges they can help make you feel full and cut the binging short. (Any carbonated drink would have this benefit).
Hi! I’m definitely a big eater as well and I also follow the OMAD routine. I’ve been doing it for 13 months now and have managed to lose 165 pounds (SW - 340, CW - 175). I most certainly do not eat “healthy” options all the time the way you do, but I count my calories and make sure i’m in a deficit with the ‘Lose It’ app. As long as you’re in a calorie deficit you will lose the weight no matter what, and eating this way has helped me stick to the plan for this long. I haven’t given up any of the food that I love or the fact that I like to binge when I do eat. Stay consistent and be honest with yourself and the results will come!
While I haven’t kept the weight off, I did have success with OMAD in the past specifically because I could just eat a huge portion of whatever. I was just eating a giant bowl of roasted cauliflower, followed by rice and a hearty chili. I would consume 1500 - 2000 calories in a single mean and feel very full and satisfied.
Same boat. I’m doing OMAD and would currently prefer to eat 1 larger delicious meal that’s healthy with some splurges built in - than try to eat 3 small healthy meals throughout the day. I’m hoping once the weight comes down I can eventually switch to a 2mad for maintenance where 2 reasonably portion sized meals is within my calories and keeps me satiated without feeling deprived. If that doesn’t work, I’m happy to OMAD til the end of time if that just how I’m programmed. At the end of the day whatever works is the thing I’ll have to choose! :)