How can I stop intermittent fasting from negatively affecting my mood?

Hi, I started a 16:8 diet 12 days ago and this week especially, I’ve had some serious issues with sudden bursts of random anger. It happens mostly during my fasting period, but sometimes during my eating period as well. I never used to get moments of irritation this intense before. It’s starting to affect my job performance as well. I’ve done a lot of reflecting as well, and the IF is literally the only change I’ve made since it’s been happening. Any advice for a newbie?

Answer

You could try a week off fasting and see if you return to normal, then if you do, go back to fasting if you want (not everyone needs to fast daily for 16 hours) but try doing 12h at first and see how it goes then keep increasing the faated hours as you go on and see where you start having those symptoms. It could be you’re stressing yourself out too much since fasting is a stressor to you body, and sacrificing your job for this is not worth it when you can try a slower approach instead. 🙂

Answer

Electrolytes. This happens to me when I forget. Also if your last meal before isn’t protein heavy it should be. As for electrolytes I use LMNT and haven’t looked back. It’s pricey but worth my husband’s life 😂

Answer

Try introducing meditation. Your body and mind are seeing and feeling changes and you might be reacting to the changes with anger in general. Meditation might be able to make you aware before getting upset and to let stuff pass.