Hey everyone -
Just an anecdote from a fellow faster. In the last month I have lost 20 pounds with a mixture of ADF and OMAD and adding in exercise to feel stronger, not just thinner. I also could have gone on an EF for 30 days, lost 30 pounds, and then gained 10 back during my slooooow refeed (so that I don’t get physically ill) - which would put me at a net loss of 20 pounds.
For some people a 30 day is a perfect idea. But….I got the same results in a month without having to do the tortuous refeed, the electrolyte dance, or avoid people and social situations.
I am NOT pooping on (no pun intended) much longer fasts, but I have made this mistake before and also seen others make this mistake - fasting is a lifestyle. If you are using it for weight loss primarily, we all know that get skinny quick fixes don’t last long and only set you up for the extreme weight rebound once you go back to “normal.”
For me, eating one meal a day IS normal. For me, eating every other day can be normal depending on the situation. I can keep this lifestyle up. I want to heal my relationship with food, not just run from it for a long time. But if running away from food is what works for you, by all means, run!!
Just a reminder that we can all get to the same place using different methods and that is okay. Everyone who has competed ANY fast gets a pat on the back and a high five, but please, if you are a beginner, don’t feel like you have to stop eating for 30 days.
Everyone’s fasting style is different, and the best kind is the one that makes you happy spiritually. :)
Great advice! I read about all the weird things happening during extended fasting and I realized that 20:4 with healthy food choices is working very well for me and it’s (personally) the easiest thing I’ve ever done that resulted in weight loss and eliminated inflammation.
Love your mindset. I’m in a similar boat. OMAD and keeping it simple works great for me. It helped me learn just how much food I really need and when I’m done cutting I’ll know what a healthy intake for me is. I’m losing 1-2 lbs a week (sw 197 cw 174 gw 155) and it’s the simplest and easiest dietary change I’ve ever made. I’ve had people ask what app I use, and I tell them none … I just eat dinner. If I have a second meal on a weekend I don’t sweat it, I still get to enjoy eating. For me, I needed something that’s easier than the alternative, and OMAD is it. As long as I’m on that 1-2 lb/week pace I don’t see the benefit of an EF. I remind myself, it took awhile to put it on, it will take awhile to get it off, but it WILL come off.
Oof this hit home hard, bro. In 2019 I lost 30 kg doing several 3-5-day fasts a month, I fking starved myself.
Went travelling and covid hit I gained all of it back. I’ve been feeling so devastated about all the suffering I went through just to end up at the starting point again.
Been doing OMAD and exercising now with the occasional 48h fast. You’re absolutely right that it should be a lifestyle overhaul and not a just quick fix without having to put in the work. .
Thanks for reaffirming I’m on the right track now!
Good luck man.