Hi everyone. 39f 5’6 SW 220 GW 145. Several autoimmune diseases, and single momma with 100% custody.
Yesterday, I officially started my 16:8 fasting. I have celiacs disease so I have to be gluten free but also trying to stay as dairy free as possible. I also suffer from a few eating disorders, but I like how IF makes me feel way more in control.
I’m trying to stick to 1500c a day, and eating more with workouts. Is this what the norm is for IF and wanting weight loss? How do you all handle indulgent days?
Would love any and all tips or support. I hate diets but feel this is something I can live with long term for sure. Happy new year everyone!
Fellow Celiac here (doing OMAD) - I can’t speak for what’s normal re: ED (probably best to get advice from a doctor), calorie restriction (be at a deficit of what you burn - look up a TDEE calculator for a general estimate). What I will say is that I don’t really have cheat days. I have 1-2 days a week I’m more flexible with my sugar intake but try my best to eat a balanced diet. Gluten free foods (those processed) typically have higher calories than their gluten counterparts- sticking more to naturally gluten free foods have worked best for me. My “sugar” days are days I’ll typically eat processed. Lastly, if you get glutened - you most likely will bloat and immediately appear heavier on the scale - don’t worry about it as the weight comes down as you heal. Good luck & wishing you the best.
My best tip is this:
When hunger cravings become unbearable, there are three really great things you can do to stifle the craving. Straight up chug a glass of water, switch up whatever activity you’re currently doing, or workout/yoga.
Water will fill you up, just do it.
Watching TV, sitting at the desk, reading a book? When the craving hits, get up and do something else. Something that requires a bit of attention. A hard change in activity refocuses your mind.
Working out, especially yoga, really halts a craving. I find the meditative qualities very soothing and fulfilling. Normally a 25 minute yoga session will stave off a food craving for at least another hour or two.
These also work great for quitting smoking as well.