Hi all ,
I’m so inspired and impressed by everyone on this if journey. But I can’t seem to start . I feel like this block that is stopping . I’m also overweight and not happy with the way I look and feel and I know if is the way . Really hoping for some insight from all you people about how you started your journey and your struggles if any . My main issue is the 16 hr gaps . I’m so used to waking up and having a cup of tea , which I find really hard to quit . And also late night binges some nights .
Thank you .
You can have a cup of tea in the morning when fasting.
I just stubbornly survived one evening and night without food. The next day, during lunchtime, I had a feeling that I could actually do it. I was right! I’m doing it!
My biggest issue was snacking that was often binging in the evenings. I simply started. I downloaded the free Fasting Tracker app and set it to 16:8 so I was able to start eating at 10am and stop at 6pm. This completely eliminated my evening snacks. I found I was easily able to skip breakfast so switched my app to 18:6, I don’t eat before 12pm and I stop at 6pm.
You could try 14:10 for a week or two which will allow you to have your morning tea. The great thing about IF is that it can be flexible to fit your lifestyle but I like the app so that I am not tempted to ‘cheat’ too much. I love getting the badges and awards that the app gives for sticking to whatever plan you set.
I would stop fasting for now, and try this instead:
After you get used to those two (give it at least a week or two):
(Step 1 & 2 tends to increase mental clarity, making it easier to face challenges.)
I recently started as well and the first week was the hardest, now I’m used to it. Kind of like brushing your teeth, it starts to form a habit.
I’m doing the 16-8 with not eating past 3pm so that most of my hours are during sleep.
I am also doing a high protein / low carb during the week and allowing moderate carbs on the weekends.
I drink black coffee when I start to feel cravings. It works for me.
Oh, and part of my routine is a premiere caramel protein shake coffee (mix in sanka) heated with natural pysillium powder. Helps to keep things moving! People have mixed reviews on the texture but I don’t mind it.
And lastly, I focus on the psychological side when the monster comes out to temp me. I do deep and slow breathing exercises and think about what is triggering me to want to eat. As those triggers are identified it becomes easier to keep them at bay. Especially, if you are a stress eater, which I am.
I’m feeling much better, losing weight, less inflammation and a better sense of well-being.
Good luck!
Just start small by moving your breakfast out by say, an hour. Instead of having it at 7, have it at 8. Then every few days move it out another hour or half an hour. It takes awhile but it’s easier for some to get used to it.