Questions from a former athlete

I have some questions. I gained a ton of weight after I retired from my sport. About 90 pounds. When I used to cut weight for matches/fights I used to only have one black cup of coffee a day along with 5 pieces of shrimp. All while training for about 3 hours a day. I would lose up to 30-40 pounds a month. It was very extreme. I dont want to go that extreme, but my question is does the fasting usually work? How many days do you guys fast? Do you have water during the fast or is it all or nothing. How much weight can I realistically lose? I’m at 250 and want to get down to 160 preferably sooner rather than later. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you.

Answer

I think IF could be a great tool for you, but I’d really encourage getting into more of a lifestyle change mindset. Both losing the weight sustainably and keeping it off is going to mean having goals besides just losing it as fast as possible with some crazy coffee and shrimp plus dry fasting - not that that is what you’re specifically planning.

I would start by reading the faq linked in the sidebar it’s a good explanation on what IF is, what to do, and what are the common methods.

Best of luck!

Answer

Wrestling and similar sports where you have to severely restrict calories cause people’s metabolisms to be really screwed up. No wonder you gained weight! Be patient with yourself and look into keto/ketovore/carnivore.