It’s only been 2 weeks, I’ve been doing 18:6. I thought I’d feel like i was starving all the time, it’s actually fine.
I think of food less, snacking was a huge issue for me, now it’s a non issue.
I like to have about 2 cups of watermelon/cantaloupe as my last bit of food for the day, it’s around 50/60 cal per cup. Lots of volume to feel full for the rest of my day.
I was you 3.5 years ago. Lost 50 lbs in 6 months and have kept it off. I started with 16/8 but quicky went to OMAD. Found it easier. On 16/8 I’d eat lunch at noon, but often had to work late. Or go workout after lunch. I found it hard to finish dinner by 8, and started skipping it when I was running late. So I just started doing OMAD every day, which worked better.
The biggest surprise was how much less hungry I was, and how the need for will power to resist eating reduced and eventually went away completely. I remember early on getting a little headache or getting a little sluggish as my eating window approached. Didn’t realize that was a sign my body wanted food. Very different than the magnetic attraction to the refrigerator door which we’ve come to understand are hunger. I felt my body slowing down, instead of the urge to eat. Took me a while to understand that’s what was happening. Pretty soon my body just got used to it and the symptoms of body slowing down went away.
At this point hunger is completely gone. I actually miss it occasionally. Longing to eat something decadent and then that swoon when you do. I never have that any more. But I actually love eating more then ever. I eat much healthier, fresher diet. Even learned to cook! And so many non weight loss benefits. Never get sick. Cuts ages bruises heal quicker. Never bonk - I can walk for hours without any issues (only if I am fasted - I made the mistake of hiking fed and shoes felt like lead boots after an hour). I absolutely love living and eating this way. Even if I was promised my weight would stay right here if I went back to frequent eating, I wouldn’t do it!
Good luck on your journey!
Yeah it feels strange for sure. This afternoon i plan on doing a run before i break fast (extending my fast by a couple hours) and i feel fine about it. Id never even think something like this was possible before fast.