I’m trying to get back into 16:8, but I’m finding it difficult to keep up where I’m a line cook and I have to taste meals/prep before serving which of course breaks my fast. As well as the fact that I often work longer-ish shifts (10-12 hours) so I have to eat dinner late at night when I get home from work (going outside of the 8 hour window). I currently am trying to just do a skip breakfast schedule, where I start “eating” at 2pm and finish at 10pm which sometimes works, but I can’t always avoid tasting before 2pm.
Any other kitchen workers that have any tips or recommendations to how I can work around this or a good schedule I can follow? I’m sorry if this seems like a dumb question, I’m just kind of struggling to figure it out.
ETA: I work in the kind of kitchen where it’s not ideal to bring/buy a meal to eat during work hours
ETA2: maybe I’m just SOL lmao
I 100% feel this, and understand the struggle. And while I know this isn’t ideal whatsoever, but in the past where I know I absolutely need to taste items (which annoyingly happens often), I spit out the food I am tasting. It does suck, but ideally I try to work my fasting around the shift I work. Most often, even a 10-12 hour shift, 1-2 hours is prepping (where I usually am having to taste food the most) and then during service, while I do taste, it isn’t as much/as often. There are times I eat about 30 minutes prior to working (first meal of the day), and then at that point, the shift is winding down to where I don’t need to prep or taste items.
Ultimately, tell people to screw off if they judge you for bringing food. I do it, and I kid you not, there are times where I will inhale my food I brought 10 minutes before my fasting starts because I know my time is limited. If you don’t feel comfortable bringing food, simply request if you can eat food for five minutes (be it a salad, or even something not as healthy) during your shift.
I’m rambling at this point, but I have been in this scenario. It is doable. But not as easily as a person who works a desk job. I wish you the best. Also, remember to go easy on yourself. It’s okay. You’ve got this!
If you work a 10 hour shift, you’re mandated a break by law. If you’re a smoker, our boss is probably letting the smoke breaks act as your longer break. Cut back on the cigs and take a proper 30 minute break and eat.
Alternatively, just be okay with the smaller eating window and try to compensate with a more strict regimen elsewhere. Count calories (to the best of your ability) and try to not taste more than absolutely necessary for work.
The principal of fasting is to help lower your insulin as quickly as possible. Eating food constantly slows that process down but it can also start up again if you didn’t eat a lot. Is 12 hours as good as 16? Probably not, but it’s better than eating for 18 hours a day with tons of snacks like the typical western diet does now.