Intermittent Fasting August 2008

[Missalissa]

Some Intermittent Fasting Links:


The Fast-5 Diet and the Fast-5 Lifestyle

Art De Vany: Intermittent Fasting

Alternate-day fasting and chronic disease prevention: a review of human and animal trials -- Varady and Hellerstein 86 (1): 7 -- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Retune the Body with a Partial Fast : NPR

Leangains: Why would I do Intermittent Fasting along with weightlifting?

My Intermittent Fasting Success Story | Modern Forager

Is Intermittent Fasting Healthy? | Mark's Daily Apple

Effect of intermittent fasting and refeeding on insulin action in healthy men -- Halberg et al. 99 (6): 2128 -- Journal of Applied Physiology

SteveMount.com Posting 2: Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent Fasting | IronOnline Health and Fitness Database

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular benefits of intermittent fasting and caloric restriction


If you are new here, We are a friendly group and are eager to hear your
story. If you have been on this thread before, welcome back. How are you progressing?

How is IF working for you?

[Missalissa]

I began doing Atkins the end of March 2007. In May of 2007 I started doing some research into intermittent fasting. I was fascinated by all the information and read everything I could get my hands on. I began IF in June of 2008 and have never looked back. Incorporating IF into my daily routine allowed me pass my goal weight by a few pounds and have maintained that weight since March 2008. IF with maintenance has allowed me to add some "not so good carb" days and not make the scale go crazy.

Here are my before and after pics:

These are pics of me at 252 pounds taken 3 weeks before I started Atkins.





My after pictures.





Well, here's the proof that IF worked for me!

[BrandNewMe2004]

Missa - thanks for starting the August thread.

[LowCarbRachel]

In April 2007, I found that I gained about 20 pounds. I went on the South Beach Diet and lost most of it. But then I hit the dreaded plateau and started looking for new solutions. A new group had just started on the board, and I begin to read about Intermittent Fasting with great interest.

At first, I couldn't get my mind around how to do it. I was working at a job where it would have been socially unacceptable to skip lunch. And, I knew I wouldn't be able to squeeze lunch and dinner into a five hour period of time. So, I decided that I'd do IF with a larger window, from noon until six each day.

It was a good fit for me, right away. I'd never been a big breakfast eater and with a good sized dinner, I wouldn't get hungry and want to snack in the evenings. I got within a couple pounds of my goal weight, and I was eating WHATEVER I wanted. I will admit that I was even eating fast food and junk food and still easily maintaining my weight.

Around the holidays, I decided that I was going to lose 5 more pounds and get to my ultimate goal weight. So, I tried some crazy diets and I DID it, got to my goal weight. But it was very difficult to maintain. And then, after I broke up with my former boyfriend at the end of February, I started eating ALL the time. Eating 12 hours a day of whatever I wanted quickly packed the pounds back on and before I knew it, in April 2008, I was right back up to my almost highest weight again.

I struggled to lose and wound up consulting with a nutritionist. She put me on a very low carb, very low cal diet for three weeks. Interestingly enough, the diet included skipping breakfast and only eating lunch and dinner! I lost 13 pounds but developed an obsession with food. My first three transition weeks were low carb, and I spent a lot of $$$$$ and time thinking about and buying expensive ingredients to make myself all the low carb dishes I'd been dreaming about in my calorie deprived state.

I lost no more weight in the transition weeks, but I have maintained my 13 pound loss over the summer...and I am now down 15 pounds since June 6th. Eating in a window allows me to eat what I want and what is satisfying to me. Right now, I eat mostly fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with some healthy fats and seafood thrown in to the mix. I will also occasionally have a muffin or a bagel. I have given up diet Coke and am doing Callanetics, which is nicely reshaping my body. I am still 4 pounds away from my original goal weight of 129, but I'm not concerned about losing any additional weight.

My goal for this year is to NOT gain weight between January-April. That's my tough time of the year.

[Wolfpax24]

wow u all are inspirations! I am going to have to look for pics, and then take some new ones.

[fjeld]

Missalissa, you're the IF poster child I get happy just looking at the pictures and your smile

What a great start to the new thread.


Hope your toe is much better Barbara I know you were a bit with people leaving/not posting on the thread but please know that most probably many read it and are inspired by what you all here are doing.

I don't post so much because for a long while I've been in a WOE-mess and I don't want to write about that because it wouldn't help me right now. It's just too muddled. I have it in my head/mind all the time so I don't want to read about it as well I prefer to read more inspiring stuff that others are writing when I feel WOE-muddled. I need to help direct my mind towards what works and what makes me feel better.


Gracie and Wolfpax: Aah, iodine. I'm an avid reader on the iodine threads over at Curezone where people are experimenting with high doses. It's really interesting but I haven't mustered up the guts to try it yet. So far I'm just supplementing with kelp.

Well done Rachel on losing and keeping the weight off. But maybe especially for not obsessing about a few tiny pounds, letting them spoil your accomplishment and summer.

BrandNewMe, hope you're healing nicely from your karmic Barbie attack incident

And to all the new people that have joined this thread:

[fjeld]

I've tried Fast-5 many times and although I mostly enjoy the fasting part the eating part, not so much. I'm stressed preparing/cooking/eating within such a short time frame and usually feel too full after eating. I don't feel I have any free time in the evening. And no, I'm not eating for the whole five hours


If you guys remember from my earlier posts my aim with IF has been to incorporate one or two full days of fasting a week. I've tried different variations of this but don't keep it up mainly because of hunger pangs, feeling faint etc. I've used mixed fruit and vegetable juices and I've tried down days from the Johnson's Up Day Down Day Diet eating only vegetables and some fruit.

Last year when I did this twice a week for two weeks I lost a lot of weight. I didn't weigh myself but at the start of the first week I tried on a pair of jeans I couldn't pull up over my derrière, at the end of the second week I could button them and actually move around. But apparently the weight loss wasn't worth the deprivation I felt.


Well, this week I decided to try again but not only keep calories low but also the carbs (see, I am learning from this site ) and keep my mineral intake high.

I've juiced 1½ to 2 cucumbers, added the juice of half a lemon and I drink this diluted with water. I also drink 3-4 cups of vegetable broth and drink about two or three glasses of a mix of kelp or nettle powder, a little magnesium and ACV.

This seems to work great. I fasted on Tuesday, ate like usual yesterday and am fasting again today. I had so much energy on Tuesday it was surprising Usually when fasting I don't feel too good but on Tuesday I did and so far today I do.

I'm keeping carbs very low, alkalising and getting lots of minerals and live enzymes and this really seems to make a difference to how I've fasted/kept calories low with a down day before.

The plan is to eat on Friday and Saturday and fast again on Sunday making it three whole fasting days this week. I'll weigh on Monday and then decide what plan to take next week.

My "maintenance" IF goal is to fast one day a week for all the reasons that IF seems to be beneficial for the body.

[fjeld]

Well it's almost August here in Europe so I'll continue posting on the new thread! You all will just have to come follow me now


My second whole day of IF for this week has been surprisingly easy for me and I am proud of myself for following through on my plan. No cravings at all and besides a bit of spaciness at times (the post I made in the July thread and luckily deleted most of earlier this evening proved that ) and feeling a bit sensitive because of getting my period today I've felt just fine. Not as full of energy as while fasting on Tuesday but I think TOM explains that. And I am experiencing feelings of elation, which are common while fasting.

I am looking forward to eating tomorrow but not in a can't-wait-to-binge kind of way, just in a that-would-be-nice-to-eat way. I'm thinking these more positive experiences of fasting for 30-36 hours have much to do with keeping carbs low *smartie pants smiley*.

It's late here but I'm going to watch a movie and then it's time for bed. Have a great IF day everyone!

(And thanks Barbara for the b*tt kick to keep posting. It's just so much easier to write when I'm following an IF plan.)

[LCShadows]

Originally Posted by fjeld

I've tried Fast-5 many times and although I mostly enjoy the fasting part the eating part, not so much. I'm stressed preparing/cooking/eating within such a short time frame and usually feel too full after eating. I don't feel I have any free time in the evening. And no, I'm not eating for the whole five hours

My biggest reservation about trying the Fast-5 approach was the idea of using a 5-10PM window. Who eats at that time? Most people I know are either at work or stuck in traffic at 5PM. And most office workers are in bed not too long after 10PM -- anyone for a little acid reflux all night? I wondered what was so sacred about the 5-10Pm window? Then someone posted that it didn't work for them, so they just moved the window. Of course. So that's what my long range plan is. As I reduce the number of hours in my window, I'm thinking it is likely to end up more like 11-4/11-5/12-5/12-6. Eat so there is time to digest before bedtime and time to burn a little of it before I settle for the night.

Unlike almost everyone who kindly responded to my intro post in the July thread, I am a big breakfast eater and always have been. So that will be one of the challenges.

[BrandNewMe2004]

Gah. I want, no - need, to get back on plan. Everything is stacked in favor of low-carb. I know I wouldn't be up now w/ acid reflux if I was on plan. Hubby gets paid today. I can do shopping this weekend. I've still got stuff I can thaw from the freezer to get me started. I need to go through my stella books. I've gone through the LC slow-cooker recipes one and found several that I want to try. Need to do some shopping.
Off to have more Tums and hopefully get some sleep. August 1st y'all! WOOHOO!!! 5 months left in 2008. Oh, was at 308 the day before yesterday. Have a doc appointment on Monday to talk about the lowering BP meds thing. August will be my month for changes. Hoping September sees me finally off my blood pressure meds. <crossing fingers and knocking on wood>

[fjeld]

Hello LCShadows and much welcome to the IF thread!

I read about your little toes casts vision on the July thread I think most of us walk around with one or two broken toes, especially from our childhoods, that have had to heal on their own. No wonder toes tend to look a bit funny.

You know, I've seen Fast-5:ers and other IF:ers use the word break~fast which is all breakfast really is and this is anytime you break your fast. I don't know if you meant you like your breakfast because you like to eat on waking up or you just like the foods you choose for breakfast? For me I've gotten used to have my break~fast at around lunchtime no matter what kind of IF I've tried (or at around 4 PM when doing Fast-5). And I eat what I would normally eat for a "real" breakfast. I've gotten used to it now.

I think that easing into into IF like you are doing is the wisest way to do it. (I didn't but that's just me.) You're going to get some great advice from the Fast-5:ers here who know what they're talking about from experience. I don't think any of them eat between 5-10 PM but instead have accomodated the eating window to suit their hours and lifestyles. And judging from their pics it's working very well

Bye for now!

[Ragdoll24]

It's & Happy Friday

My story: Since puberty I have gained & lost weight due to stressed/comfort eating. I successfully lost weight two other times in my journey with WW. The last time I lost 50 lbs with WW in 1990-1991 & became a WW Leader (lowest weight 117 lbs). In 1992 my dad had a major brain bleeed/stroke. I stopped working to care for him. I started gaining weight slowly 1 lb a month. At the end of two years I had gained 24 lbs. It seemed like after the initial 24 lb gain the weight just rushed back on my body. By 2002 after breaking my foot in a car accident the scale was up to 209 lbs. I tried WW again but wasn't happy with the low fat way of eating. I did a job for a middle aged gal who was always on the pudgy side & looked a little dowdy. The next time I went to work for her she looked like a different person. Slim, sexy & full of life. She had transformed herself with Atkins LC. I knew all about Atkins since I had successful lost before with that WOE. Late January 2007 at 201 lbs, I decided to take off the extra 80 lbs & keep it off for the rest of my life. I joined the LCF in August 2007 started IF in Sept or Oct. 2007 & have seen 70 Lbs leave my body, Yeah!. I do allow myself an occassional "indulgence" meal or a break on vacations & get right back on plan as soon as I can to take off the lbs. added due to vacation.
Before picture take on March 22, 2007:

After picture July 2008

[fjeld]

You look fabulous Barbara Hope your toe's better.

I was going to write that you could be a poster child for Fast-5 too but then I actually looked the phrase up and it's used derogatively? I'm sorry about calling you a poster child earlier Missalissa but I hope you know I meant that in the best of ways

It's the language barrier...

[Ragdoll24]

LCShadows I am smiling about your toes in casts vision. Thanks so much for giving me an early morning smile. I'll keep this vision in my mind & enjoy it whenever I get a little down.
Missalissa Thanks so much for starting us off for August. You have been my inspiration, thank for being a great role model for us.
Rachel You've done great & I know you will be able to handle those difficult months much better this time around.
JFeld I know how you feel when your eating isn't what you want it to be & then not wanting to post. I get those feelings also. Thanks so much for your very kind comments, it's really appreciated My toe feels a little better every day. I ordered a safer ladder & can't wait to get it.
MelissaF. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that you can get off the BP meds & do well with LC
Wolf Hope the Dr. can fix the hernia the "easy" way without cutting
Gracie, Elaine, CarolinaSweetie, Theresa, Flower & everyone else reading this thread

[sazzie]

After the birth of my second daughter, I decided that I would try Atkins to lose the 40 lbs. I had gained during my pregnancy.

The weight came off very easily within a few months time, and I found that eating low carb was not only good for my body, but also necessary for a neurological disorder I've had since the age of 17.

I was able to maintain 135 for a number of years, and when my last son was born in 1975, I again gained 40 lbs., and it was back to Atkins.
Maintained for quite a number of years until 2001 when I had surgery and then I joined LCF, but this time, I had only 30 lbs. to lose, and I shed that weight within 3 months time and made goal again in July, 2001.

Fast forward to 2005! A second surgery was needed! Back up again, but this time only 27 lbs. I was gaining less weight, but this time around, it has been quite a different story. It was not coming off! Had I really used up my Golden Three? It sure seemed so.

So, feeling desperate and after some frustrating months of truly not knowing what to do, I joined Weight Watchers. After being on that plan for just one month, I knew beyond a doubt it was not for me. I was buying all sorts of frozen convenience dinners, and I knew that in my heart of hearts, I was not eating for my health; I was eating to lose weight! With all the additives in those dinners, I came to the decision that the only way to get healthy again was to eat unprocessed foods, meats and veggies......the way I was used to eating. So, back to Induction I went, and have not looked back.

I believe I may have done some damage to my thyroid back in the 90s when I consumed soymilk each day with protein powder. I was naïve. Only when I came to LCF did I start to learn about the dangers of soy. I am in the process of trying to reverse that damage. I have since been scripted Armour by my homeopath, and I feel I am on the return path to total wellness. The fat loss is slow, but I am starting to see some good changes, albeit slow, but, never the less, changes. My blood work is excellent, and my energy level is high.

I started IF back in November 07, and since I was never a breakfast gal, it fit in quite well with my schedule, and even though I do extend my window to 6 hours, I feel it is still quite effective with the Atkins WOE.

[Missalissa]

Good Friday morning IFers! I can't believe it's August already! Jeez, where has the time gone?

[LowCarbRachel]

Happy August, my friends!
What a joy it's been to read all of these stories

I'm just getting ready for work, but I'll stop by and say hi if I have a minute this afternoon.

Rachel

[Missalissa]

Well tonight is the last night of VBS. I am sad and thankful all at the same time. We have had a wonderful time this week, but man am I pooped!! After we finish tonight, we will have to break down the set because we have another church coming to get it first thing in the morning.

Tomorrow I have to do about 20 loads of laundry to get DD ready to leave for her trip to Houston/Galveston. We are leaving on Sunday and spending the night in Fort Worth because we have to be there between 7 and 7:30 am Monday for breakfast and orientation.

What happened to the lazy days of summer?

[KayeJH]

Hello everyone,

I hope you don't mind me "crashing" your thread, because I am not currently an IFer....although I am intrigued with the concept and hope to learn more. You ladies have obviously had great success with it and I desperately need to try something different to lose weight.

I first started low-carbing in 2004 and lost about 25 lbs. (down from my constant weight of the last 15 years of 200 lbs.). But then carb creep got to me and I let go and settled back up to my 200 lbs. It seems my body loves this weight because I've lost that same 25 lbs. on various diets (WDW, WW, Atkins, Intuitive Eating), only to gain it all back when I stop the plan.

About a year ago I started coming back to the LCF boards again on a regular basis and have learned a ton of information on nutrition, low carbing, and holistic health. I have started some very good practices (coconut oil/flaxseed daily, fish oil, L-glutamine, multi-vitamin, etc.), but have struggled to stay purely low-carb in my eating. Thus, while I've stopped and started Atkins Induction 50 times or more over the last year I have succeeded in losing exactly NO WEIGHT!!

So, I've decided to try something new that I have never done before - get together with others for support!! I've always been a loner and extremely private (can't even bring myself to put my picture in my avatar). However, I feel like I need something (or someone) to help me become accountable.

I have searched throughout the LCF boards for boards that seemed supportive and caring and guess what? Your board wins!!

So if you don't mind, I'd like to join you for support - and to offer my support. I have begun Induction (again) today, August 1, with the goal of being 50 lbs. slimmer by next August 1!

Kaye

[Missalissa]

Originally Posted by KayeJH

Hello everyone,

I hope you don't mind me "crashing" your thread, because I am not currently an IFer....although I am intrigued with the concept and hope to learn more. You ladies have obviously had great success with it and I desperately need to try something different to lose weight.

I first started low-carbing in 2004 and lost about 25 lbs. (down from my constant weight of the last 15 years of 200 lbs.). But then carb creep got to me and I let go and settled back up to my 200 lbs. It seems my body loves this weight because I've lost that same 25 lbs. on various diets (WDW, WW, Atkins, Intuitive Eating), only to gain it all back when I stop the plan.

About a year ago I started coming back to the LCF boards again on a regular basis and have learned a ton of information on nutrition, low carbing, and holistic health. I have started some very good practices (coconut oil/flaxseed daily, fish oil, L-glutamine, multi-vitamin, etc.), but have struggled to stay purely low-carb in my eating. Thus, while I've stopped and started Atkins Induction 50 times or more over the last year I have succeeded in losing exactly NO WEIGHT!!

So, I've decided to try something new that I have never done before - get together with others for support!! I've always been a loner and extremely private (can't even bring myself to put my picture in my avatar). However, I feel like I need something (or someone) to help me become accountable.

I have searched throughout the LCF boards for boards that seemed supportive and caring and guess what? Your board wins!!

So if you don't mind, I'd like to join you for support - and to offer my support. I have begun Induction (again) today, August 1, with the goal of being 50 lbs. slimmer by next August 1!

Kaye

Welcome Kaye! Jump right in! Feel free to post and ask questions until you feel comfortable to try IF. I promise, once you try it, you'll never go back!

[Hoops]

Well... after eating poorly for 7 days, I decided to hop back on board yesterday. I ate primarily fruits and vegetables. So, that is my eating plan for the next several days until my next fast, which will be 10 days starting August 10 thru August 19.

maizenbluebabe You cracked me up about the popcorn-Zen thing!

Barbara, Rachel, Gracie, Missalissa~ Thanks for sharing your stories with us! Very inspiring!

Wolf~ I'd love an email about your 2 month fast!

Melissa~ No shopping needed to fast.

LCshadows, 50by50, Tori, Elaine, Fjeld, Kaye I hope I didn't miss anyone.