Dropped 25lbs via Short & Intermittent Fasting

Well done - intermittent fasting is a lifestyle that I have found has worked very well with me, especially over the long term. Obviously you won't keep losing weight, but getting your weight to a stable set point on an intermittently fasting lifestyle is quite insightful.

Myself, I had a fantastic run with intermittent fasting for at least a year, but end of the year (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years) is always a challenge and a forced break. Fortunately, I should be able to get back on track shortly...

 

I lost more than 55 lbs so far in less than a month and a half; about 6 weeks. I just fasted for 3 to 5 days, refed for a day or two and fasted again for few days, repeat. So basically I ate like 2 times a week or something. But I ate a lot to binge on as much energy as I can for it to last 4 days without me feeling weak. I did not had 175 lbs extra weight on me like you though, just about 75 lbs. Still about 20 lbs left to go.

I used to be scared to do this because we have this misconception in society that it will ruin your health. So I was doing something like 500 calorie deficit for many months just to lose a fraction of these lbs I lose now so fast and so easy. Then I learned it's in fact one of the healthiest things for the body. Fasting activates autophagy which get's rid of old and damaged cells, it improves immune system, etc. I remember getting cold and being sick for a week or more with runny nose, sore throat, etc. I discovered that fasting will help body heal from infections faster. Now when I get cold I just fast and I am back at 100% within 2 to 3 days instead of a week or more.

Good stuff!

 

Hi for how long and when would you choose to fast intermittently?

 

I was on a 23-hour fasting window for just over a year, which was absolutely fantastic. My body felt good and I was filled with energy. Also, I felt absolutely no desire for sweet things, junk food, or other bad dietary habits. I also noticed that when I did prolonged fasts (i.e. 2-3 days in my case), I would have a very powerful sense of smell. Ridiculous story; I woke up one morning and when I opened my bedroom door upstairs, I could smell that there was an apple on my kitchen counter.

I highly recommend it as a lifestyle over the long-term, though plan your social life around it so that you can eat with your family/friends. Dinner always worked out the best for me.

I fell out of the IF unfortunately because of a messed up job situation over the course of the last year, but I'm in the process of getting back in, and I'm very much looking forward to it.