Intermittent fasting in the time of Coronavirus.

[maryberrystalentlesstwin]

Anyone else doing it? How are you managing it in lockdown?

I started in mid-jan and it was going really well. I usually do 20:4 (window from 4pm-8pm)with a slightly longer window at the weekend so I could go out for drinks.

I'm still going, but I'm struggling! I'm feeling hungrier in the day when I'm not at work as I'm bored. I'm a keyworker so am out of the house 4 days a week, which helps. I've started eating more comfort food, so my choc intake has increased in my window though sometimes out of it. And having wine at home at the weekend means although I'm probably not having more alcohol, but I've got easier access to snacks when the booze weakens my resolve!

Another potential issue is I'm likely eh start doing 12hr shifts soon (I usually do 6hrs). No idea how that will work.

I just don't want to put the weight back on. I've only put on a few pounds and still fit into my "good" clothes, and I would be so pissed off if I get bigger again. But this is such a stressful time, food has always been my crutch.

Help!

[Rafflesway]

I am MaryBerry - I generally do 16:8 or occasionally 15:9 - but in fairness I have been doing it for over 2 years now - more for maintenance these days - so it has become the norm. Don’t think I could cope with 20:4 though!

I normally eat between 1.00pm and 9.00 pm - easiest for me. I just ensure I keep myself very busy in the mornings as I am early retired.
I could easily increase my chocolate and wine consumption though - only allow myself these at weekends now - so to help me along I have a small box of raisins in the evening rather than chocolate and then instead of a glass of wine I have Diet Coke in a wine glass. 😂
Bonkers I know but it honestly helps.

[CMOTDibbler]

I do 16:8. If I was going to be doing 12 hour shifts I would eat a main meal before work, and have a decent protein shake halfway through and after though as you need to feed your body to work that long, but can change your mindset to not use food as a crutch (or alcohol). The shakes work for me when I can't do a proper meal (or would eat crud), and do keep me going

[maryberrystalentlesstwin]

Thanks guys. I only have wine at the weekend, and I really don't want to stop right now to be honest! I do need to get the chocolate under control though. I had some raisins a few dats ago actually to try abc stop the sweet craving. It did work, so will carry on with that.

I'll work 8-8 so would struggle to have a meal before hand since I'll be leaving home at 7am! I'm going to take some snacks with me and see how the day goes. I need to make sure I drink lots and lots of water. I'm hoping that if I'm busy I'll be fine. Boredom is my worst enemy at the moment I feel!

[Wingedharpy]

Me too.

Alternate day fasting (approx 600 cals) and 15:9, coupled with "healthy eating", and little/no alcohol.......
I'm nearly a saint😉

I've been doing this for about 7 years (other than when I'm on holiday when I eat and drink to my hearts content) and, as it's a way of life for me, it's not really difficult any more.

I have avoided alcohol so far, as I'm feeling I may not stop once I start with 3 months minimum house arrest!

[maryberrystalentlesstwin]

@Wingedharpy you're very good. I really don't think I could do 600 cals a day. I'm much better with nothing at all and then whatever I like (though I do try and stay as healthy as possible in my "window" in normal times)

[missyB1]

I do 16/8 and really now it’s to maintain my current weight as I’ve lost the amount I wanted to lose. I’m doing it 4 days a week, but more snacks and treats have definitely crept in to my 8 hour window! Im trying to balance it out with an hour walk followed by my Pilates dvd each morning.

[SallyWD]

I could never do 20:4. I do 16:8 or 15:9. Maybe relax your timings a bit. I eat whatever I want and maintain my weight (I'm not overweight).

[CeibaTree]

I've been doing 16:8 since last June so it's a real ingrained habit for me now. I've lost 2 stone and have another 0.5 stone to go :)

[Wingedharpy]

@maryberrystalentlesstwin : I couldn't have done it either while working a 12 hour shift.

The 600 cals is every other day - not every day - and that makes it manageable.

I started off with Michael Moseley's 5:2 and then just threw everything into the mix until I found a regime that worked for me.

This method helps me maintain my weight at a steady, healthy level, but allows me to join in with feasting on holidays and other celebrations, but stops me lapsing into "bad" habits long term.

We're all different, so what works for one person will not work for someone else.