How many calories should I take if I do 16:8? (and any other info about it please)

[Tiredemma]

I cant do the 5.2- I managed it for 16 weeks and lost 17lbs but I dont know what is wrong with my mindset- I just cannot get back into it- regardless of how much I am convincing myself that for me, it works.

Ive seen some references to '16:8'. I think I have grasped that the concept is to eat for just 8 hours out of the 24. How many calories though? and how many days a week do you do this?
also- most importantly--- Does it work??

Hi, TiredEmma

Yes, 16:8 means eat within an 8-hour window and fast for 16 consecutive hours.
Almost everyone who loses weight needs a calorie deficit
( the exceptions are those for whom fasting clears up a metabolic problem or removes a trigger food)

Easiest method is just to cut out either breakfast or supper and do NOT eat bigger meals in those 8 hours to compensate.

For best results, do this every day
After 2 weeks, see if you have lost weight and tune your intake if need be.

If you find that you need to count calories:
To achieve a 3,000 cal weekly calorie deficit and hence about 1lb loss, you need to average about TDEE-430 cals per day

btw, once you get used to fasting on 16:8, you might find you can add FDs again. Many of us on 5:2 do 16:8 on NFDs.

Thanks BCF.

Ive gone for TDEE -25%? so calorie intake will be 1280 a day which is realistic I thunk. I will then see how I get on with trying to get back onto the 5.2 bus!