IF and lightheadedness

[polyjuicepotion]

I started IF, I do 1 40h fast and 1 24h fast per week. The first couple of weeks were ok. After three weeks or so, I started feeling very lightheaded. I have difficulty getting up, especially in the morning, sometimes when I am about to get out of bed I have to quickly sit down on the floor in order not too fall because I am so dizzy. I also feel really tired, much more than usual. I thought IF is supposed to be good for you, but I do not feel well.

I drink a lot of herbal teas as it helps with the hunger, so I am definitely not dehydrated. I would say I easily drink 2L of teas during each of my fasts. Obviously no sugar. On non fasting days, I eat normally.
What's going on?

I think for a beginner you are fasting for too long. Start with 16:8 and gradually progress to longer fasts if you wish too.

I do see a nutritionist, very occasionally, just to stay on track. I'm no expert of course but I'll share with you some things they told me as word-for-word as possible.

• Anywhere from a 16:8, to a 20:4 fast is fine, obviously might want to start at 16 hours and move up to 20 slowly.

• When I asked about water fasting (which you're doing a lot of) I was advised against it, and they said the maximum I should do was 1 24hr period per week.

You're massively overdoing the fast. When people water fast, they stay in bed all day. You're absolutely not supposed to go about your day/days on zero calories.

You're lightheaded and fatigued because you aren't eating enough calories to support your organs. You need to cut out the 40 hour fast: I respect your commitment but it's harming you. You're losing muscle mass, not fat tissue.

If I were you (and I'm no pro) I would eat 1500 calories minimum a day for a week to get your body back into working order, and then do 18:6 - I do 12pm to 6pm every day - with say a calorie limit of 1250 calories per day. Then maybe once a week, a 24 hour water fast. From experience, the results are far better that way.

Good luck hun x