How do you build socialising into 16:8 fasting?

[Curtaintwitcher72]

I'm thinking about trying 16:8 and was wondering how people adjust their eating window to allow for the occasional night out (with dinner and drinking). Do you allow yourself a cheat day or have you just knocked alcohol on the head completely?

I'm not too strict tbh, a one off I would just let go.
or adjust timings the next day

This is something intermittent fasting is perfect for, because you have your fasting period (in this case during the day - either skip lunch or have small late lunch) then go out and have whatever you like (within reason) to socialise in the evening.

Thanks for the replies. Starting out, should I just fast two or three times a week? I'm worried if I go like the clappers and try to do every day I'll end up giving up.

I find it easier to have the same routine each day, so late lunch after 2pm, early dinner then done. If I were going for a blow out meal on the evening I would just miss out lunch so do OMAD for that day.

OMAD sounds hardcore! Have you lost much weight?

What a shitty way to live. Hungry and wondering whether it's 'okay' to go out with friends and have fun. But at least you're thin, right 🙄

Thanks for that contribution that adds nothing.👏

Four stone over a couple of years, bit I don’t find I get hungry.

I would start with 14:10.
also download the Fastic app. It’s free and it helps you track your fasts. You also earn ‘frosties’ which you can use to give yourself a day off. It all sounds a bit daft but I have found it really helps with motivation when I’ve missed a day.
I’ve been doing it for five weeks and lost half a stone and feel much better for it.

I think it is better to aim for every day but start with say 12 hours fasting and then make it longer. I have realised that if I skip breakfast (or at least have it later) I'm not that much hungrier at lunch time. However when I do have breakfast e.g. when away, it takes me longer to get back into the fasting. I normally fast from about 6.30 until anywhere from 9-12 the next day. If I am out in the evening, I don't worry about it for that day.

Tbh I am losing weight slowly but it's a sustainable long term pattern for me. I don't feel particularly hungry and I well.

That's an amazing loss, well done!

Thanks HoisttheMainSail and BendingSpoons, that's useful advice about starting with 14:10 or 12:12. Unless I'm going out for dinner, I never usually eat after 7pm, so I'll work back from that. I'll also check out the app.

My motivation isn't just losing weight, it's want to feel better in myself and give my body a break from constantly scoffing, so it's good to hear you both report that you feel better for doing it.

Where do you stand on milk in tea in the morning during the fast? I don't drink coffee and really can't stand the thought of black tea!

I mean wanting to feel better.

I often gave cheat days. Of course its possible to start eating later - say 2pm and finish at 10pm but I'd be starving by 2pm! I've been doing 16/8 for years and find the occasional treat days are fine. I just try to eat sensible before I go out in the evening

I have milk in coffee, as long as it’s just a splash it does t seem to matter.

I’m quite strict about the milk in tea. I drink green tea with mint in the morning effort I break my fast l.
it takes a little getting used to but it’s amazing how it becomes a habit. You still get the hot drink/ caffeine hits and I cannot stand black tea either!

I found 16:8 quite hard and would then over eat as I was so hungry! 15:9 seems to work for me and my routine better. I do have one coffee with milk before I officially break fast and that doesn't seem to matter.

I do have the odd day off when out etc because you have to live! This routine feels so natural now and I'm normally not hungry until the 15hr ish window.

I'm starting on 15:9 or 14:10 then will see how I go. I would like to build up to 16:8. Are you still losing weight on 15:9?

Yes, around 1-2 pounds a week. But if I'm honest I could eat better in my window and would probably speed things up a little but I have a sweet tooth and only looking to loose half a stone ish.

There's a really interesting and recent podcast on this subject.

It's part of the ZOE Science and Nutrition series and is called What does Science say about intermittent fasting. Sorry I can't copy the link for some reason.

How's it going, OP? Did you get stuck into anything?