New go with the flow flexible fasting thread - anyone want to join?

[greenandgreener]

Hello all! I'm a shortie in my 40s with at least 3 stone to lose! Couldn't quite believe it when I looked at the scales recently.

I'm doing a very flexible fasting routine and trying to go a bit intuitively to avoid binging afterwards. E.g. allowing myself to eat for longer window etc some days. Going with the flow is my new mantra - trying to listen to my body so I don't feel so deprived.

In two weeks of fasting plus every other day 30 mins of strength training I've lost 2kg! My routine is generally fast for as long as I feel able each day allowing occasional treats sometimes and not beating myself up if I fall off the wagon - just getting back on. I've been changing it up - 16hrs / 18hrs / 24hrs / 26hrs and so on - variable according to schedule and mood.

Exercise is a little erratic as well but trying to get a few short workouts per week.

If anyone would like to join me please let me know! Would love to give each other some moral support

Well done that's amazing! I'm in my 50's and IF is the only thing that works for me.

I've just had covid which got me off to a head start as had no appetite for the first few days. I have a holiday coming up and need to lose a stone. I'm ashamed to admit but for the last week I've been holding out till dinner and having just the one meal a day. In 8 days I have lost 7lb. Drastic I know but I'd rather get it over with. My shape has literally changed in a week.

Probably not a sensible thing to do but nothing else works for me.

@ohthejoys21 It doesn't sound too drastic to me, a lot of people do one meal a day and have great success with it! That said I hope you are looking after yourself enough and getting in the right nutrients after having covid!

I've been pretty low on energy the last few months, I'm hoping that as I lose weight it will be a bit easier on that front.

I think having people to chat to on here makes it a bit easier to keep it up. I'm also keeping a spreadsheet (!!) of exercise and fasting windows and weight. Somehow it keeps it a bit more at the forefront of my mind.

One thing I really struggle with is preparing food for my kid - I'm constantly around food, preparing food and snacks and packed lunches, being asked for treats and pestering in the supermarket. I know I need to toughen up a bit here, I'm not the world's worst but would love to clear the house out of all tempting and less healthy carb style food, even bread etc - I wouldn't buy it if I lived alone.

Greenandgreener

I think you'll find you have more energy. I feel for you having to prepare snacks etc as I have zero willpower if I know there are snacks at home. Any chance your little one would settle for healthy snacks?

Seeing your weight come down on the scales is the biggest motivator. Keeping it off's another story

@ohthejoys21 i have one very fussy kid unfortunately so snacks are very hit and miss! I definitely have to be stricter though, maybe move him to apples or fruit or something or have several snack free days per week! I have the power in me somewhere!!! But sadly we do have to have bread and other carb type foods in the house - he will eat lots of raw veg but he just refuses to eat normal healthy cooked dinners so it ends up being more carb heavy toast / jacket potatoes / pizza / chips all served with lots of veg etc. I live in hope he will be healthier!!!

oh and you're right about keeping it off! I have to do it this time. Did lose a stone a year ago and it plus more has come back on!! eek!

It HAS to be a lifestyle change for good!

I’m also a 40 something shorty. I’ve got 3.5 stone to lose 😱
I started Fast 800 yesterday and am planning to do 2 weeks of it before switching to 5:2 for a holiday. And then, who knows??

welcome @NoAprilFool ! You might just inspire me to come back to fasting after a week of crap food. Stress levels went mad and I fell off. Hopefully over the summer hols things will get easier again. I managed to lose half a stone in 3 weeks by doing one meal a day, or short eating windows and one slightly longer 36hr fast plus weights every other day. Was so quick. need to get back on the wagon