16:8 does not feel like another shitty diet!. I managed to lose fat, have more energy and feel positive about life.

[sbh1991]

Hey,
I want to share my experience, I tried several diets in the past with little luck, I found them boring and I usually ended up caving in, binging on food and ending up back at square one.

However, I finally found the 16:8 fast really worked for me in losing weight.
I enjoy my food and more importantly I enjoy life without having to restrict myself anymore. Life is too short as they say!.

Weight loss can fill like a constant uphill battle, I know that feeling first hand. So, I would like to help where I can, let me know your struggles with the diet or what problems you have?. Happy to give tips or inspiration to others from my experience.

It is the little steps every day that add up to big results over time 😀. Let's all help and support one another!.

Just went for a 3 mile walk with the buggy, up loads of steep hills 14 hours into my fast and I’m amazed I managed it without feeling slightly faint or hungry! Enjoying a nice cold coffee now before lunch. Fast ends at 12 but I feel like I could push it to 12.30-1.

Some people are calorie counting quite strictly (1000 calories a day) but I don't calorie count at all. For me the only reason I've been able to stick at it for years is the freedom it gives me. No calorie counting, no weighing food, no cutting out food groups. Just eat tasty nutritious food within 8 hours. I've have a big brunch, a couple of snacks mid afternoon and then a big early dinner. It keeps me satisfied. When I restrict calories I get very hungry and then can't maintain it for more than a few weeks. I've lost weight slowly but have maintained the lifestyle for years.

I’m not counting calories but I’m aware of them if that makes sense. I know if I eat 5 bags of crisps plus meals and chocolate in my 8 hour window I won’t be losing weight. I’m sticking to two satisfying meals, aiming to make healthy choices, with no snacks and I have something for afters every day like a yoghurt. I also walk every day.

Exercise really helps me through my fasting. If I walk when I’m fasting I find I’m less hungry - not sure how that works! Unfortunately I’m working today so just having to ignore my hunger. Although I could technically eat now, I’m going to hold off until 1.

I’m going to try to get by on 800 calories today (4X 200cal Exante shakes) after eating so much yesterday and feeling so ill afterwards. Also I’ve got to get rid of this box of shakes somehow 🙄

Perhaps throw the shakes in the bin or sell them on FB and eat healthy foods today Max In my experience that sort of punishment day will just lead to more binging

I quite like them 😳

It’s not so much punishment as ease really. But I get what you mean.

@mumpsimusmaximus perhaps you could have two today (400 cals) and then a healthy tea, and do the same tomorrow. At least then you’ve got your tea to look forward to.

How long does it take to see results. I have started this and it’s fine. Doing 12-8.I also walk for an hour each evening!

I’m on my 17th fast and I’m down about 5lbs although I have PCOS and lose slowly. I can visibly see a difference in underwear pics taken before and now though.

Hoping for another lb this week which will make 6lb in 3 weeks which I’m more than happy with.

I agree that it makes you more mindful of what you're eating. I'm not calorie counting but I have cut out the mindless snacking.

Is there any reason it's 16:8 rather than, say, 18:6? I should probably read up about the science behind it a bit more.

the main reason is sustainability.
it is (relatively) easy to cut out one meal a day.

@MissFitton

Do we know if it has any effect on peri-menopausal symptoms? So far I've not been too bad although the hot flushes are irritating. I've lost one lb since Monday which is a start. Although I'm not calorie counting I'm going to resist buying any more nice cheese!

I am also peri and am currently on my 4th day of 16/8. I was wondering the same as you. I have a lot of weight to lose and lose slowly anyway without peri menopause. It will be interesting to see how we get on with this.

bluefoxmug that makes sense.

We shall have to compare notes Diversion! My only other symptom of my age is not easily being able to loose weight, hence 16:8.

Hi, could I ask about drinking please? I've been eating 12-6pm roughly, but am I ok to drink outside of these times, will I still see the same level of weight loss? I'm guessing water might be Ok, but alcohol?
Thank you, this thread inspired me to get back on it, and it's working nicely for me but I fear drinks might be my downfall!

alkohol is very calorific - just to keep that in mind

ideally you don't take in any calories outside the 8hour window.

During the fasting period you should only be drinking water (still or sparkling but not flavoured), black tea, black coffee or green tea. Nothing else.

I LOVE 16:8!! I have stones to lose and have tried everything and put on 2stone since last summer (!!!) and this is working and I don't really restrict myself in my 8 hour window. Now, I have been drinking wine during my fast time the last few nights but I am stressed to f with my dad in hospital, otherwise I just drink water, and I won't drink tonight, and I have lost 3.5lb in 8 days! so good when I have been eating pasta, garlic bread etc. I love it.

I’m trying to eat below 1200. Some days I eat that, other days it’s less than 1000.

If you increase the fasting time does it increase the benefit? To me the idea of 20:4 or even smaller just seems really unnatural - but I don’t know the science behind it! Am trying 16:8 and for now it’s working as it’s not too much of a stumbling block mentally. Fascinating though as it’s such a different approach!

Supposedly the longer you fast the more plentiful the health benefits, but I think any fasting is good so wouldn’t try and convince anyone to fast passed what feels comfortable.

I have mixed feelings about it. I did it years before it was fashionable, alternate day dieting (4:3) and later eating windows like 16:8. It worked well for a while but I think my body adjusted and then it didn't work so well.

1. Just be careful it doesn't lead to disordered eating. Though this is a danger of course with ALL diets.

1. Also, intermittent fasting I believe can mess with your circadian rhythm - which is controlled in part by when you eat - so a very late breakfast can mean you don't get "started" metabolically at the beginning of the day. It affected my sleep patterns adversely.

1. It can also create surges in "cortisol" hormone apparently - which I believe leads to extra "belly" storage.

Just be careful folks! Having tried every diet known to man I believe they all have their downsides.

How does it work if you want to have a few drinks of an evening- like to 10pm I guess you eat from 2-10 ish?

Long fasts definitely cause insomnia! When I was fasting for 36 hours I just couldn’t sleep. I had SO much energy it was ridiculous.