16/8 Intermittent Fasting, has anyone tried it?

[Shadrach]

I don't think 1 hour will make a huge difference in the effects of the fast, so go with the 15/9 and what works for your schedule. I struggle too with drinking enough water, but I have come to find not only does it help flush your system but it relieves hunger and helps with energy levels while fasting. If I don't drink enough water I feel terrible.

Oh and I don't think the time of day you eat matters as long as its not too close to bed. I am doing 8 am to 4 pm eating window, I don't think I could go till 10 am before eating breakfast, I'd rather be hungry in the evening than morning.

I'm terrible for eating late. There are so many more interesting things to do than cook.

 

[TwoCrows]

I'm terrible for eating late. There are so many more interesting things to do than cook.

Come on now, are you going you join us?

 

[aynesidea]

Have any of you tried Intermittent Fasting? If so, how did it make you feel? I am doing the 16/8, eating only during an 8 hour period, then fasting for 16 hours, I am hoping to lose 15 pounds. I've been thin all my life, but 3 years ago I woke up one day and boom!...I was 15 pounds heavier! It all has to come off and I am determined.

I started this 3 days ago and I am surprised how much easier it is than traditional restrictive diets. And I feel better already giving my body a break from eating, fasting for 16 hours. Even after I reach my goal, or not, I think I am going to stick to this method of eating.

Tell me your experiences with this if you have ventured here, with any type of fasting you may have done. I've tried the 5/2, fasting completely for 2 days a week, I didn't care for it, it really threw my eating habits for a loop.

Anyone want to join me with intermittent fasting?

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-8-intermittent-fasting

Did this diet 2 years ago and lost 16 lbs (busy, but not much exercise, 72 yrs old).. enter PMR and low dose prednisone for 4 months, gained 10 back. Got covid 4 wks ago and lost it again.

 

[TwoCrows]

Did this diet 2 years ago and lost 16 lbs (busy, but not much exercise, 72 yrs old).. enter PMR and low dose prednisone for 4 months, gained 10 back. Got covid 4 wks ago and lost it again.

 

[aynesidea]

Fasting is not for everyone, thats for sure. If I go more than 24 hours, I can get like that, with stomach pains, dizzy and weak. Glad to hear your BIL got good results on it, this method definitely calms the gut. I am in my 60s and hoping to prevent any prediabetes, its amazing how much blood sugar levels effect how you feel. I would bet my glucose levels were climbing in the wrong direction recently, I think this method of eating is something I will stick to long after my goal is reached.

Don't know if it was fasting 16-8 or weight loss, but my A1C dropped from 7.2 to 6.4!

 

[aynesidea]

Yes as @Akrnaf2 said, nothing that raises blood sugar levels. So plain, no sugar added water, tea or coffee. The lack of sugars and digestion during this fast is where the magic happens.

Oh and try to avoid artificial sweeteners, not only are they bad for you but they still mess with metabolism.

I learned to drink hot water with lemon in the am.

 

[Shadrach]

Come on now, are you going you join us?

I think I may have to. I'm 68 and have had the pre diabetes Talk from a doctor.
I got offered drugs.
I've got a sweet tooth. My problem is the exact opposite of most looking to diet, I'm under weight by about 5kg. I don't mind until I put older cloths on and they seem to have stretched while they've been in the cupboard.
I'm left with a problem; is it cheaper to buy new cloths (not with my taste) or get some weight on without pushing up my sugar intake.
I eat a lowish cholestrol diet anyway from habit. I don't really want to consume more meat; decent meat raised in acceptable conditions is really expensive here in the UK.

 

[TwoCrows]

Don't know if it was fasting 16-8 or weight loss, but my A1C dropped from 7.2 to 6.4!

I am sure both the fasting and the diet lowered your A1C. That's fabulous!!

I learned to drink hot water with lemon in the am.

I do plain Tea. I was never a heavy user of sugar but I used to add a tiny bit. So plain tea for me is easy enough.

 

[Iluveggers]

Great that you want to give this a try! You don't have to be on a calorie restricted diet to do this method of eating, it's good on its own. However coupling this method with a diet really kicks fats butt!

No you don't have to give up carbs, it sounds like you eat well already, but you might keep the carb intake to 140 to 150 grams or so a day for good health. Eat lots of protein, veggies and fruits. Nothing is really off limits, treat yourself occasionally, but eat sensibly and you will do fine. If you are restricting your calories, I'd try to keep them around 1200 calories a day.

Any 8 hour period eating window works, as long as you do a continuous 16 hour fast, any 8 hour window is good.

Restricting your liquids to nothing with calories is what makes this so hard. I struggle with it every day! They say anything with calories raises blood sugar, so it's really best to avoid adding things to your tea or coffee. BUT...they say if you really must, a tablespoon of "unsweetened" almond milk is ok as it won't raise your blood sugar much if at all. Always avoid all artificial sweetners. And if you really need to break your fast early, if you are a fan of bone broth, this won't raise blood sugar much either.

That's about it. Good luck and keep us posted!

Thank you! I’m going to tackle this like I do everyday else. Tomorrow I’ll dive right in!

 

[TwoCrows]

I think I may have to. I'm 68 and have had the pre diabetes Talk from a doctor.
I got offered drugs.
I've got a sweet tooth. My problem is the exact opposite of most looking to diet, I'm under weight by about 5kg. I don't mind until I put older cloths on and they seem to have stretched while they've been in the cupboard.
I'm left with a problem; is it cheaper to buy new cloths (not with my taste) or get some weight on without pushing up my sugar intake.
I eat a lowish cholestrol diet anyway from habit. I don't really want to consume more meat; decent meat raised in acceptable conditions is really expensive here in the UK.

If you are pre diabetic, this method is probably the route to go. It will naturally lower the sugar in your blood, the pancreas will get a break from pumping out the insulin. Very quickly I am sure your sugar numbers will drop. I have a sweet tooth too, I need to get the thing removed. Have you trying protein powder? It's high calorie, easy to consume and won't raise the sugar.