How I lost 200lbs-The Tip Jar:TIP #10

Tip #10 — Intermittent Fasting

What Intermittent Fasting Is and Why It Works

How to Start Intermittent Fasting Safely

Small Habits to Make Fasting Sustainable

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a great tool for losing weight. Not only weight loss; but brain function, cellular repair, hormonal balance. It also fights off disease, infection, and inflammation! I aim to fast once or twice a week. Maybe three times, if I’m able.

On my fasting days; I’ll drink ONLY water until noon. Sometimes 2pm. Or, if I’m super busy; 5pm. Then I’ll eat my dinner and snack. On these days, yes– I may eat around 1200 calories. Which is 300 calories less than usual. I do not “make up for it”.

By abstaining from food for 16 hours, our body does all kinds of magical things with blood and glucose and insulin.

Fun fact: My doctor said my a1c was the lowest he’s ever seen. “4.1 is great. Keep doing what you’re doing!” he said.

Starting out with IF; you may want to do 10:14, or 11:13. Work up to 16:8. I do 20:4 every once in a while. However, maybe check with your doctor before doing this (I did NOT, shame on me). Those who are diabetic or pre-diabetic may have issues with IF.

I’m still in weight-loss mode as I still have another 20-30lbs to lose. I’ll continue to do IF as long as I see fit to. The health benefits are great. My immune system is strong. I seem to have better mental clarity on my IF days. Heck, you save so much money on your grocery bill!

The secret to success with IF is drinking plenty of water. Keeping a water bottle within reach helps!

And staying busy. For me, it’s easier to fast when I’m at work. If it’s a stay-at-home day; find a day-project to get into. Focus on the tasks at hand and sip on that water!