I was feeling bloated…actually, I was really feeling clogged! Somehow my stomach was feeling heavy, like the food was just settling there. It was a very uncomfortable feeling and it was at that moment I knew my tummy needed a rest. It was also the moment I remembered intermittent fasting.
Have you heard about intermittent fasting? If you have tried it, I would be curious to know how it worked for you. If you haven’t heard about it, no worries, there is a lot of information you can find on the internet. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-guide#weight-loss
It is said that intermittent fasting helps you lose weight and generally stay healthy (for example, reducing insulin levels). You aren’t necessarily eliminating food from your diet but actually regulating when you eat it. You see, intermittent fasting is about periods of eating and fasting. There are different methods you can try but I opted for the 16/8 method.
What is the “16/8” you ask? It is eating within an 8 hour window and then fasting for 16 hours. Now it sounds tough and, at the beginning it was! I decided to do it for a week, planning to stop eating by 9pm for 16 hours …well in my case, 15 hours. One must start small!
The good thing is that I could drink liquids during the fast, namely water and tea (no sugar or sweeteners, juices or sodas).
Day 1 – I got a headache because my stomach was not accustomed to this fasting business. I also think I got a headache from all the will power exerted to avoid all the delicious things in my kitchen, especially the sweet stuff! Not to mention the sheer will power it took to avoid my 11pm snack moment.
However, by day 4 it got easier and by day 7 when the fast was done, I felt significantly better. My stomach felt relief from all the things I had been eating previously. Best of all, when I stepped on the scale, I’d lost 1 pound. That might not seem like a lot but it was fabulous for me. Tip – always weight yourself naked or in minimum clothing. Those pajamas can add weight to a scale!
Also, please read up properly about fasting before you try it (particularly if you have any pre-existing health conditions). You may want to consult your health practitioner just to make sure.
During my week of intermittent fasting, I ate as healthy as possible (fruits and salads). I also allowed myself a little treat to help stave off any binge chocolate eating! I exercised every evening once I had broken my fast for lunch.
Believe it or not, I still maintain the discipline from fasting. I no longer eat past 9pm; if anything, I drink water (because chances are I am probably thirsty not hungry). I also eat light in the mornings (i.e. some form of protein or fruits). My stomach has not felt “heavy” for a few weeks now and that, perhaps, is the best feeling of all!
Live well and Love life 