About My Lifestyle

At 38 years old, I prioritize my health. I strive to consume nutritious meals and maintain a regular exercise regimen. My routine includes running five miles twice a week, cycling six to eight miles weekly, practicing yoga twice a week, and engaging in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) twice a week. Although I’m not strictly vegan, I often choose vegan options for breakfast and dinner, while preferring chicken or fish for lunch and occasionally enjoying red meat. My dinners are typically light.

Why Did I Want to Try Intermittent Fasting?

This leads to a pertinent question: why did I consider this approach? I had been experiencing digestive discomfort, with nightly bouts of acidity and a persistent feeling of bloating. Despite my regular exercise, I had gained 12 pounds. Initially, I experimented with reducing tea, legumes, and dairy, but these small adjustments didn’t yield much relief. After exploring various YouTube videos and articles on intermittent fasting, I felt it was time for a change. After 38 years of eating without a break, perhaps my digestive system needed a rest.

My Intermittent Fasting Experience

While embarking on intermittent fasting, I decided to be gentle with myself. There are numerous methods available, but I noticed that many recommend fasting for 12, 14, or 16 hours, with corresponding eating windows. After watching a video by Dr. Oz advocating for 16 hours of fasting, I attempted it initially but found it challenging, particularly during workouts. Consequently, I opted for a 14-hour fasting window, allowing for 10 hours of eating, which proved much more manageable. My schedule became breakfast at 10 AM, lunch at 2 PM, and dinner at 8 PM. I still kept my dinners light, often consisting of a small toast with hummus or a smoothie with fruit and a scoop of protein powder. This approach suited my recovering digestive system.

Results

Now, let's discuss the most crucial aspect: the outcomes. After a month of intermittent fasting, my digestive health improved markedly. My energy levels increased, and I no longer experienced acidity. My skin also showed signs of improvement, although I can’t definitively attribute that solely to fasting.

As for weight loss, I shed 7 pounds of the 12 I had gained. However, I also reduced my lunch portions and intensified my running routine, so I can’t claim that fasting was the sole factor in my weight loss. Nevertheless, a well-functioning digestive system certainly aids in weight management.

I found that I wanted to continue this practice. Even when out with friends, I began to prefer not eating late at night.

Was It All Positive?

After a month, I encountered some challenges. Following intense HIIT or strength training sessions, I noticed muscle tension and discomfort when I maintained a light dinner and fasted for 14 hours. I realized that on days of heavy exercise, I needed to consume a more substantial meal before the fasting period began. Additionally, during my menstrual cycle, I chose to skip intermittent fasting on particularly heavy flow days.

Conclusion

Overall, my experience with intermittent fasting has been remarkably positive, with impressive results. It’s essential for our digestive systems to have time to rest daily. Just as we need sleep to rejuvenate our bodies, our stomachs also require breaks from processing food. By ceasing to eat at least four hours before bedtime, we allow our bodies, including our digestive systems, to rest effectively. This practice enables us to wake up refreshed and ready for the day.

In the video "We Tried Intermittent Fasting For A Month | TODAY," various individuals share their experiences and the impact of intermittent fasting on their lives.

In "I tried intermittent fasting for 30 days," the presenter discusses their journey and the noticeable changes they experienced throughout the month.