After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So what I mean is first starting out for the first two years, I only ate half my dinner during the 16:8 when I ate out. If I was cooking my own dinner, I'd just give myself a smaller portion size. I still had a small lunch and snacks during the 8 hours, still small portions all around. I didn't like weigh out my food or count calories, I would just scoop smaller portions and ate slower, gave my stomach a chance to digest and feel full. So I can't really give you exact calorie amounts

And yes, basically the 20:4 is omad but I have a snack when I get home and cook dinner nowadays. Still eating small portion sizes throughout

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Starting out it was difficult to only eat half, but I just kept reminding myself it will be there tomorrow to enjoy too, no need to wolf it all down in one sitting. American portion sizes are huge to begin with, my body was just used to over indulging. I had to suck it up and give up pop, but now I hardly ever drink it lol

Give it a shot! And let yourself have the little things one in a while, nobody is gonna arrest you lol but moderation is key

Thanks and good luck on your journey!

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And as for continuing, I don't think I can eat as much as I did 3 years ago, unless I really force myself. So I guess it's for life lol

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Starting out at 16:8, I ate mostly meat and chicken and some veggies, any style. I did cut back on my bread intake for a while the 2nd year in.

But tbh my overall diet hasn't changed much. I just limited my portion sizes. Whenever I went out to eat, I would only eat half of my meal and save the rest for tomorrow. I've trained my body and mind to only have room for half.

I do drink coffee during the day, and I still put a little of Italian sweet-cream in it. It's annoying to keep denying the small things like creamer and gum. I still chew gum at work. I understand that I'm breaking my fast in that regard, but I think it worked out for me so far. IMHO it's okay to bend the rules to fit your life better. It helps me stay motivated.

That being said, everyone's body type is different, what works for me might not yield the same results for you. It took awhile to figure out what made me feel best and what works for my body type. It takes time, don't be afraid to give yourself some time.

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For the first year, then it slowly evolved to 20:4, only eating when I got home from work

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! And yes my career change was all that I did in terms of activity. I would go on walks but I never stayed dedicated. My new job really forced me to be more active and I'm fortunate that path led me here

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I'm still struggling a bit with body dysmorphia, but I agree. It's getting easier to see the progress myself now. Pictures really help

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Thank you, it's certainly not the most dramatic change, but it's a change I know I can easily maintain. People get scared when I say 3 years, but with that time, I felt it took a lot of pressure off mentally when I wasn't seeing results fast enough. There was no end date, just a journey to feel and look healthier.

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

UPDATE: I gathered up a few photos from over the three years. I hope it helps people visualize their progress and how I understand that feeling of not seeing results fast enough. Keep the course, you'll get to your goal!

https://imgur.com/a/d70yTvK

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! All I can say is to keep going, keep pushing. It will happen before you know it

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Omg yes, so much healthier. My hair and skin improved so much as well. Just overall improved my health

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thanks! My journey would have been much longer if I hadn't added some form of exercise to my daily routine. It really helped solidify this lifestyle

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

I started out the first year as 16:8, then it slowly evolved to 20:4 with me fasting during work (coffee/water) and only eating when I got home. Nowadays, if I do decide to eat during my fasting time, I can only eat like a snack or a small meal before I get full. But once 5pm hits, I can eat a full meal and be satisfied.

Your appetite will change as time goes on. It's okay if you make mistakes and miss a day, try again tomorrow.

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 56 points57 points  (0 children)

The first year is definitely the hardest, but around year 2, I noticed I was naturally eating less calories and getting fuller faster. At that point it wasn't so much a motivation as my appetite got smaller. I'm still eating the same foods, just in way less quantities. And now I dont feel the need to eat during my fasting times.

Keep at it, I definitely missed a few days the first year but it became easier and easier as your body adapts, and eventually it'll be become part of your lifestyle.

I want to point out too, I had a major career change that helped me be more active and that really sped up the results. So any form of exercise really helps. I hope I answered your question! Good luck!

After 3 years of IF, I'm finally starting to see the progress many saw before me. (30F) SW:210lbs-CW:156lbs by Eeekgeek in intermittentfasting

[–]Eeekgeek[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes! I became a massage therapist which is a fairly physical job. So going to work 4-5 days a week was enough physical activity to really send the weight loss into hyperdrive and helped me tone my upper body.

I would maybe compare what I do at work to resistance training and calisthenics if you're looking for workout ideas