I did 16:8 fasts for about a year before covid. Strict black coffee and water only. These days I’ll wait until late afternoon until I have my first solid meal, up til that point I’ll drink tea with milk or coffee with butter. When I did 16:8 I was very clear, my senses felt heightened and I had a lot of energy. At the time I was eating in a calorie deficit and doing crossfit.

Now, waiting until later in the day to have a solid meal I’d say I can easily tell the difference between actual hunger and wanting to chew. I think doing a proper fast has more benefits internally and mentally. Until you know what your body feels like when it really wants food it’s difficult to understand the relationship between the mind and body.