** Note that I am a health hobbyist. My pages on IF are not medical advice. **
In 2008 I began experimenting with Intermittent Fasting (IF). Intermittent Fasting means going for periods of time without consuming any calories. For health and fat loss purposes, a period of 16 to 24 hours is the most common recommendation.
When I first began IF, I was immediately an enthusiastic supporter. For a few years, I felt that the resiliency I built from engaging in regular fasting was benefiting my health. I was leaner and because I was OK with feeling hungry, I could delay or postpone meals. This allowed me to make better food choices.
Hunger became preferable to poor food choices.
The confidence I built from controlling my hunger was a great feeling. My life no longer revolved around eating every few hours. My Intermittent Fasting mentors were Arthur De Vany and Brad Pilon. If you are interested in learning more about the science of IF, I highly recommend the e-book Eat Stop Eat by Brad Pilon. I bought it in 2008 and read it twice. It really helped me understand how the human body responds to fasting. Also, check out Thor’s Guide on Intermittent Fasting.
But there is a downside to IF. The first is if it is done too frequently it can be stressful on the body. This appears to be more true with women and as we get older. Also if one is already living a stressful life with high levels or exercise or poor sleep, adding IF may not be wise.
Today I favor a reduced IF approach. I perform just enough IF to periodically keep my hunger in check. I also do not engage in IF if I’m having poor sleep, recovering from exercise, or consuming a lot of coffee.
Below is a list of posts that I have done on the topic of Intermittent Fasting.
Intermittent Fasting – Not For Everyone – This was my first disclaimer post. Read it before you decide to start an IF program.
Intermittent Fasting – Fears and Motivation – My first post where I examine the case for and against fasting.
Intermittent Fasting – Adventures in Not Eating – My second post details how a fast looks on a schedule and my early experiences.
Intermittent Fasting – Tips and Advice – Some wisdom I gained from my early IF experience.
An Empty Plate by Karithina
Autophagy and Loading Trucks For UPS – This post touches on how cells can self-clean provided that you interrupt the nutrient flow.
Intermittent Fasting – Improving Your Success Rate – Some new ideas on IF.
Eat Stop Eat – A Guide Book For Intermittent Fasting – My review of the e-book Eat Stop Eat by Brad Pilon.
Intermittent Fasting – 70 Day Review of the Leangains Method – My status report after 70 days of 16-hour daily fasts.
Intermittent Fasting – Spontaneous and Random – Art De Vany reminds me of the importance of breaking free of daily fasting schedules.
Intermittent Fasting – Life After Leangains – This post details how I’ve done since rejecting the daily adherence to the Leangains program.
Intermittent Fasting – The No Hunger Method – I tested this idea came from the Perfect Health Diet blog and book.
Intermittent Fasting – Mistakes I’ve Made – Four lessons I’ve learned.
Intermittent Fasting – What Paleo Didn’t Teach Me – Fasting can be a metabolic stressor. Be cognizant of body temperature.
Intermittent Fasting – Context is Likely Important – Is fasting good or bad?