The beginning of another journey: Intermittent Fasting

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THE WHY

I always feel good when somebody tells me my appearance hasn’t changed at all as long as they’ve known me. But I thought about it, looked at pictures, and really looked at myself in the mirror and, not surprisingly, I see subtle differences. From living in Joburg, COVID, and living in the Cape, I feel like everything has changed and the subtle difference, though not as apparent at face value, was very apparent in numbers. I’ve changed my lifestyle tremendously over the last few years and my aim is to finally settle into a rhythm that suits my lifestyle.

Winter is hard, I want to drink a warm beverage every hour and with that snacking is a whole vibe; so that undoubtedly happens every time. With the rain and life just being a little chaotic, I’ve been slacking on going to running class and I haven’t hiked over a weekend, in a really long time. So my eating habits have worsened and my activity habits have lessened…I know, a recipe for disaster!

I have a history of colon, and digestive issues, so going on a vigorous diet and intense workout regime just doesn’t seem appealing. So I have done some research and started doing intermittent fasting immediately after Eid. Oh! If you’re reading this, and you celebrate…Eid Mubarak!

Those the celebrate know the delicious biscuits and cakes that come with Eid and the seemingly endless leftovers, maybe not the wisest choice on my part, but I started. That matters.

THE HOW

I’ve decided on a 16:8 fasting schedule and so far it’s been feeling easy breezy. I’ve been prioritizing my sleep and those amazing 8hours count as fasting too, so it’s really just an 8hour fast from solid food. I am allowing myself tea, coffee, and a little (4oz/ 100gr) protein shake, once or twice a day.

But I didn’t buy actually whey protein, instead, I am using the Future Life: High Protein: Smart Food shake because it seems like slightly less of a supplement, it’s cheap and helps with easing my body into this new lifestyle choice. I already eat pretty healthily for lunch and dinner time but this helps limit the snacking throughout the day and also just that eating-out-of-habit that seems to be part of who I am!

I’ve done a little bit of research and there is a ton of content out there, from videos, blogs, and apps to help monitor and track your on and off fasting periods, but found a video with an easy guide to help me. And though I’m not sticking strictly to the regiment, I am MOSTLY sticking to it. I am trying not to go into my usual beast mode of being so strict that eventually I hit burnout and throw the whole idea out the window because it’s no fun at all. Here is a link to the video

THE WHEN

So I started on 11 July so it’s only been three days. So not much of an update but what I’ve noticed so far:

I feel slightly more energetic when I wake up. Usually, it takes me a few minutes before I willingly get out of bed, this also may be due to the fact that I’ve been sleeping 8 hours every night more often than not.
I don’t feel as dependent on my cup of tea or coffee and also not quite as hungry right when I wake up
I don’t crave sugar as much as I thought I would. For the last two weeks, I have been chomping away on chocolate and little sweeties at least once a day and that craving isn’t torturing me currently
I make healthier, lighter choices for my meals. Usually, a nice warm roll or some buttered toast seems like the greatest thing…wait scratch this one… now I want some BREAD!
I feel a little more focused
Less bloated
Better loo breaks (sorry…TMI)
I am also still really excited about this journey

I haven’t decided on an end date for this journey yet. I don’t usually chase a number on a scale but I would like to be lighter on my feet, I want to feel more energy and get to my ideal BMI. My greatest goal is to be in the best shape in my life. Find true happiness and contentment in myself and preserve good health and wellbeing, especially for the next era of life.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I think finding a good balance and a good rhythm in life is the key to happiness and successfully reaching the goals you set for yourself. Going too hard, too quickly, sometimes sets you up for failure and it just makes things harder to stick to.

You might think that you need to go big or go home, but just start small. Those little steps towards the goal are far better than getting overwhelmed at a big task and just not starting at all.

JOIN ME

If you feel like joining me on this journey, please do leave me a comment, and let’s strive to find our better selves, together. I would be thrilled to share this journey with you.