There was a recent
side conversation in
The Goblinchief's journal about intermittent fasting.
Turns out a few of us either practice IF, or are curious about the hows and whys of intermittent fasting. I'm starting this thread so interesting people can post their IF goals, throw down a new IF challenge, or share resources and health data related to short and medium term fasting.
Not Sure About Intermittent Fasting?The basic concept is that various health and fitness markers improve after a short time (16-48 hours) without food, and that eating in a way that allows for periodic times without food can help with blood glucose control, cellular repair, lifespan extension, weight management and a bunch of other things depending on whose research and interpretation you believe.
The most common style of IF is probably an “eating window” of 1 to 8 hours per 24 hour window. What this looks like practically is something like this (this is a 4 hour “eating window” and a 20 hour “fasting window”.)
More ResourcesMy Personal GoalsI’ve been IF’ing on and off for about 8 years. I just like taking “breaks” from things in general - we routinely do things like No Spend, No Eating Out, No Booze, etc. type challenges just to reset hedonic adaptation and keep us appropriately grateful for the volcano of good fortune that is our life.
When it comes to IF, I find that, after a period of adaptation, a 4-6 hour eating window works very well for me. My longest ever fast was 36 hours, but I’d like to work up to 48 - 72 hours at least once simply as an exercise in willpower. So I’m hoping this thread will help me both stay more consistent about regular intermittent fasting within a 24-hour window, and also give me the kick in the ass needed to extend my longest fasting time.
I'm carrying about 15 extra pounds right now, too. So, while IF doesn't necessarily mean weight loss, I'm not gonna complain if it helps me drop that weight and get back to a more comfortable weight for me.
I’d love to hear from other IF’ers on the forum!
TL;DRIf you skip meals for fun, fitness, profit, health, badassity, faith or whatever - please join in!