Kami Rey’s Experience With Intermittent Fasting (A Weight Loss Journey)
I wanted to share my experience with intermittent fasting, for all those undecided about taking the plunge.
A few years ago, I was totally in the dark about it myself. As a nutritionist, I preached balance and thought fasting sounded straight-up crazy. Deprive myself of food? No way! I needed to eat regularly to keep my energy up, or so I believed.
But then life happened. Between a big move to Montreal and buying a fixer-upper house with my husband Leon, I got swept up in the chaos. I was so busy that I didn’t even notice the pounds creeping on! “It’s just bloating,” I told myself as my jeans got tighter. Needless to say, I avoided the scales like the plague.
Contents
- 1 Ding Ding! Reality Check
- 2 Learning About Intermittent Fasting
- 3 Intermittent Fasting So Far
- 4 What Is Intermittent Fasting And Why Should You Try It?
- 5 How Does Intermittent Fasting Work For Weight Loss?
- 6 3. Intermittent Fasting May Reduce The Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
- 7 Bottom Line – My Experience With Intermittent Fasting
- 8 Author
Ding Ding! Reality Check
I’ll never forget the day I walked past that all-so-shiny shop window. I literally did a double take at the reflection, wondering who was the disheveled plump woman staring back at me. Then it finally hit me, and all I could think was; “How did I let this happen?” Nonetheless, even in my shock, I still managed to wolf down a whole triple-cheese pizza when I got home. I guess old habits die hard.
Below is me at my heaviest. Black became my go-to color, even in summer.
After my rude awakening, I got down to business, cutting out sweets, portion control, in fact everything I had done in the past to lose the weight. ExceptâĤ it wasnât working. Time and bad habits can be brutal on the metabolism. So Iâll be honest and say, soon afterward, I started routing around the cupboards for some comfort foods that made me feel oh so uncomfortable.
But it all changed after returning back to the UKâĤ
On my visit back to the UK, I met an old friend and was amazed at her transformation. My lovely friend (for the sake of privacy) Iâll call Tina, had dropped so much weight she was practically svelte. Here I was, someone who had always been the slim one between us, and suddenly, it was as if we had swapped places.
Thatâs when she told me about intermittent fastingâĤ
Learning About Intermittent Fasting
I had so many questions; what is intermittent fasting? what was the intermittent fasting diet? Aside from weight loss what are the intermittent fasting benefits? We spent a whole lot of that day talking about intermittent fasting, and I was so engrossed I knew it was something I had to try. And Iâm glad that I did, below is me at my current weight.
My newfound enthusiasm for intermittent fasting (and the incredible results) must have been contagious because hubby decided to jump on board too. In his words “I can’t have a smoking hot wife and be back here looking like a manatee”.
Intermittent Fasting So Far
Itâs been over 2 years since my spouse and I have begun intermittent fasting. I skip breakfast each day I ALSO eat 2 meals, the 1st at approximately 1pm and the second around 8pm. Then, my partner and I fast for 16 hours until we start eating again the following day at 1pm. Below is a photo of his progress (not too shabby)!
Surprisingly, since Iâve been intermittent fasting Iâve increased muscle mass and I have also decreased body fat ( from 31% now 23%). And whereas before I was doing at least 5 hours of training per week just to get my weight down, Iâve cut back on my training routine by a couple of hours and Iâm still getting results! This is the same for hubby, who is just glad to see the belly go and Iâm thrilled about seeing the back of my back fat!
So in other words, Iâm stronger, leaner, AND more energetic and I use the gym less AS WELL AS eat less.
So how is this possible? Isnât skipping breakfast bad for you? Why would anyone skip food for 16 hours every day? are there any benefits of intermittent fasting? is there any kind of science behind this? is intermittent fasting dangerous?
Ok whoa, slow down. Iâve been known to do many crazy things, but This is definitely legit. Itâs effortless and something anyone can implement in their lifestyle IN ADDITION TO getting loads of health benefits. I am going to break down intermittent fasting AND everything it involves.
EDITORâS TIP: Click here to find 13 Nighttime Drinks For Weight Loss .
What Is Intermittent Fasting And Why Should You Try It?
Intermittent fasting is actually not a diet, itâs the pattern of eating. Itâs a good method of scheduling your current foods so that your food works for you in the best possible way. Intermittent fasting doesnât change what people eat, It changes what happens to the person as soon as they decide to eat.
This is, most notably, a great way to obtain lean muscle without going on a crash diet or cutting calories down to nothing. In fact, when you eat (and in the eating phase you can have as much food as you like) youâll find that naturally your appetite decreases and you may not want that extra chicken or bowl of ice cream.
And let’s call a spade a spade, the main reason someone tries intermittent fasting will be to lose fat. Weâll talk all about how intermittent fasting leads to fat loss in a moment.
Perhaps more importantly, intermittent fasting is an easy approach to getting a handle on your eating habits. For some people, and certainly with myself, thereâs freedom in knowing I can eat what I like (if I choose) and nothing is off limits. Knowing this is a lifestyle also takes the pressure off, because I can plan ahead. I also loved how this simple idea produced big results.
How Does Intermittent Fasting Work For Weight Loss?
To realize how intermittent fasting led to fat loss, my partner and I initially needed to be able to recognize the difference between fed state as well as the fasted state.
Your body is actually in the fed state whenever it is digesting, IN other words absorbing food. Typically, the fed state starts As soon as people begin eating IN ADDITION TO another three to five hours afterward when your body is digesting what you have eaten. When you are in a fed state, itâs very tough for your body to be able to burn fat because insulin levels tend to be high.
After that time span, your own body goes into What is known as the postâabsorptive state, which is a fancy way of saying the body isnât processing food. Your postâabsorptive state begins seven to 12 hours following your last meal, this is when the individual enters a fasted state. This means its far easier for your body to burn fat since your insulin levels are generally lower.
When youâre in a fasted state your body can burn fat, this is the fat that would have been inaccessible throughout the fed state.
Most of the people who start intermittent fasting may lose fat without altering the amount of food they eat, what they eat, or how often they exercise. Fasting puts your current body into a good fat burning state that wouldnât happen on a normal eating schedule.
The best thing about Intermittent Fasting…..
While Fat loss is great, It isnât the singular reason to start intermittent fasting. The following are some major benefits that I’ve experienced.
1. Intermittent Fasting Makes Things Simpler.
Iâm a big fan of making things easier, IN ADDITION TO reducing stress. Intermittent fasting has helped give me and my partner a life we can enjoy. We wake up and donât have to worry about breakfast, I simply grab a glass of water AND start THE day.
Though my partner and I love cooking, intermittent fasting makes it possible for me to eat one less meal, that means planning one less meal, cooking one less meal, AND stressing all about one less meal. Not only does this make life easier, my spouse and I can spend that time together time â and I like that.
2. Intermittent Fasting Can Help You Live Longer.
Scientists have known for a while that restricting calories may be a way of lengthening life. From a logical standpoint, this actually makes sense. Whenever you’re in fast mode, your body finds ways to extend your own life.
Way back in 1945, it was discovered that intermittent fasting lengthened life in mice. (Hereâs one study.) This study found that alternate-day intermittent fasting led to longer lifespans.
3. Intermittent Fasting May Reduce The Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
This is actually up for debate since there hasnât been a whole lot of research in this area. Early reports, however, show positive signs leaning toward it being effective.
This study of 10 cancer patients suggests how side effects associated with chemotherapy diminished via fasting prior to treatment. This actually received additionally supported through another study which considered alternate dates would result in superior cure rates IN ADDITION TO fewer deaths.
ALONG WITH disease provides concluded It fasting appears to also reduce issues with cardiovascular disease.
3. Intermittent Fasting Is Less Difficult Than Dieting.
The reason many diets fail isnât a nutrition problem, itâs a behavior change problem.
This is usually where intermittent fasting shines because it’s remarkably trouble-free to implement. A study found That people generally feel happier and more in control when intermittent fasting. Studies with obese adults concluded that âsubjects quickly adaptedâ to intermittent fasting routines.
Bottom Line – My Experience With Intermittent Fasting
At the end of the day, my experience with intermittent fasting pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me not to fear going hungry. By taking control of when and how much I ate, I reset my metabolism and shed excess pounds.
I discovered firsthand how short fasts can provide energy and jumpstart fat burning. My commitment to intermittent fasting revealed what balanced nutrition truly looks like for my lifestyle.
More than a diet, it instilled mindfulness that serves me to this day. For anyone looking to lose weight and improve health, intermittent fasting offers a simple, empowering solution. If you’re just starting out on this intermittent journey, then I recommend the book Eat stop Eat by Brad Pilon to help you on your way.
Most of all, just stay open and listen to your bodyâs needs. The results may surprise you.