Intermittent fasting

[Blue009]

I don't like dieting. I tried it once for almost a year and even managed to go from xL to M size but it was honestly exhausting. The day I gave up, I spiralled again and gained a lot of weight. 2 years from then I'm restarting my weightloss journey again but this time with intermittent fasting. I'd honestly love some advice and tips regarding this. Would 16:8 or 14:10 be better. I'm a college student and staying at a hostel. So, i can't really control my meals either. Any advice would be nice.

[Gizmocat Moderator 13kg Maintainer]

Hello and welcome to our friendly forum. Well done on losing two sizes previously. This proves you can lose weight. How you do it is by finding a method that works for you. Whatever you were doing before wasn't right for you because you didn't enjoy it. There are lots of different plans that members here follow. There is no right method. You need to find something that you can stick to and fits your lifestyle. Here is a link to help you find your way around the various clubs and challenges healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

You might like to start by posting your start weight on the Weigh In. You will meet lots of other members who will give you lots of support. Have a look at the Daily Diary for meal ideas and plans. Have a good look around and read all the links. You will see what plans other members follow and get ideas to help you decide what will work for you.

With regard to IF. You say you are not in control of your food Are you able to cook for yourself or are your meals provided? IF they are provided IF will have to fit around your meal times. As a start I suggest you aim to eat healthy meals avoiding junk food and snacks.

Keep coming here and chatting and let us know how you are doing. If you have any questions just ask.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

My suggestion would be to try it and see what works for you.

I don't eat in the morning but I never set out for a particular 'fasting' pattern. I realised I wasn't hungry in the morning when I moved to a low carb way of eating. It was a natural progression. Have a look at what you're eating. Carbs definitely make you want more and maybe some adjustment will help.

I see you're a student and living in a hostel. Do you do any cooking for yourself? If you're reliant on 'restaurant' food in your hostel, it's likely to be a challenge as those meals tend to be carb heavy. Home cooking is the best way to manage what you're eating.

Here is a link for you to follow up dietdoctor.com/

And here's a simple meal plan you can adapt to your tastes phcuk.org/wp-content/upload...

Good luck

[Eryl Visitor]

You may not be able to control your meals but you can control what you eat out of what's put on the plate. Avoid the foods which will spike your insulin levels like things made from flour e.g. bread, pasta, sweet desserts and fruit etc.

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg]

What do you class as dieting ? Shouldn’t be a punishment. As a student I wouldn’t miss breakfast as it is so easy . The word diet to me is an over used negative word. Quick easy and cheaper food as I eat eggs , loads of salad which can be eaten on the day if it’s a yellow stickered item . Canned tuna , cottage cheese - easy to eat .Could you get cheaper exercise classes as a student /maybe pair up with others . If you follow strict guidelines and hours to eat - is it doable long term .Is it worth it if you shed a few pounds then gain because it impossible as you are studying and need fuel . Try cutting out snacks / 3 meals a day . If you do anything hours wise - cut out any food after your evening meal . This is the only thing ever that’s worked for me and I am 64 years old and tried everything from Slimfast to 1000 cal regimes -they only worked short term and that’s the model slimming clubs go by /repeat business.