I awoke this morning on my own, some time before 8, having had 8 full hours of sleep–a rarity for me. I awoke without assistance from the cat or the dogs or both–another rarity. Stepped on the scales and then went into the bathroom to try on “the” pants–the ones hung up a month or so ago as a reminder that I needed to get serious about losing some of the weight I’ve gained during this isolation period–not to mention the weight I’d gained before. I’d hung them up as a goal. When I could actually zip them up, I would have passed the first milestone. And guess what? They zipped up, albeit with some heavy inhaling to execute the zipper and button.
A few days ago, my sister mentioned going on a fast diet. Very simple. You could eat anything you wanted to, but only within a 5 hour period each 24 hours. She had chosen 3 to 8 PM. She encouraged me to try it (even not having seen those khakis hanging like a flag of shame on my bathroom towel rack.) I remembered that my friend Blue had lost 34 pounds in the past six months on such a diet and later my friend Brad reminded me he’d lost 20 lbs. on it. Or was it 40?
And so, four days ago, I started on it myself, choosing the dining hours of 4-9 PM initially, then after doing more research that said that any shorter eating period than 6 hours didn’t really improve rate of loss, I gave myself a one-hour cushion. If I am hungry at 3, I can start then, or if I’ve started at 4, occasionally extend beyond the 9 PM mark. My problem is that I decided I would eat one meal at 4 (or 3) and then have my usual morning smoothie that night before my curfew. But, I get busy and two nights in a row noticed that it was 8:45–or 8:57–and I still hadn’t had it. Fast action the first night meant I got the smoothie made and drunk before the 9 PM cutoff. The other time I was 3 minutes over.
At any rate, adhering strictly to these rules and having no others makes it a perfect diet for me after a lifetime of counting calories, carbohydrates or points. Somehow, it helps not to have to worry about food. I can eat half of that small pizza in the freezer–but now I choose yellow peppers and green olives to top it rather than pepperoni. I can have yogurt and fruit, but skip the ice cream. Bread is not a no-no. I just limit the hours of its consumption. At yesterday’s weigh-in, I’d lost 3 pounds. Today it is down to 2. Not gonna worry about it. My friend visited yesterday with a Caesar salad and forced me to drink two gin and tonics. Life is to be lived. At least I drank them within my 6 hour period.
7.2 pounds down (I’d lost a bit before beginning the fast) and I’m not telling how far to go. Gotta go now and find a new pair of pants as a goal.
lifelessons - a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown 
Yet! Great progress Just.
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Well done.
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I use the 16/8 intermittent fasting schedule, suits me best since I don’t like eating at night – eating past 6pm just has too many negative side effects for me – that’s what’s so great about this eating schedule – flexible to suit your life style.
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I know. And you don’t have to keep track of anything except the time!!!
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Keep up the good work! Also, I love all of the jewelry in your photo.
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ha.. That’s my flashy jewelry I barely wear but love to look at. Many times I let guests take a pair from that rack. There’s another rack of earrings I wear. I used to make jewelry so have a great appreciation for it.
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Congratulations! I’m on a similar “intermittent fasting” plan but the window is 8 hours not 6. I’m following it fine. Am not seeing a lot of results on the scale but energy level has increased and enjoying deeper sleep because no night snacking.
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My friend tells me that after the second month I’ll notice a huge shift in my thinking ability and memory. That would be nice.
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Great. I’ve been at it a month as of today.
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A couple of grandkids are on this. It would work for me since I’m never hungry till about three anyway. Does morning coffee count? Then no. I like the forced gin and tonics🤓😅
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I would imagine if it is black, no problem. Cream and sugar might count, but if that’s all you have, I’d grant dispensation ;o)
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Gee thanks!
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I’m off schedule on my weigh-ins, but I think I’ve lost about 15 pounds since the beginning of the pandemic shut-downs — mostly because I stopped eating dinners in restaurants. Each time I do take-out food, I notice it creeps back up, but so far I seem to be maintaining it pretty well.
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Good girl.
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I’ve lost 9.2 in the past month, doing the 18 hour fast per day during just the past 5. 3.6 of the lbs in that last 5 days. It helps me to weigh daily and keep track. Much easier than counting calories!
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Congratulations!
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