Intermittent Fasting Journey - 2 Weeks

Honestly, I’ve been through difficult times this past year. I gain almost 20kg in less than a year! Sure my confidence level is decreasing with every kg I added in me.

When Luís and I had to come back to Portugal due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I thought I would have more time to workout and have better food intake. During the bicycle tour, we were moving almost every day, but the food intake was mostly processed foods. Both of us prefer to be practical and stay light as much as possible rather than bring real food - bulky. So, yeah…, it wasn’t the wisest choice for our bodies.

However, I’m back with my better routine. I did strength workout, yoga, or run almost every day for 30-60 minutes, ate real food, and decrease the portion. I also tried to avoid sweets or snacks. Yet, for more than three months, I only lost 1 kg. :(

Until I do intermittent fasting. I’ve been doing the 16/8 intermittent fasting method for two weeks - at the time of writing - and it made a huge difference! During that time, I lost at least 2 kg and felt so much better in my skin.

Before I go further, have you ever heard about intermittent fasting?

INTRODUCTION

It’s currently one of the world’s most popular health and fitness trends, but since I was traveling by bicycle for the last years, I rarely update with what is happening. So I just heard about it a few months ago during the lockdown.

I just started because I need to learn more about it before I try it. I’m not a typical person who follows the crowd and I need to make sure if this will be good for me and suitable for the lifestyle I have now.

“Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It doesn’t specify which foods you should eat but rather when you should eat them.” - Healthline

As I’m a Muslim, I did fast in Ramadhan or Monday and Thursday. Yet, there are differences between fast in Islam and intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is definitely easier since you are still allowed to consume zero-calorie drinks such as plain water, tea, or coffee without sugar. While fasting in Islam is abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity between dawn and nightfall. Also, you can do Intermittent fasting in a couple of methods than in Islam - only one. So, I personally prefer Intermittent fasting due to hour flexibility.

Maybe some of you thought that fast in Islam is better because you get a reward? In this case, I believe that Allah is the greatest open-minded God that fully understand I’m doing good for my body. So, a healthy body is also a reward for me. :)

The rule in Intermittent Fasting is pretty simple. You choose which method is the best for you. No food at all during the fast - only zero-calorie drinks. And when you aren't fasting, eat in moderation. But, it’s important to experiment and find a method that works for you. For more information, I already share in Intermittent Fasting Tips & Tricks post.

THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF INTERMITTENT FASTING

In the first days, usually, I felt hungry towards midday. I have a hangry gene, you see. I tend to get hangry, and it comes on fast and furious. But I told my self, “Be patient. It’s only temporary and I will have my time to eat soon.”

The more days passing, my body feels lighter and fresher. Oh! and patient! I feel more energize in the morning than usual - but I still need to sleep 8-10 hours to won't be grumpy. :p

THE RESULT - SO FAR

Since on day one, I weight my self and measured it. Every day I checked on the balance and once a week, I measure myself again. I also keep my workout routine 3-5 times a week for 30-60 minutes. And the result is I lost 2 kg and my body metrics also decreasing up to 2 cm!

MY THOUGHTS - SO FAR

With these effects, I believe I can do this diet for long term. It's the easiest to get started with, and also the easiest to stick with. It’s not a complicated weight loss plan, nor was it hard to fit it into my lifestyle.

Next time I will share more how it goes!

Do you want to try intermittent fasting or even done it already? Leave me a comment and tell me how it worked!