My 30 Day Experiment - Intermittent Fasting
- My 30 Day Experiment - Intermittent Fasting
- First Day of Partial Fasting
- First Day of Full Fasting
- Another Day of Fasting
- Intermittent Fasting Issues
- Intermittent Fasting Results
I’ve always enjoyed experiments and trying out new things. Some of these new things I’ve retained (being a vegetarian), others I have not (jogging 5 times a week or interval training). However, the act of experimenting has always been fun and I’ve learned new things about myself and my body in the process. I’m also a fan of Steve Pavlina’s 30 day method. If you’re not interested in reading Steve’s whole article, the method is essentially a way to experiment with your habits for a period of 30 days. Make a promise to change something or try something new for 30 days. Write down your results and observations. At the end of the 30 days, decide if you want to keep going for another 30 days or not.
So what should I experiment with this month? Well, I’ve been interested in intermittent fasting for a while now. I’m not sure if I believe in it but there sure are a lot of people who do. From The IF Life to the LA Times, I’m seeing articles describing the various benefits of occasional, regular fasts.
CAUTION!!!
As always, if you’re going to make some kind of change like this consult with your doctor first. That’s what I did and she told me that I’ll be fine as long as I don’t overdo it. She also gave me a bit of advice on what to eat and when. DO NOT attempt something like this or any other major eating or exercise change without medical advice. And no, your buddy Bob at the office, your friend Stacy at the hair dresser or that blogger on the internet do not count as medical advice.
So What Am I Going To Do?
I am going to try fasting completely every Sunday and partially every Wednesday. That means no food at all on Sundays. That seemed to be the best day for me because I’m not at work where I frequently have lunch meetings and such, plus I’m less likely to have social engagements like dinner with friends. On Wednesdays, I will eat a small breakfast and lunch but avoid dinner altogether. On other days, I will eat the way I normally do.
I’m planning to keep a journal of how I feel on these days and through the week in general and will report on my progress here at 60 in 3.
Expectations
I’m trying to keep my expectations to a minimum. I am not expecting this to fail nor am I expecting this to be an amazing success. In fact, I am trying to have no expectations at all, that way I can unbiased when I look at the results. I would however like to see if it has any impact on my energy levels, exercise capability and weight.
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What kind of change are you going to try in the month of February? How about an additional walk per day? How about one less coffee per day? Lots of things to try!
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I also like Steve’s ‘30 Day Method’. I’ve read it like three times already, great stuff.
I’ve actually tried fasting in the past, usually just one day a week. I actually found it to be quite effective. I’m looking forward to seeing how you do.
- Dave
I’ve tried this in the past. A one day fast to “reset my metabolism.” At the time it seemed to be effective, but looking back on it, I’m not sure it really worked. I’ll be interested to hear your results.
Have tried this several times, in several incarnations, and have not found benefit nor utility — but that’s me. i will also be watching to see your results, and look forward to yu sharing them. I appreciate your brave attitude as well — risk taking and trying something new. Lets us know….
We’re waiting for your results. Like other commentators I think it’s not the best method to lose weight.
I must admit I didn’t read all your posts but have you tried to eat regularly every 2-3 hours. Eat little but frequently.
It works for me but everyone’s different so we’re waiting for your results!
Also tried this in the past but couldn’t cope with it fully. I guess you’ll have to update us on your progress. I’m glad I found your site. Really informative. Thanks
Can you fully function on your weekend fasting day? Are you only drinking water, or can you consume some juice? I can’t imagine going the entire day with no food, I don’t think I’d be able to get up off of the couch…
@Odzyskiwanie Danych
Yes, I usually eat multiple small meals. That method usually works for me. I’m trying this not because I’m unhappy with my current eating plan, but because I’m interested in trying new things.
@Body Wrap Blog
Not sure yet, just starting this out this week but I’ll let you know. My plan is to consume nothing but water.
Gal
@Gal , did I read that right? All you intend to consume is nothing but water. Wait a sec, Is that in 30 days??
@Meeting Rooms
No, I am not fasting for 30 days
I am going to fast on Sundays only for the next 30 days. On other days I will eat normally with the exception of Wednesdays on which I will eat a reduced amount of calories.
So 1 day a week of full fast and 1 day a week of partial fast.
Gal
I have recently heard that intermittent fasting provides some of the benefits for extenting lifespans to calorie restriction. For that reason and the general impression that fasting has other health benefits, I intend to try it. If it results in some weight loss, then all the better.
I was looking to see what research you might have done about intermittent fasting to develop your 30 day trial. Didn’t see it. If you have recommendations, I’d love to have them.