The Science of Fasting

I came across this thread somewhere around the end of July. I had tried IF (the 16:8 variety) in the past but had very little success. I lost very little weight and trying to get the last meal in everyday proved to be difficult so I gave up. After reading the thread I decided to give the 24 hr fasting a try. When I started this I was around 205lbs. After about 10 weeks I am down to 183lbs. I know that that may seem like a lot of weight in a short period of time. The weight loss occurred quickly at first, but has slowed down to about a pound a week now. I don't think I look any different but people that have not seen me in a few months notice a difference. Pants that I avoided wearing because they were too tight now have to be worn with a belt.

Initially, the fasting was difficult. The hunger pangs were intense and it was struggle to make it through the 24. Now, I rarely even feel hungry. In fact, I can push it way past 24 hours now. I sometimes do what I call a modified 48 hr fast. I go the first 24 without eating anything and the next 24 restricting myself to less than 500 calories and no carbohydrates.

This whole experience has made me more aware of my eating habits. I love potatoes, pasta and bread. They are easy foods to make, real accessible, and were a staple of my diet. I do still eat those things, but not to the extent I did in the past. I work night shift and in the past I always had chips, crackers, cookies with me to help me get through the night. Now, I carry a bag of almonds, a pack of sliced cheese, and tuna fish with me at all times. I do not consider this a diet. This is a lifestyle modification. Its just what I do. And when people ask me how I lost the weight, I just tell them I stopped eating.

I wanted to share my experience and thank you guys for starting this thread. I have been telling myself for years that I needed to do something about my weight and just never did. Now I am on the path to a healthier lifestyle.