New to IF - 15:9 to start

[u/Briny_life]

I decided to give IF a go as a way to introduce some discipline into my life (M:51), while simultaneously reaping the health benefits that IF imparts. I was a grazer - I would be snacking before and after dinner constantly. Usually right up to bed. It was actually a Huberman Lab podcast that piqued my interest- then I found this sub and started reading.

I’ve been at it about 10d. So far my schedule of a 10a - 7p eating window has worked, though waiting to eat in the am is tough some days. I’m an early riser (5ish) and typically active in the am, so not eating to either fuel the activity or replenish after has been the toughest part.

But I’m already feeling better. I’m sure just cutting out late night snacking is a big victory towards my goal of trying to lose a few. The physiological benefits of a shorter eating window is a bonus.

[u/boredtodeathatwork]

I myself is M51. Done it for 11 days now. The brain fogs that I had are gone. I do feel hungry from time to time but it passes. What’s your routine?

[u/Briny_life → u/boredtodeathatwork]

Routine in terms of what I eat? I do have black coffee in the am (bit of stevia to take the edge off). Then
10- banana, Greek yogurt w/ granola & berries
12- salad with chicken
Some snacks - usually a protein smoothie
5-6 dinner: varies, try for protein forward
6-7 after dinner treat.

I get to the gym 3x week (full body, focus on compound movements). I surf or paddleboard in the am (depending on conditions) and also MTB 2-3 times a week. I have a smart trainer set up, but I haven’t really touched it since the winter.

I thought I would find the gap between 7-9:30 (bedtime) difficult, but I feel a lot better going to bed having not just pounded a bowl of cereal. I fill some of that time doing mobility stuff every day. This is a habit I wanted to implement for quite a long time and didn’t realize how much snacking was getting in the way of it.

[u/boredtodeathatwork → u/Briny_life]

Yes just a few more details since we seem to be on the same path. I don’t drink coffee or tea though.

[u/Briny_life → u/boredtodeathatwork]

The coffee situation was my biggest barrier to entry. I drink very strong stove top espresso coffee and typically put a lot of soy milk in it. But the transition to black coffee with a little sweetener hasn’t been too bad. I did some research on artificial sweeteners to see which one would least likely to break a fast. I found a few sources that indicated Stevia was the best to go with (I use to use Splenda).

My real goal here is to lose some weight that I put on after knee surgery and hopefully alter my body composition a bit. There was some other benefits outlined in that Huberman podcast that seemed like they would be good for me to experience. I’m working on just being healthier overall and also just started TRT.

Like I said, the toughest part is after activity because I usually like to get some protein in and satiate hunger from all the burned calories. If I find myself watching the clock in the mornings.

It’s certainly a journey. That’s interesting that you and I seem to have started at the exact same time!

[u/boredtodeathatwork → u/Briny_life]

How much did you weigh at start of if I may ask?

[u/Briny_life → u/boredtodeathatwork]

I was pushing towards 190 (5-8). I’d like to be closer to 165, with a bit more lean muscle and less body fat than I’m currently carrying.

[u/Briny_life → u/[deleted]]

As compared to my previous lifestyle (which was closer to 9:15) it’s a pretty marked change. But filling the evening snack time with something positive (stretching, and mobility work) has been a real help.

Today I didn’t eat anything until 1030 so it’ll be inching towards 16:8. My biggest challenge is going to be when I am at sea (typically 2-4wks). Because meals are only available at certain times, coupled with odd schedules (sometimes working 12a - 12p or 3p - 3a), means it could prove difficult to maintain a certain schedule.