I think that this method of caloric cycling would be quite efficient. As long as on your low days you're basically getting all the essential nutrients you need to function properly without that desire to binge on any bad stuff.

In the end, it really is what works for you. I could probably do the same, but my intake wouldn't need to be THAT high to maintain. I gather that you're hitting the gym on days that you have high days most of the time?

I noticed from the date of this thread that it has been two months... so, how goes it??

I've been trying different methods of fasting for a while now.

Starting with 16/8 daily

then moving to the fast 5 daily

then doing the 5-2

I think the 16/8 is probably the best based on Berkham's research and my own personal experience. Great way to lose weight and keep it off. Also, it fixed a lot of my bad eating problems.

I've been doing day on/day off fasting like this for about a week now, and I am already getting good results with my mental focus and emotional state.

Yesterday was a fast day and I managed to work all day on a building site, have a good heavy gym session, then a long uphill bike ride home. After all this I was still buzzing with energy, similar to having around 2 cups of strong coffee.

All I had yesterday was sausages with green beans and bone broth for breakfast, and then another glass of broth later in the day.

is this diet ok for your energy. don't you feel too weak in the fasting days? as far as i know, any diet with less then 1500 calories lack some essential nutrients, but i would not concern about that, because because you can regain them the next day.

If you can stick with it, good on ya. 16/8 or some variation of a daily IF works better for me. I guess I would just be wary that you don't get into the habit of bingeing/fasting. Because alternate day eating sounds a lot like my non-purging bulimia days. If you fast without providing enough fuel the previous day your body could freak out a bit and cause you to binge...although you don't seem to have this problem. Other than that, I see no downside to this lifestyle, and I hope it helps you achieve the health you are after.

Hey there! I've been doing the alternate day fasting for about two-three weeks, and have lost around 8 lbs. Then yesterday, our dentist told us about the Paleo diet. I started it this morning, but will still do fasting twice a week, as I think fasting is good for you because it allows your body cells to repair themselves. There are many different ways to fast. I tried two different plans so far - fasting every other day...then fasting 16 hours and eating 8 hours. Now on my eating days, I will be eating only things from the Paleo diet. Hoping for a HUGE boost to my metabolism and a lot of weight loss in the next couple of weeks. :) I am a total carb addict, so hoping I can handle the loss of bread, rice and mashed potatoes in my diet. Also LOVE chocolate. I downloaded a Paleo diet cookbook with around 400 recipes and tips in it, so that should help. Hope I can find almond flour from the health food store here on Guam!

Actually, the diet I've been on says just to eat normally on the non-fasting day...not to eat 3,000 calories. I'm doing the paleo diet on my eating days.

I've had some experience with cutting down my caloric intake through fasting.

Recently, I've had days where I just don't feel like eating and just listen to my body's impulses completely. Throughout these days I've had just as much energy as when I've been eating, and don't suffer from focus or lethargy problems either.

What is interesting to me is that these intermittent fasting days haven't been planned at all, they just occur as a result of me not taking lunch with me or just not feeling that hungry. It feels completely natural and my body doesn't feel off etc.

I suspect that the more frequently you drift into a state of ketosis, the more able you are to deal with, or tolerate fasting conditions. I have experimented with radially increasing my carbohydrate intake to below and above the "ketosis window", and have had great results in turns of increased fat burning as well as better insulin sensitivity.

The body really is a remarkable thing.

Hi folks- just found this site and am excited to read and join you all!

Your question prompted me to respond because I'm a staunch follower of Dr. Mercola and recently he's been weiting a lot about 'intermittent fasting' to improve health and promote longevity. Basically, he says if you can fast for more than 18 hours (ie., finish supper by 6pm, skip breakfast and eat lunch at noon or later)there are tremendous benefits There is a book out called "the 8 Hour Diet" that explains a lot about the science. Here's a few of the the things Dr M mentions: Lowers triglicerides, Promotes HGH, Reduces inflamation, normalizes insulin and leptin sensitivity, Increases fat loss - just to name a few.

Here's a link to the Jan 18, 2013 article on Mercola.com

http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2013/01/18/intermittent-fasting-approach.aspx?

Doesnt sound too tough - I had planned on trying it a few days a week to see how it goes... I'll report back!

I've recently been reading a lot about this, including what Brad Pilon has written, and have started fasting. I can feel the benefits. Although my intention at this time is weight loss, I do intend to continue with alternate day fasting, or at least two days a week fasting, once I reach my target weight, for spiritual reasons.

The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) advised one of his companions: “Fast one day and break your fast one day. This was the fast of (the Prophet) David (peace be upon him), and it is the best of fasts.”

The Prophet himself consistently fasted two days of every week - every Monday and Thursday.

ADF is great. I've tried it and found it to be a very simple method to stick to.

I prefer doing an 18-20 fast with a 6-8 hour feeding window though.

In regards to the benefits of fasting - the list is endless. Every single one of my clients that I've placed on an IF protocol have reported positive results.

-Weightloss -Increased focus -Blood sugar/insulin level stability -increase in lean muscle

Hope that helps! Feel free to get in touch with questions.

Best Regards,

Dean Bocari

www.deansdailydose.com

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