Intermittent fasting is a challenging diet technique that allows you to eat for only a few hours a day. Your window to eat is only a maximum of eight hours. In other techniques, intermittent fasting involves eating whatever you want within 24 hours, and not eat anything for the next 24 hours.
The good thing about doing intermittent fasting is that you don’t have to deprive yourself of whatever you want to eat as long as you do so in a given window. It means that you will feel starved when it’s not yet time to eat. Many people tried doing this technique and succeeded in achieving their goals. If you also want to try it, these strategies will help you survive.
Choose the right schedule
If possible, you should choose the window to eat within hours before going to bed. However, there’s no specific time that you should follow. As long as it’s within the eight-hour window, it’s okay. Find the right time that works for you. If you’re too busy during the day, it’s the best time to fast. You will forget hunger since your mind is on something else. It’s more difficult to fast when you’re idle. However, it could also be the other way. Some people prefer to eat when they’re busy and fast when they have nothing to do. Another great solution is to try out digital guidance provided by any sophisticated intermittent fasting apps you can find on apps stores.
Gradually reduce your window for eating
You don’t have to follow the 16:8 proportion right away. You will find it challenging to change your diet drastically. You can start with 12:12, which means you can eat within a 12-hour window and fast for the rest. If you feel comfortable, you can move to 14:10 until you’re okay to eat for only eight hours a day. It’s also not good for your stomach that you change your diet without giving it time to adjust.
Stay busy
You will always think about food when you deprive yourself of it. The best way to suppress your desire to eat is by being busy. Focus your attention on other things so you will forget about food. You won’t even notice the passing of time. Reading a book helps when you don’t have physical activity. The book takes you to a different dimension and you forget your present.
Always drink water
Staying hydrated also helps when you’re fasting. It also tricks the brain into believing that you’re full even if you’re not. You might also think that you’re hungry when you’re just thirsty. Keep a bottle of water with you wherever you go so you can drink it whenever you feel hungry or thirsty. Water will keep you going until it’s time to eat. You can also buy wholesale dried fruit and keep it in your bag. It’s a low-calorie snack. You can start by snacking before you have a big meal for the day.
Find someone to do it with
Going through this process alone could be challenging. It will be easier when you have someone to do it with. You might give up if no one is pushing you to do better. You might also inspire your partner to push forward if they are on the brink of giving up. You can be each other’s support system. You can also celebrate your success together.
Hopefully, you can survive this challenge and see your goals through.
