tman666 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 As requested, I am creating this thread in order to discuss or answer any questions, to the best of my limited ability, concerning intermittent fasting. For the past year or so to date, I have been practicing daily intermittent fasting per the guidelines of Martin Berkhan, creator of the "Leangains" style of intermittent fasting. You can read about it in detail here: http://www.leangains.com/ His style of intermittent fasting is not the only one out there, but it's probably the most poplar one with the "bodybuilding/powerlifting/general fitness" crowd vs. the people just doing it for good health. It entails fasting (except for calorie free liquids such as water/black coffee) for 16 hours out of the day, and limiting caloric intake to an 8 hour window. For most people, this means in practicality that they have their first meal of the day around 12 or 1 pm, and finish eating at around 8 or 9 pm. Training protocol is dependent on when it's convenient. For example, I work the 8 to 5, so I can't train fasted except for on the weekends. My first meal of the day is at around 12:30. I generally eat another (smaller) higher protein/moderate carb "snack" about an hour before training (around 4:00 or so). After training, I'll have a post workout shake and then get to preparing dinner. The thing I like most about this style of eating is the flexibility is gives me within my diet. It's nice not having to carry around tupperware or stress about when my next meal is. It's also nice to be able to have large meals, which I enjoy, versus many tiny meals throughout the day. I'm not saying that it's "better" than smaller, more frequent meals. It simply works with my lifestyle and I enjoy it more. As far as any ill-effects, I have not noticed any. On the contrary, my strength on all lifts has improved, I have dropped bodyfat, and my gastrointestinal health has improved since starting leangains. While this may only be correlative evidence, I'm pleased with the results so far. Over the next few months, I will be cutting down calories slowly to lean out in time for summer. I hope to maintain my lifts and muscle mass by cutting slowly (no more than a pound per week, hopefully more slowly). Anyway, cool story bro. Post if you have questions. Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 I approve. ----- Link to post Share on other sites
FitChick Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 That's pretty close to how I eat on the weekend. I sleep late, get up and have tea while I plan my day of errands. Then I might have an omelet right before noon before I go out, if I'm hungry, or just almond butter on Ezekiel bread if not so hungry. I won't eat again until maybe three hours later and then it's just a snack, usually a sweet treat from Trader Joe's, then eat fish and veg around seven, after I've worked out. I don't like to eat after 8pm anyway because I can't sleep with a full stomach. Maybe this is how I am able to maintain my weight or gain very little even with the occasional indulgences. I wonder if this is how "naturally thin" people eat. Regardless, I track all of my calories and try not to go over 2000. Thanks for posting that link. Link to post Share on other sites
turt Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 I wonder if this is how "naturally thin" people eat. Regardless, I track all of my calories and try not to go over 2000. I eat all day long and I can't gain much weight. As for this fasting program, I think it does more harm than good. Your body takes time to absorb nutrients so limiting your body's window isn't great. Nutrients are needed all day long and energy needs to be pulled from stored fats (also needs to placed there...). The way this can work is by tricking the dieter into eating less by limited the time they can eat. You can only eat so much in an 8 hour period! Link to post Share on other sites
FitChick Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 I eat all day long and I can't gain much weight. Keep track of what you eat. Weigh and measure your food. Most people have no idea what they are eating. How old are you? Link to post Share on other sites
Author tman666 Posted February 6, 2012 Author Share Posted February 6, 2012 I eat all day long and I can't gain much weight. As for this fasting program, I think it does more harm than good. Your body takes time to absorb nutrients so limiting your body's window isn't great. Nutrients are needed all day long and energy needs to be pulled from stored fats (also needs to placed there...). The way this can work is by tricking the dieter into eating less by limited the time they can eat. You can only eat so much in an 8 hour period! Care to elaborate on your "more harm than good" statement? Don't just restate your opinion: cite some credible sources that support it. Link to post Share on other sites
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