Eat Stop Eat - Overall Impressions

My apologies for not updating the blog more frequently.  Life keeps getting in the way.

I've been a bit less than scientific during this fasting period.  I have done 2 Eat Stop Eat 24-hour fasts so far, and I'm likely going to complete my third one today.

I don't find them to be any more difficult than the fasting I was doing for Fast-5, and I haven't noticed any changes in my physical or mental performance (or mood), doing the extended fasting.  I think I might be a bit more distracted by food, but it is easy to just think about how long you've been fasting and how much more to go (as the time already fasting is always longer than the time you have left, thanks to all of the fasting that occurs during sleep).

I haven't noticed any differences in my blood glucose levels between Eat Stop Eat and Fast-5.  My weight has been stable (and considering I've been eating a less than perfect diet this summer, that's impressive in and of itself).

At this point, I'm not sure which of the two fasting regimens I prefer. Fast-5 is nice because there's no thinking involved; you just do the same thing every day.  It's a nice way to avoid all of the junk that's thrown at me at work, too.  If I'm fasting, I'm not really tempted by snacks and treats.  I like having the extra time in the mornings to do things other than prepare and eat breakfast.  As far as Eat Stop Eat goes, it is nice to not "have" to fast every day.  It seems from reading the book that the 24 hour fasts might be more beneficial, as per the research, as well.  Doing IF once or twice a week is very manageable.

I am on vacation next week, and though I will likely fast in some way or another during my trip, I'm not going to do anything formal.  When I return, I'll begin the next fasting regimen.  I'll be doing the "Deconditioning Diet" as per Todd Becker.  His blog is Getting Stronger.

Eat Stop Eat – Fast #1

Onto the next fasting regimen, which is Eat Stop Eat, based on the book and website by Brad Pilon, found here.  The Eat Stop Eat method of intermittent fasting uses 24-hour fasts (1-2 per week).  I’ve perused the Eat Stop Eat ebook, and recommend the book to anyone who is thinking about trying this form of IF.  As with most things, it is prudent to understand the prescribed method before trying it.  The book also does a good job compiling and discussing the research behind IF, and its many health benefits.

The book recommends 1-2 24-hour fasts per week.  Ideally, the fasts are timed in a way that you never go an entire day without eating.  This way of IF makes it very sustainable to those of us who have gotten used to eating every day (and might have a hard time mentally dealing with a fast that restricts eating for an entire day, versus 24 hours over two days).

I am currently in the middle of my first 24-hour fast of this 2-week stretch.  So far, I’ve barely even felt any hunger.  I think my body has definitely made any needed adjustment to IF.  I stopped eating at 6:30pm last night.  So, as of right now, I have been fasting for 17 hours and only have 7 more hours to go before I can eat again.  Having a meal to look forward to, and knowing that I’ve got way more fasted time behind me than ahead of me, makes this fast very manageable.

Here are my stats, thus far:

Weight:  156

6:30am Blood Glucose – 88mg/dL