Last updated on April 12th, 2017
Starting weight = 216.2 lbs.
Ending weight = 214 lbs.
I lost 2.2 pounds last week, and my weight is back to where it was three weeks ago.
I tried intermittent fasting last week, as suggested by reader BobM. I skipped breakfast on two days during the week (Thursday and Saturday). It wasn’t much of a problem to do that. On my LCHF diet, I don’t get “hangry” anymore.
I admit I was ready to eat lunch both of those days, but not desperate.
My average total calories and net carbs for the two fasting days were 1,548 and 35 grams. For the five non-fasting days, my averages were 1,894 and 30 grams.
One week isn’t much of a test. I’ll keep up the intermittent fasts (that is, skipping breakfasts) for a while, and see what happens.
I’d also note that for the week, my average fat percentage was over 70% and my average net carbs were only 30 grams per day. In the past, those kinds of fat / carb numbers have usually been associated with a drop in weight.
BobM says
Bummer. I was hoping that would work. It has worked for me, but then I also fast longer now. For instance, this week, I did not eat at all Monday and did not eat until Tuesday at lunch; I will not eat breakfast Wednesday; and I will not eat breakfast or lunch Thursday. I leave for vacation Thursday, though, so all bets are off as to when and what I eat for days after that.
My only recommendation: try not eating breakfast and lunch two or three days for one week. If that doesn’t cause you to break your stall (or you feel bad for any reason), then ignore my recommendations. 😉
I personally find fasting to be both good and bad. Longer fasts (I’ve made it 3.5 days so far) oddly enough are easier for me. The “stomach rumbling” effect goes away and it gets easier. Overall, the main problem I have is that restarting eating for longer fasts (at least a whole day) can cause some digestive “issues”. But I now no longer like eating breakfast — I oddly feel better when I do not eat breakfast.
But, people are different. It could be that I have more insulin resistance and you have less, or any number of other reasons as to why this doesn’t work. My wife also reminds me that I”m an usual case: there are few people who will cease eating for three days just to “see what happens”.
I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Jim says
Bob — Well, I did lose over two pounds for the week. I’m OK with that. If I can string a few weeks like that together, I’ll soon reach my goal. Right now, I’m doing the 16/8 intermittent fasting on Thursdays and Saturdays. I may change up the two days at some point, but I’m going to keep up the IF for a few weeks and see how it goes. I agree with your wife’s opinion about not eating for three days in a row!
Thanks for another great comment.