It might seem like a fancy name to skip breakfast, but it isn't. It's not hard to do it right. These (totally understandable) errors could lead to you not reaping the full benefits of the diet. You could be actively making yourself miserable and dehydrated, or worse, both.
You might have a routine you love, but the benefits seem to be missing. IF is not for everyone. You won't be able to tell if it is the right eating plan for you unless it has the greatest chance of taking effect. Just take help from UncraveRX, they will guide you.
Here are some mistakes that you might make with your IF plan.
1. You Are Jumping Too Quickly Into IF
Most diets fail to reap the benefits because they are so different from what we eat naturally. These diets can feel difficult to sustain.
If you are new to IF, and you are used to eating every two hours on the hour (or more), don't try to force yourself to do a 24-hour fast. It's normal to have an adjustment period, but it should feel good.
If you are adamant about fasting, try the beginner's 12/12 method. Fast for 12 hours and then eat in the 12-hour rest period.
You can go up to 16:8, which allows you to eat within an 8-hour time frame and fast the rest of the day, once you feel comfortable.
2. The Wrong Plan Is Not Right For You
Do not sign up for something that will make your life miserable. It won't be enough to have a few bad days and then retreat into a 24-hour party. It is all about making positive changes that you can keep.
You shouldn't start your fast at 6 a.m. if you are a night owl. You don't need to choose a strict diet plan if you go to the gym every day.
3. You Eat Too Many During The Eating Window
This is the biggest trap that people fall into when they start IF. You're more likely to eat if you have a strict diet that makes you feel nauseous for long periods.
Recent research shows that restricting diets don't always work. We tend to be so emotional (and physically) hungry that we overeat and become depressed.
4. You Are Not Eating Enough During The Eating Window
You will be more likely to eat less healthy foods and have a slower metabolism. You could be hindering your future ability to lose fat by not having enough metabolic muscle mass.
The problem with IF is that you eat according to a set of rules and not your body's signals. It's difficult to determine your true needs.
A registered dietitian can help you evaluate and meet your nutritional requirements safely if you are considering trying an IF program.
5. You Are Ignoring The "What" In Favor Of The "When"
IF is a time-centered approach to eating. Most plans do not specify what food you can eat within your meal window. However, this doesn't mean you can eat french fries, milkshakes, and beer all day.
Fasting is not magic. Fasting has some metabolic benefits, but its main impact on weight loss is that you reduce your eating hours and the calories you eat.
6. You Don't Drink Enough
You might be restricted from eating because of your IF program, but water is always better than food.
According to a study, people tend to eat at specific times of the day regardless of whether they are hungry or not. They also drink water as an accompaniment to their meals, whether they are thirsty or full.
If you are going to be fasting, you must drink enough water throughout your fasting period.