Many people have heard of intermittent fasting, a practice of eating at specific times and fasting at others. Rather than delve into the science behind it, I’d like to share my personal journey and experience with intermittent fasting.
Two years ago, I found myself in a frustrating and seemingly endless battle with my weight. I had tried countless diets, only to find myself regaining the weight I had lost despite not increasing my food or drink intake. It was a continuous, vicious, and emotionally draining cycle. My anxiety was at its peak.
One day, I stumbled upon the concept of intermittent fasting. At first, I was skeptical. I thought, “Great, another shiny object promising results.” I was sure it would be expensive, difficult to follow, and involve eating unappetizing foods. My initial reaction was filled with negativity, and I wasn’t excited when I read the headline.
Despite my doubts, I decided to look into intermittent fasting further. The idea was simple: eat from 10 to 6 in the evening, then fast until 10 the next morning. This meant a 16-hour fasting window from 6 PM to 10 AM the next day. I wondered how hard it could be.
To my surprise, it wasn’t difficult at all. I started with a few days of trying out this new eating schedule. I found it surprisingly easy to stick to, even though I was initially worried about feeling hungry or deprived. I allowed myself to snack lightly here and there within my eating window, and it felt manageable.
The results were gradual but noticeable. After three months, I had gone from 62 kg to 59 kg, and I also felt a significant reduction in my anxiety levels. The structure and simplicity of intermittent fasting provided a sense of control that I had been missing for years. It wasn’t just about weight loss; it was about regaining a sense of balance and well-being in my life.
Intermittent fasting turned out to be more than just another diet fad. It became a sustainable way of eating that fit into my lifestyle without causing additional stress or anxiety.
Transitioning to OMAD: A Tough Challenge
After getting comfortable with intermittent fasting, I came across the concept of OMAD (One Meal A Day). This is a form of intermittent fasting where you eat only once daily. Transitioning to OMAD was initially challenging for me because I had been used to grazing from 10 AM to 6 PM. I had to eat my only meal at 3 PM and fast until 3 PM the next day.
The cravings were intense. Watching advertisements for KFC and McDonald’s made my mouth water. After a month, I still felt deprived and struggled with headaches, sugar highs and lows, and lightheadedness. I questioned whether I could keep going. I felt sorry for myself and wondered if anyone cared whether I lost weight. Oh, Mad, doing this was challenging.
I hit a plateau at 59 kg, a weight I always seemed to reach before any further efforts felt futile. My mind was filled with doubts and negative thoughts. I persevered despite feeling aggressive, irritated, anxious, and anticipating the next meal.
Four months into OMAD, I asked myself, “One meal a day, what was I thinking?” Yet, I continued. This journey was about more than just losing weight; it was about pushing through mental and physical challenges to achieve a healthier, more balanced life.
Breaking Through and Seeing Results
After three months of intermittent fasting and four months of OMAD, I began to notice significant changes. My clothes were much looser, and it looked like I had shrunk. I was thrilled to discover that I now weighed 50 kg. After struggling at a plateau of 59 kg for so long, breaking through and reaching 50 kg felt like a huge victory.
Conclusion
My experience with intermittent fasting and transitioning to OMAD has been a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges. It has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and finding balance, especially in managing my anxiety. If you’re considering intermittent fasting or OMAD, remember that it’s not just about weight loss; it’s about taking control of your health and well-being, one step at a time.
I encourage you to explore it with an open mind. It might help you break free from the cycle of yo-yo dieting and find a healthier, more balanced approach to eating. However, based on my personal experience, I do not endorse this diet for everyone. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.
(If Omad or intermittent fasting has helped you with anxiety, please share in the comments section)