This post about Intermittent Fasting and DoFasting App Discount is sponsored by DoFasting. As usual, all opinions are 100% my own.
Did you know, according to Medical News Today, almost 74% of people in North America are considered overweight?!? That number shocks me but the deeper I dug, the more sense it made as to why our country is so sickly.
Life is funny sometimes. For several weeks now, I had been tossing around the idea of writing a post about Intermittent Fasting and how it’s been changing my life. Then I happened to come across the DoFasting App so I took it as a sign. Why you ask? Because I’ve been able to lose weight, and quite effortlessly, over the last couple months! But let me back up a little.
I Started A Journey-
At Christmas 2019, my cousin was telling me how she had been trying to lose weight recently. As we were talking, I finally decided it was time to get serious myself. Our last ‘baby’ is now 5 1/2 years old and I was STILL carrying an extra 15+ pounds. No matter what I’d tried over the last five years, I just couldn’t budge my weight. I was so disgusted that I’d actually given up completely until my cousin gave me renewed determination. I tried her method but was only able to lose a couple pounds. Stuck again, I was on the verge of defeat when I came across the Intermittent Fasting lifestyle and decided to jump in.
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
January 2020 was the first time I had ever heard the phrase ‘intermittent fasting’. So just in case you’ve never heard the term before, I’ll give you a little background. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where users cycle between periods of eating and fasting. There are no strict rules about which foods to eat, but instead, WHEN you should eat them. While there are several different intermittent fasting methods, all split the day or week into eating periods and fasting periods.
What I Love About Intermittent Fasting:
What originally appealed to me about Intermittent Fasting was the fact that no specific foods were off limits. This is HUGE for me. While I’m not big on drinking pop or even snacking, I definitely have a sweet tooth. So if desserts are a no-go, I will most likely fail. (Of course, you still want to strive to eat healthy, nutritious options.) Another thing I love is the fact that intermittent fasting is not a diet; it’s truly a lifestyle. Plus, there’s additional benefits other than the obvious losing weight. Studies show that intermittent fasting can:
- Stabilize blood sugar levels
- Increase resistance to stress
- Suppress inflammation
- Decrease blood pressure
- Decrease cholesterol levels
- Improve resting heart rate
- Improve brain health
- Produce better memory function
- And more!
Where The Magic Happens
I honestly believe the magic happens during the clean fast. Also, long term success is related to the metabolic and hormonal benefits you get from fasting clean. So what’s a clean fast? Use this chart below as a guideline:
Personally, I stick to plain ice water during my fasting periods. This is the easiest way to maintain a 100% clean fast. But here are some more great tips for beginners:
Unexpected Tidbits
During my intermittent fasting journey, I’ve actually been surprised at a few things. While this lifestyle doesn’t limit any foods completely, I have found myself making better overall dietary choices. I crave healthier options now so we’ve been eating more salads as well as making new, flavorful meals like Beef Carnitas Bowls; which feature a variety of healthy ingredients. I have also become more aware of foods and how they make me feel. Not to mention the fact that, overall, I’m less bloated these days!
The DoFasting Intermittent Fasting App Can Help You Reach Your Goals Faster!
Intermittent fasting is made extra easy by way of the DoFasting App. It’s a great app with lots of helpful resources and information:
- It helps to stay on track with your fasting and eating windows
- Tracks your progress so you can SEE where you’re at
- Has healthy meal preps for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans
- Features online workouts for every week
My Favorite Things About The DoFasting App
I love the variety of recipes as well as meal and snack ideas offered, right at my fingertips. It’s perfect for when I’m stuck in a rut. They even offer a section for fast and easy when I don’t have a lot of spare time.
Plus, the DoFasting App features lots of great articles; filled with a wealth of knowledge about intermittent fasting.
What A Typical Day Looks Like For Me
Since starting this journey, I have also vowed to walk on my treadmill for 20-30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. So a typical day for me looks like:
- 6:45am – wake up
- 7am – treadmill for 30 minutes
- Noon – a large meal with dessert (Typically something with lots of flavors or veggies. Examples: Chicken Fajitas Sheet Pan Meal, Chicken Tortilla Soup, or Beef Carnitas Bowls. I tend to serve along with a side salad and fresh fruit. I also drink water for meals.) ***The DoFasting App can help you find the best meal and snack options!
- 5:30pm – light/smaller supper (This can be a sandwich and chips, leftovers, or even a frozen pizza. I may grab an Andes Mint or cookie for dessert if I’m craving something sweet.) Again, I typically only drink water but will have lemonade on a hot day.
- CLEAN FAST – 6pm till noon the following day
So as you can see, I usually do an 18/6 window which means I fast for 18 hours and then have a 6 hour open eating window. During my open window, I can definitely grab a snack if I’m extra hungry that day. About once a month, I may even drink a soda. But I really strive hard to keep a 6 hour or LESS eating window. So if I know we’ll be going somewhere one evening, I’ll wait to open my window and eat my first meal/food at 2pm instead of noon. My other option is to do a 16/8 and leave my window open a couple extra hours.
I Get To Choose!
What I love most about Intermittent Fasting is the beauty of ME being in control. I get to choose when I want to fast or eat. There are no limits to what kinds of food I eat during my open window; moderation if unhealthy choices is key though. (If I want a frozen pizza, I can have one! But as I mentioned, the longer I do IF, the more my body seems to crave healthier options. So that’s really exciting to me!)
This lifestyle is appealing to most because there’s no denying, just delaying. And if I end up with a larger ‘open window’ one day, no biggie,. I just shoot for a smaller window the next. Many people do 20/4 or even 22/2 windows. There are even one-meal-a-day IFers. Having a 24 hour fast from time to time can also be helpful. However, you get to decide and play around with what works best for you!
My Results
So I haven’t actually told you yet what this new lifestyle has meant to me in terms of weight loss. Well, I started intermittent fasting in February 2020 and reached my first goal weight at the beginning of April! My starting weight was 128-130 pounds (depending on what time of day I stepped on the scale). Because I was scared to choose what I really want to weigh as my goal, I shot a little high. So I set my first goal weight at 118 pounds. I’m happy to say that I reached that and have set a new goal weight of 112 pounds, which is what I weighed when I got married. I’m only 5’2″ so my ideal weight is between 105 and 125 pounds. But either way, I’m thrilled with my success on this journey!
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use tool to help you get your life on track with a healthier lifestyle, the DoFasting App is a great choice!
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Julie Bickham
Friday 24th of April 2020
I need to get healthier and this could help. I like that it has daily motivations. That is what I need!!
Kim Naumann
Friday 24th of April 2020
My daughter has started this and I'd like to get going along with her and change my lifestyle!
Nancy
Friday 24th of April 2020
I'd like to try the Escape from Iron Gate Board Game.
Peggy Nunn
Friday 24th of April 2020
This sounds like a good idea. It just makes healthy sense. I need to think about it.
Kelly Clifford
Thursday 23rd of April 2020
I am still carrying baby weight four and half years later. I would absolutely love to find an app that can help me see results and gain motivation!