I strongly believe that sometimes we're just not in an appropriate stage of life or frame of mind for significant weight modification (downwards, anyway) and that we're doing well if we maintain without dinging our metabolisms. So, yes, I trust that this feeling of optimism and calm after struggling is indicative of some physical/emotional/cognitive re-set that signals that you're ready to move towards what you want for yourself after so much turbulence.
I'll watch your progress with interest.
New Term
by rawkaren on 20 Sep 2014, 14:24
I'm just back from three and a half weeks in England. Depressed by my lack of progress and gain this year, I decided just to eat what I wanted. I only did three fasts during that time - 24 and 36 hour ones. I attended a wedding, went on holiday for a week and worked away from home for more days than makes me happy. During that time, I ate carbs with abandon (many meetings I attended only had sandwiches), plenty of Cadbury's fruit and nut; two scones with jam and clotted cream during a training course I was running, and even drank wine whilst on holiday which I had not had for months.
So it was with some trepidation that I stepped on the scales when I got back. I had gained one pound. Overjoyed - I expected at least five. It's also really odd. How could I have eaten so much compared to what I eat here where I feel I'm constantly on a diet?
I have a couple of theories. Zero calorie fasting might be suiting me. I find it suprisingly easy to do either a full 24 hour or 26 hour depending on what time I stop eating. My other theory is cortisol production. I was home, with OH and relaxed. Work stress was high, but at least I was at home at the weekends.
I have discounted carb re-feed as a reason, as I have not been particularly low carb this year. More low to medium. However whilst I was back in the UK I had a protein rebellion. The gym witch has asked me to up my protein intake whilst I'm trying to build muscle and to be perfectly frank, I find it really hard to do. So my time in the UK was predominantly veggie with fish from time to time, but with alot of sugar!
I don't know what to make of all of that, but I am truly fascinated. Maybe I should just relax a little more with my food.
So as it's a new term, it's time to ring the changes with a different way of fasting. I am determined not to give up until I can find a way that works for me. So I'm back on 16:8 which I did this time last year as it worked very well for me but I was not working and in complete control of my environment, whereas now that is not the case.
I'm still eating these calories at the front end of the day so I can go to the gym. So the eating window is 7am to 3pm. I'm not calorie counting because I want to try without doing it and trust to fasting. It's easy to come home and not bother opening up the kitchen at all. I have upped my veggie intake considerably.
The last couple of days I have had a pancake made with one egg, two egg whites, quarter cup of oatmeal and two cups of spinach. I have a large side of broccoli slaw marinated overnight in an olive oil and lemon dressing and a big spoon of tomato and onion salsa. It is a massive plate of food. Snacks have been mini carrots, a piece of fruit and lunch depends on what is going on. Thursday it was a vegan protein smoothie with a large salad and yesterday at a baby shower it was a large beef salad with blue cheese dressing and deep fried crispy onions.
I have already had my breakfast pancake this morning. I will have good lunch and then I will do a 24 hour zero calorie fast as I'm out tomorrow afternoon with friends.
It is suiting my schedule for now so I will be sure to post my updates.
Feeling strangely optimistic after nine months of struggling.
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Focus on your actions, not the result.