Best Schedule for IF??? page

[Panthek]

Hi--I'm trying to lose weight on PB (lost a little so far, but not much). All the posts on IF have convinced me that might be the next technique I add to the repertoire...but I'm a bit confused as to when/how often would have the most beneficial effects on fat loss?

I could fast 16 hours each day (essentially just skip breakfast), and then eat from noon to 8 PM, or I could mix things up and fast randomly...16 hours here, a few days later, 24 hours, or something? Is there any benefit to making the fast length/timing random, or would a 16-hr fast every day make for the best fat loss?

[Dr. Bork Bork]

Looking forward to responses. I'm new to IF, too, and just did my first 16 hr fast today.

[Sue]

Really its what suits your lifestyle.
I believe you don't get any more benefit from longer than 16hrs fasting.

[paleo_rob]

Just let it fit into your lifestyle as best possible.
I pretty much only eat dinner on my fast days. Sometimes they go for 16hours other times 24hours just let it work with your life as best as possible.

[spughy]

I just eat a very late afternoon snack (after 4:30 or so) or munch a bit while I'm prepping dinner on my fast days. It works for me - I can get a lot more done during the day if I don't have to stop and eat, and I never get any more hungry than I am at about 11 am. I think if I started eating earlier I'd just eat too much - but just one meal it's hard to overdo it.

Also, I NEVER eat after I finish dinner, until breakfast the next morning, so I get a 12-14 hour fast every single day. Mostly, that's because I sleep much better if I go to bed with an empty stomach. Every third to fifth day, I do a 22-ish hour fast. Since I started doing that more consistently, I've lost weight a lot faster - but that may be more because I dropped dairy from my diet, too. Still, it's a lifestyle modification that I like. It makes me more productive and saves some money on groceries.

[Mog]

Skipping breakfast is the easiest way..I couldn't skip dinner.

Paleo-Rob - new avatar? awesome 6 pack!

[sarahmasteller]

Good post! Anyone else have experience to share with skipping breakfast and just eating lunch/dinner every day vs. skipping lunch and just doing breakfast/dinner each day? Thanks

[john_solo]

Personally I've been playing with a 24 hour fast (eat dinner, don't eat until dinner the next day). I think I might go longer and incorporate one full day + a few and not eat until breakfast on the following day.

[gunn parker]

Last week I ate lunch at 1 on Friday and then did not eat again until the same time on Saturday. I was starved by then and could have eaten anything.
Is that too long to IF?
Cheers

[Primal Fist]

The recommended time for maximum benefit while minimising any drawbacks is 16-8, so a 16 hour fast with an 8 hour eating window. I do this every day with ease. For example, I stop eating (or drinking anything but water) by nine in the evening. I then just don't eat until 1-2pm the following day, and continue the cycle from there. Very very easy to do, once you're out of the lower-carb-adaptation phase.