If you told me a year ago that I’d be writing about how intermittent fasting (IF) changed my life, I probably would’ve laughed. I was that person who thought fasting was something only extreme athletes or monks did. I thought, “How could skipping meals be good for you?” But I was wrong. Fasting ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health, energy, and overall mindset.
So, let me take you on a journey of how I stumbled upon intermittent fasting, how it made a real difference, and how it could change your life too. Grab a cup of coffee (if you’re not fasting, of course), and let’s dive into my story.
The Struggle Before Fasting
I’ve always struggled with my weight and energy levels. Growing up, I was an athlete, but as life got busier with work, relationships, and general adulting, I found myself putting on weight and feeling sluggish. I tried so many different diets—low-carb, low-fat, even counting calories—but nothing seemed to stick. Every diet felt like a temporary fix. Sure, I’d lose a few pounds, but I always gained them back. I was tired of it.
I was also constantly battling with energy crashes. You know those afternoons when your brain feels foggy, and all you want to do is nap? That was me. I thought that it was just normal adult fatigue. I assumed everyone felt that way, and that it was just part of getting older.
But then, a friend of mine introduced me to intermittent fasting. At first, I was skeptical. “You want me to skip meals? Are you serious?” I remember thinking. But the idea of skipping meals without having to track every calorie started to seem less crazy the more I researched.
Discovering Intermittent Fasting
The first time I tried intermittent fasting was about a year ago. I had heard so much about the benefits—weight loss, increased energy, better mental clarity—and I figured, “Why not give it a try?” I started small, doing the popular 16:8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window.
The first few days were tough, I won’t lie. I had cravings, and my stomach growled like crazy. It was strange to not eat breakfast, something I had always done. But as the days went on, something started to change. I didn’t feel hungry all the time. My energy levels were up, and I wasn’t getting those annoying mid-afternoon slumps.
I also noticed I wasn’t snacking out of boredom anymore. I wasn’t constantly thinking about food. For the first time, I felt in control of my eating habits instead of the other way around. I realized I wasn’t actually as hungry as I thought I was.
The Benefits I Saw Early On
By the end of my first month, I had already lost a few pounds. But the weight loss wasn’t the best part. What truly amazed me was how much more energized I felt. I woke up earlier and didn’t feel like I needed a nap every afternoon. I had more mental clarity and was able to focus better at work. I was getting things done faster and more efficiently, and that felt incredible.
Another benefit that caught me off guard was how much better I was sleeping. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence, but after a few weeks of fasting, I realized I was falling asleep faster and waking up feeling more refreshed. No more tossing and turning or waking up feeling like I hadn’t slept at all.
But perhaps the most unexpected change was how I started to feel mentally clearer. It was like a fog had lifted. I could focus better, and I felt like I had a renewed sense of purpose in my day-to-day life. It wasn’t just physical—intermittent fasting seemed to clear my head as much as it cleared my body.
The Challenges Along the Way
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Intermittent fasting comes with its challenges. There were days when I felt extra hungry, especially during the first few weeks. But I soon realized that the hunger pangs weren’t as bad as I thought. Once I got past the first few days, they became more manageable. I started to feel more comfortable with fasting.
Another challenge I faced was social situations. I love eating out with friends and family, and fasting meant I had to be a bit more creative with my schedule. I had to plan my meals around my fasting window, and sometimes it was tricky. But I didn’t let that stop me. I would either push my eating window later or have a lighter meal and just enjoy the social time with others. It took some adjusting, but I figured it out.
The Mental Shift
One of the most powerful things about intermittent fasting was how it changed my relationship with food. Before fasting, I was always thinking about my next meal, what I could snack on, or when I was going to eat next. But fasting gave me the freedom to not always be preoccupied with food.
I learned that food wasn’t the only thing that could fill me up. I found other ways to occupy my time, whether that was going for a walk, reading, or catching up with friends. It was liberating to not feel like I had to eat every few hours. I also learned to listen to my body’s cues about hunger rather than just eating because I was bored or stressed.
How It Changed My Life Long-Term
Intermittent fasting has transformed not just my body but my entire approach to health and wellness. I’ve lost 20 pounds, but more importantly, I feel healthier, happier, and more in control of my life. The mental clarity I’ve gained has made me more productive in every area of my life. I’m more active now, enjoying activities I hadn’t had the energy for before, like hiking and swimming.
It’s not just about the weight loss—it’s about feeling good in my own skin and taking control of my health. I’ve gained confidence in the way I feel, and I know that fasting is something I can continue to do for the long haul.
Will It Work for You?
If you’re considering intermittent fasting, know that everyone’s journey is different. It might take a little time to adjust, but trust me, once you find your rhythm, it will become second nature. The benefits are real, and the mental clarity, energy, and control over your eating habits are worth the effort.
Just remember that fasting isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. What worked for me might be different for you. But if you’re looking for a way to take back control of your health, boost your energy, and feel better overall, intermittent fasting might be just what you need.