How Intermittent Fasting Helped Me Lose Belly Fat and More
For months, I worked tirelessly at the gym, counting every single calorie, and doing everything I thought I needed to do to lose weight. The pounds were coming off, but no matter how hard I tried, my belly fat just wouldn’t budge. People told me, “You’ve had two kids, you’re over 40—this is just how you’re supposed to look now.” They said, “This is the best you can do.”
I didn’t accept that. I knew my body could do better, but despite my frustration, nothing changed. I pushed myself harder in the gym and ate less, but that stubborn belly fat stayed. That’s when I stumbled upon something I’d never considered before: intermittent fasting (IF).
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting. Unlike traditional diets, which focus on what you eat, intermittent fasting is centered around when you eat. The idea is to give your body a break from constant digestion, allowing it to enter a fasting state where it burns fat for energy and activates processes like autophagy, which is the body’s way of repairing damaged cells.
I had heard about fasting for religious reasons, but I never knew it could have such profound health benefits. After watching several YouTube videos and listening to podcasts, I became hooked. No one had ever explained why we should eat at specific times. Growing up, I was always told that breakfast was the most important meal of the day, but I never understood why we ate when we did—often, it wasn’t because we were actually hungry.
The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting comes with many health benefits, and as I learned more, I realized it could be a game-changer for me. Some of the key benefits include:
- Weight loss: IF helps reduce calorie intake, boosts fat burning, and improves metabolism.
- Improved insulin sensitivity: Fasting lowers insulin levels and improves the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
- Autophagy: Fasting activates autophagy, a cellular repair process that removes damaged components from the body.
- Mental clarity: Many people experience better focus and mental clarity during fasting periods.
- Increased longevity: Research suggests fasting may protect against age-related diseases and potentially increase lifespan.
My Intermittent Fasting Journey
I started with the 16:8 method—a fasting schedule where you eat within an 8-hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours of the day. I found it surprisingly easy to skip breakfast, so I started my first meal at 10 AM and finished my last meal by 6 PM.
As time went on, I gradually extended my fasting window. Some days, I didn’t eat until 12 PM and would stop eating by 4 PM. I even tried 24-hour fasts and 48-hour fasts, though I don’t enjoy these long fasts as much, I still do them occasionally—about once or twice a month.
During my eating window, I followed a keto diet, focusing on low carbohydrates and high healthy fats and protein. I ate lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, but there were no calorie restrictions.
And then—the magic happened. My belly fat disappeared. After all the effort, frustration, and struggles I had before, fasting finally became the solution I needed.
Maintaining My Progress
Now, I don’t engage in extreme fasting as much. I’ve been training hard and maintaining a lean, toned shape, so I’m careful not to lose my muscle mass. However, I still intentionally finish my meals as early as possible and extend my fasting window when I can. But I no longer skip meals as often, especially since my body fat is now around 18%. I want to preserve my lean muscle.
One thing I’ve learned: if I have an important meeting or presentation in the morning, I’ll skip breakfast. I find that fasting helps me stay more focused and sharp—my mental clarity improves when I’m in a fasting state.
Fasting as a Tool for Wellness
Intermittent fasting has become a valuable tool in my wellness toolbox. It’s a strategy I can use whenever I need it, whether to boost my mental performance or to maintain a healthy weight. I don’t consider it a diet; it’s simply a way of eating that fits my lifestyle and supports my goals.
One of my favorite sources for fasting knowledge is Dr. Mindy Peltz, who has a book called Fast Like a Girl. This book was a game-changer for me because it offers a detailed plan for fasting around a woman’s menstrual cycle, which I absolutely love. Dr. Peltz’s insights made fasting even more tailored to my needs as a woman. I highly recommend it!
I also enjoy listening to other experts like Dr. Eric Berg, Dr. Ekberg, and Dr. William Li. They’ve all provided so much valuable information that has truly opened my eyes to the power of fasting and the impact it can have on health.
Knowledge Is Key
The most important takeaway from my journey is that knowledge is power. Once I learned about the benefits of intermittent fasting and understood how it works, I was able to make an informed decision about whether it was right for me. And for me, it has been life-changing.
So if you’ve been stuck in the same situation as I was—working hard at the gym, cutting calories, and seeing little to no results—maybe it’s time to explore intermittent fasting. It could just be the key to unlocking the body and health you’ve been striving for.
What has your experience been with intermittent fasting? Have you tried it? Feel free to share your journey in the comments!