My Two-Month Intermittent Fasting Journey: Honest Pros, Cons, and Real Results

As a copywriter and avid sports enthusiast, I was both skeptical and curious about intermittent fasting. So, I decided to test it myself for two full months.

This article is contributed by Mirte Rey.

Mirte: "In April, I wrote about intermittent fasting—essentially fasting for over 12 hours to enter a fasting state. Research suggests benefits like boosted muscle growth, improved insulin sensitivity, fat loss, longer lifespan, and even reduced cancer risk. It sounded great, but skipping food for 16 hours? Not so much for me initially."

Don't knock it till you try it
I've long prioritized health: a daily teaspoon of turmeric with black pepper, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and workouts 3-4 times weekly. Discipline is key before starting IF.

Did I stick with it?
Absolutely! Nearly two months in, what once seemed extreme has become manageable. Beyond health perks, there are practical upsides—and a few downsides.

The practical challenges

• Rumbling stomach
  Mornings bring bear-like growls that are hard to mask at work. Embarrassing, especially in quiet moments.
   
• Bad breath
  Fasting overnight leads to noticeable morning breath—like a pack of rats camped out. Brush, floss, mouthwash, and gum fix it; your partner might not love it initially.
   
• Eating enough
  IF curbs hunger for me, which is great but tricky—I sometimes forget meals. Now, I plan to hit nutrient goals.
   
• Social hurdles
  No to beer, cake, or cappuccino during fasting (under 60 calories). "Just one bite?" gets old at gatherings.

But the benefits outweigh them

• Extra morning time
  Fifteen more minutes in bed—pure bliss.
   
• Food tastes amazing
  Hunger truly enhances flavor after 16 hours.
   
• Mindful eating
  Post-fast, junk feels wrong. Limited windows make choices deliberate.
   
• Dentist-approved
  Less sugar exposure means happier teeth.
   
• Less heartburn
  Nighttime discomfort has vanished.
   
• Sustained energy
  Early zombie fears turned to hyper-focus. Now, steady energy beats pre-IF levels.
   
• Muscle gains
  No measurements taken, but definition feels improved.

In summary, I love intermittent fasting. I feel energized, see results, and the pros dominate. Health enthusiasts: give it a shot.

Read also…

Mirte on intermittent fasting

Why maintaining weight is tough

Detoxing in Algarve

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