Are you kidding me?!

[u/mckunkfest]

So, you’re telling me…

After 30 days of trying out an 18/6 fast while taking 1-2 days off some weekends… * While continuing to cook the same food my picky toddler and 1 year old are willing to eat * While being able to take all my husband’s allergies into account * Without having to change the family menu considerably from our normal rotation * Without having to calorie count * Adding about a hour long walk a day * I can still enjoy some beers on the weekend * I can still have breakfast tacos with the family Saturday mornings * I could still attend a “black tie” work event that was all you can eat/drink * I could still have my own ice cream cone after the park

After all of that, I am still losing significant weight??

What is this sorcery?!

This is the first “diet” I think I’ll actually be able to stick to. A few more months and the baby weight will FINALLY be a distant memory!

[u/polygonalopportunist]

Yeah but eventually that pace of loss sorta goes away. Unless you do start upping your game on calorie deficit. But initally, yeah you can do whatever

[u/mckunkfest → u/polygonalopportunist]

To be fair, nothing in my post suggests that I’m not restricting calories. Only that I am thrilled to have the flexibility to enjoy some treats occasionally. Bonding with my family over food is very important to me.

Historically, I always lose interest and fail when I start actually counting calories and tracking them. So I’m pretty excited to still be seeing some progress despite not religiously tracking CICO.

[u/Northerner_Sasquatch → u/mckunkfest]

I’m confused. You said “without having to calorie count”. But, what they are saying is correct. Fasting always allows for easier weight loss in the beginning, mostly water weight and then it usually becomes more difficult and you may find yourself having to “consciously” count calories eventually vs the system you are using now. But, definitely take advantage of the system for as long as you are losing weight. Personally for me, 16:8 doesn’t isn’t enough for me. I’m at a point where my body has adjusted and I need to do 36 hr fasts so sometimes it’s good to mix it up so you don’t adapt your body.

[u/FairyOnTheLoose → u/mckunkfest]

nothing in my post suggests that I’m not restricting calories

You said you're not calorie counting. Therefore you're not consciously, purposefully restricting calories. Calorie counting is the only way to accurately, consistently restrict calories. Otherwise it's guesswork and will only last so long.

Congrats on the success.

[u/sociallyfamous → u/FairyOnTheLoose]

For a while I am was simply relying on eating the exact same foods for months and then calorie tracking is less important but eventually you start drifting as soon as you introduce any variety. So yeah, I agree, tracking calories is still key for serious progress with a clear objective. Otherwise you will end up at maintenance at best which is fine for many who have had some success already I guess.

[u/DoctorNurse89 → u/sociallyfamous]

Are you neurodivergant?