We’ve all been there. The excitement of a new health kick, the determination to overhaul our lives, and the belief that more is the answer. More workouts, more restriction, more “good” foods – surely that’s the recipe for success, right?
It’s tempting to chase immediate results, especially after experiencing early weight loss on previous diets. Throwing everything at it and expecting the same quick wins. But instead of gently guiding your body towards a new rhythm, you’re bombarding it with restrictions from all sides.
During the initial days of intermittent fasting your body is adjusting to a new eating pattern, which on its own could lead to some weight gain. This can be incredibly discouraging, especially when you think you’re doing everything right.
Limiting your eating hours while also restricting calories, carbs, and fat and doing intense exercise, can shock your system, sending it into starvation mode, where it clings to every calorie for dear life. This makes achieving the very goals you want much harder. It can also leave you feeling deprived where you end up wanting to give up before your body has a chance to adjust.
Think of your body like your mind: When overwhelmed with information and demands, it shuts down. But when given space and quiet, it can heal, refocus, and thrive. The same applies to your physical health. Just like taking a quiet moment allows your mind to recenter, giving your body a break from additional stress allows it to adjust to the new rhythm of intermittent fasting.
I remember in my first few days of intermittent fasting, the scale only went in one direction – up. I kept my mind focused on my first goal which was to get through the first few weeks until it became a normal part of my every day life. As much as I wanted to see that scale go down, I had to just trust that it would. By understanding what was happening, it made it easier to keep going.
Trust the process, listen to your body’s signals, and prioritize sustainability. Make one change at a time. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you partner with your body, not fight against it.