The dream: a healthier, more energized you. You see yourself brimming with energy and achieving your weight loss goals, all powered by intermittent fasting.
The reality: starting intermittent fasting feels like a mountain to climb.
The toughest part often isn’t the fasting itself. Uncovering the root of your hesitation can be the biggest hurdle. Self-reflection isn’t easy, but avoiding it is (you’ve probably experienced this when you keep getting distracted by other tasks before tackling the one that really matters).
It’s time to hit pause on the busywork and take a moment for yourself. Stop putting yourself second (or third, or even further down the line). You need to make time for you by planning dedicated self-reflection in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Mark it in your calendar if you need to. Commit to this, carving out time just for yourself.
Acknowledge your feelings about starting intermittent fasting. Be kind to yourself, even if you uncover anxieties or doubts. Sometimes, we resist digging deep because we fear what we might find. As long as we delay, we can hold onto the hope that someday we’ll get there.
Next, start listening to yourself. How much do you really want this? Because you can’t move forward until you’re genuinely ready for change. You have to truly desire it to begin the work.
Now, start digging deeper. Why are you hesitant about starting intermittent fasting? Maybe it feels too big or overwhelming. If it was broken down into smaller steps that are more manageable, would that feel more achievable?
Or perhaps you’re worried about the other people in your life. Do you think their influence might interfere with your progress? Have you actually had a conversation with them about it? The people around you are used to the way you are now. How will they react to a change?
Is it the lifestyle itself? Are there things you love that you think you’ll have to give up to make this work?
There are many layers and reasons to why you haven’t started. It’s up to you to explore these. Maybe it’s more about the end result than you realize. If you’ve struggled to lose weight before, maybe deep down you doubt you ever will. Maybe you fear how this change will impact your life. Explore these reasons openly and honestly.
Now, refocus on your “why”. What positive changes will intermittent fasting bring? Keep digging until you find a reason that resonates deeply – a feeling you can’t quite articulate. As Simon Sinek says, “It’s very hard to put our feelings into words because the part of our brain that controls our feelings doesn’t control our language.” This emotional connection is key to lasting commitment.
Begin by questioning each urge to eat. Is it hunger, boredom, habit, or something else? Is it the kids leftovers you hate to waste? Or are you eating them just because they’re there? Are you grabbing the closest food because it’s easiest to eat? Childhood associations with treats or the need to soothe? Did your previous meal not satisfy you?
Understanding your triggers empowers informed choices. Don’t stop yourself from eating (unless you want to), just become aware of your motivations. Then weigh these reasons against your “why” for intermittent fasting. What matters more to you?
When you’re ready to start intermittent fasting, commit to it, but keep it simple. If you’ve chosen an evening window, note your last meal before bed – that’s your starting point. When you wake up, see how long you can go without eating. Don’t force it; let it happen naturally.
Make intermittent fasting a routine. If you break your fast early, acknowledge it, learn from it, and recommit. As it becomes easier, gradually extend your fasting window, prioritizing comfort over restriction.
Starting fasting isn’t the hard part. It’s what you discover about yourself and the adjustments your body needs to make that can be challenging. It might sound cliché, but you have to truly want the results. No one can convince you until you’re convinced yourself—believing, not just thinking.
This is your time. Remember, a healthy you is better equipped to help others.