05/06/2026
Weight Loss Wednesday: the IF edition.
Intermittent fasting has real science behind it. Shrinking your eating window lowers insulin, shifts your body toward fat burning, and may trigger autophagy, the process your cells use to clean house. Studies show it can be an effective tool for weight loss and metabolic health.
Here are some practical starting tips for someone new to intermittent fasting:
Start with a manageable window. Don’t jump straight to 18:6 or OMAD. A 12:12 split (12 hours eating, 12 fasting) is often barely different from your current routine — finish dinner at 7pm, eat breakfast at 7am. Build from there.
Pick a schedule that fits your life. The most common is 16:8, skipping breakfast and eating from roughly noon to 8pm. But if mornings are your biggest meal socially or for energy, skip dinner instead. Compliance matters more than the “optimal” window.
Expect the first week to be rough. Hunger, low energy, and headaches are normal as your body adjusts. Most people feel significantly better by days 5–7. Knowing this ahead of time makes it easier to push through.
Stay hydrated during the fast. Water, black coffee, and plain tea are all fine and help manage hunger. Electrolytes can help too, especially if you’re feeling foggy or fatigued.
Break your fast with something balanced. A high-carb or sugary first meal can cause an energy crash. Protein and healthy fats are a more stable way to open your eating window.
Don’t undereat inside your window. IF isn’t about starving — it’s about timing. Eating too little will backfire with fatigue, muscle loss, and rebound hunger.
Know the red flags.
IF is not appropriate for everyone. People who are pregnant, have a history of disordered eating, take certain medications, or have blood sugar conditions should talk to their doctor before starting.
Want someone to support you in your journey? Check out my website www.RiverDPC.com or give me a call (864)686-6976