46 Comments

  1. Kelly-Fitness Overhaul
    February 12, 2011 @ 3:02 am

    You are preaching to the choir here, my friend. I have been fasting for around a year now and absolutely love it. I went from 201 January 1, 2010 to 165 lbs, which I have maintained since around October. I am 42 and proof that you don’t have to get fatter each year.

    If anyone hasn’t tried eat-stop-eat and are on the fence, try it! Your days of failed diets will be over for good.

    -Kelly

    Reply

    • Kevin - Fitness B&W
      February 12, 2011 @ 4:01 am

      Kelly – that’s awesome man, good work! It really is a pretty awesome diet plan – much more practical than I ever really thought it would be.

      Reply

  2. The Underwear Body
    February 16, 2011 @ 6:10 pm

    I’m with Kelly, fasting rocks!

    I was a long way into my weight loss efforts before I discovered Eat Stop Eat though. I was worried about all the traditional arguments/dogma you often hear about losing muscle and slowing metabolism, but after reading ESE I was positively excited. It turned out to be just the answer I was looking for.

    Michael

    Reply

    • Kevin - Fitness B&W
      February 16, 2011 @ 7:18 pm

      Exactly – until I read up on intermittent fasting and tested it out I really thought that my metabolism would just stop!

      Reply

  3. Lauren
    March 7, 2011 @ 12:46 pm

    Can you have coffee or green tea while fasting? Or just water only?

    Reply

    • Kevin - Fitness B&W
      March 7, 2011 @ 1:12 pm

      Hi Lauren,
      As far as IF for weight loss goes, yes caffeine is fine since it doesn’t spike up your insulin levels and take you out of a fasted state.

      As far as the health conditions on your heart, please consult your doctor 😉

      I drink coffee on my fast days and it works fine for me. You will want to drink only black coffee, and unsweetened tea (no honey or anything else added). I would still recommend drinking a good amount of water to help your body flush out it’s toxins.

      Reply

      • Preston
        June 29, 2012 @ 9:29 pm

        I know that it can be harmful, but what about a little splenda in tea?

        Reply

        • IOW
          October 1, 2012 @ 3:12 pm

          Low-cal sweeteners can trigger the bodies release of insulin

          Even in small amounts they would reduce some of the benefit of fasting

          At the end of the day it’s a balance – you will still benefit from the fast

          Reply

  4. Lily Martinez
    July 16, 2011 @ 7:48 pm

    I’m one that loves food to much! I DO NOT eat a lot but the things I do eat are not so good for you. I’m thinking that this 24 hour fasting may be good for me though. It may make it so that I don’t need that “not so good” food because lets face it, 24 hours without eating may make ANYTHING look good!

    Reply

    • Kevin
      April 18, 2012 @ 3:53 pm

      haha! Good point. My only caution would be to not let the fast serve as an excuse to overeat or eat poorly on purpose. It works best by eating a “normal/healthy” meal after your fast so that the total calories for the day remain very low.

      Reply

  5. Teddy Roberson
    August 26, 2011 @ 5:57 pm

    Losing weight should not be a quick fix thing to lose a couple of pounds just to gain the weight back and a few pounds more. Losing weight takes determination and a permanent change of habit or lifestyle to keep the weight off. A little fasting to clean the system is fine as long as you do not go overboard…

    Reply

    • Kevin
      April 18, 2012 @ 3:52 pm

      I totally agree, in fact, I don’t recommend fasting for more than 24 hours at a time. The hormonal benefits are at their peek at 24 hours (16-24 are when they’re most amplified) but after that they start to die off.

      Thanks for the comment Teddy!

      Reply

  6. Shauna
    September 9, 2011 @ 12:40 pm

    So im thinking to start the fasting thing! Even though i havent read ESE, so how does it work basically just go through a whole day without eating anything but only drinking water right? and i shouldnt do any mild work out? So its best if i fast on my rest day right? Thanks for the help much appreciated.

    Reply

    • Kevin
      September 13, 2011 @ 7:14 am

      Yeah, that’s the basic idea. You can have any non-calorie drink like plain tea and/or black coffee as well. Actually, you can workout on a fast day too.

      Reply

  7. George Thompson
    September 19, 2011 @ 11:30 pm

    I’m very happy to have come across this information. As a body builder and fitness instructor for over 30 years, one of my favorite and most effective diet regimens was a two week high calorie diet followed by a two week extremely low calorie diet. The idea being that such extremes in your caloric intake caused profound hormonal changes because your body was having to compensate for the stress being placed on it. I can see where a combination of fasting and eating would logically create the same hormonal response, especially growth hormone, as the body is tricked into believing it needs it. I’m bookmarking this site to study further… thanks for the info!

    Reply

    • Kevin
      April 18, 2012 @ 3:50 pm

      Awesome George, I’m glad you stopped by and left the comment! I too have played around with high calorie weeks alternated by low calorie weeks. For me, Eat Stop Eat is a great way to eat more on the weekends with your friends and still lose or maintain weight throughout the year.

      Reply

  8. Francis Hidalgo
    September 22, 2011 @ 7:30 pm

    This is a wonderful idea! I’m a big eater. I’ve decided lately to lower down the amount of carbo I take in at first and get my body used to taking in only the needed amount of food. After reading this, I wonder if it was a good a idea to lower down calorie intake gradually or maybe the abrupt change for a day is the key to fooling the body.

    Reply

    • Kevin
      April 18, 2012 @ 3:48 pm

      Francis,
      I think that just depends on the person. Me personally, I like the cold-turkey approach. I’ve found that you do need to adjust to eating less … fasting or not. Once your body adapts, which can be as quick as 2 or 3 days, it gets MUCH easier to diet.

      Reply

  9. Lorreen
    October 2, 2011 @ 9:17 am

    I have more than a few pounds to lose. Approximately 40 pounds. Would this type of diet work for me? I am at the stage that I know I have to get this weight off, so I am looking for a diet that will without question, help me.

    Reply

    • Kevin
      October 3, 2011 @ 8:23 am

      Hi Lorreen,
      I’ve got a few friends who’ve lost more than that following the Eat Stop Eat diet. It’s awesome because it’s simple and works. I recently wrote an Eat Stop Eat review if you want to read a little more about it.

      Reply

  10. Kristen
    December 1, 2011 @ 8:08 pm

    I recently started every other day fasting but the way I do it is I allow myself to eat anything during the first 24 hours, none the second, etc. etc. As opposed to a “smal meal” I would say I eat about 2000 calories on eating days. Is this going to work at all or am I doing it wrong?

    Reply

    • Kevin
      December 5, 2011 @ 8:11 am

      That should work … Brad doesn’t recommend more than 2 fasting days per week in his book because that could a bit hard to maintain long-term. What I really like about ESE is that isn’t a crash course diet so try not to burn yourself out.

      Again, I’m no doctor but I would say that’s fine; just pay attention to your body and how you’re feeling. The main goal is to create a calorie deficit over the course of the week so you’re good there.

      Reply

  11. David - The Natural Health Service
    March 31, 2012 @ 4:36 am

    I’ve been fasting one day per week for several months now, and I sometimes miss breakfast on one or two other days too. There was a time I would never have done this, but it’s a commonsense way of reducing your weekly calorie intake, and it saves you time too. I look forward to my fasting day now.

    Reply

  12. Shannon Law
    April 18, 2012 @ 7:46 am

    Hi Kevin,

    I use to work out religiously two years ago and stopped (but maintained a pretty healthy diet) and recently (about a week ago) started back at the gym everyday doing both cardio and weights, and planned to continue. The reason I stopped is I was never able to drop those last couple inches/pounds. I am extremely eager to try this method and am wondering if this is something I can start right away in my training, or should wait, say a month, to begin? Thoughts?

    BTW – love the blog

    Thanks,
    Shannon

    Reply

    • Kevin
      April 18, 2012 @ 3:44 pm

      Hi Shannon,
      Thanks for the kind words!

      As far as you implementing the intermittent fasting, go for it. Give it a shot and see how you like it. Some love it, while others seem to struggle with it.

      If you’re having trouble shedding those last few pounds even after sticking with a good diet and routine then I’d have to suggest upping your cardio a little. I know for me, I’ve struggled to lose those infamous last 10 lbs – even though I thought I only needed to lose 5 to get where I wanted. But by upping my cardio frequency and routine (I ended up following Visual Impact Cardio) I was able to get some pretty good results.

      Checkout question #7 in this interview with Rusty Moore to see his suggestions … definitely worth doing.

      Reply

  13. Steven
    July 7, 2012 @ 5:55 am

    Hey, I love your posts.

    I need some help. I have just hit 80kg from 68kg (I’m 5ft 10in) – my initial goal was to gain size and mass. Now I’d like to start gaining weight on my lower body (since I have focused more on upper body) but also burn as much fat in my stomach (now it looks ‘fatter’ but that is just some gained muscle underneath). So basically to get a six pack and bigger legs.

    I currently eat 6 meals a day every day and train on Monday, Wednesday, friday. On what days should I eat less (or a need in change of number of meals a day)? and can you also recommend me (or refer me to a page of yours) what exercises I need to be doing to achieving my new goals.?

    Your advice would be greatly appreciated

    Thanks,
    Steven.

    Reply

  14. Anonymous
    September 19, 2012 @ 7:36 pm

    I’ve been trying to fast once a week for a few weeks. The first few weeks, I could only make it until 10AM and then I had to eat.
    But today, I tried it again and made it all the way until I was supposed to eat! I just drank green tea sweetened with stevia at my normal meal times, and had a ton of water in between whenever I started to feel even a tiny bit hungry. I actually wasn’t that hungry, with all the tea and water I was drinking.
    I was so surprised at how much energy I had! I did a 40 minute workout this morning, and then took my dog for an hour long walk later in the afternoon.
    I will definitely keep doing this 🙂

    Reply

    • Kevin
      September 20, 2012 @ 9:17 am

      That’s awesome, I’m glad you stuck with it and made it work for you!

      Reply

  15. Kelly Fitzsimmons
    January 2, 2013 @ 4:58 pm

    Hi Kevin,

    I’ve IF’d for years and years.
    For newbies, I wouldn’t try exercising on IF days and/or try IF for the 1st time when switching over to a low-carb diet.

    IF + HFLC = fast weight loss, and very enjoyable.
    After your first IF, a salad will taste as yummy as a pizza.
    Happy New Year
    -kelly

    Reply

  16. chris
    February 8, 2013 @ 1:42 pm

    could i drink water kefir during the weekly fast

    tanks

    Reply

    • Kevin
      May 22, 2013 @ 2:56 pm

      Yes, please do!

      Lots of water, green (unsweetened tea), black coffee, etc.

      Reply

  17. eileen
    February 15, 2013 @ 7:31 am

    I recently had a baby a year ago I went from 165 to 255 its depressing
    Will this actually work for me?
    Many people say its harder to lose the “baby weight”
    I would like to at least shed the 55 pounds

    Reply

    • Kevin
      May 22, 2013 @ 2:56 pm

      There’s no reason it shouldn’t. Just give it a shot and see how you like it.

      Reply

  18. Emily
    March 15, 2013 @ 4:33 pm

    Hi I’m like 10st 5 and 5.9 I’m ok withy weight but can’t seem to shift those 5 pounds I want to try this 24 hour fast but my job means I’m on my feet all day I’m worried il flake out at work? Will I get through a day with no food?

    Reply

  19. Anis
    March 17, 2013 @ 12:48 am

    Hey Kevin,

    That makes sense though but my problem is I do not want to loose much of the weight from all over my body, I am 5’11” and weigh around 168 pounds, which is pretty decent weight. I have a decent physique the only problem is my belly where i have a bit extra fat and side flabs. Is there any way by which I can target on the specific area and not loose from other part of the body?

    I totally love your site, it has clarified so many misconception is had for so many years.

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Kevin
      May 22, 2013 @ 2:55 pm

      Anis, unfortunately … no. You can’t spot reduce like that. Another bummer is that (in general) the first place you gain weight is the last place you lose. Just focus on working your muscles to maintain lean body mass and let the fat go.

      Reply

  20. JAINE
    April 3, 2013 @ 1:02 pm

    This is my 9th day on IF and i love it ! I have not had a bad day not once. My energy level has been great. I use the 16-20 hours fast then I eat within the 6-8 hour window. I drink water all day and night . When i tried other low carb diets i would get a headache and stop the diet. My body and my mind has adjusted to IF. I stumbled across your site and I love the information that I find here on IF.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Kevin
      May 22, 2013 @ 2:54 pm

      Awesome Jaine! I’ve been experimenting with the 8 hour feeding window too and am also loving it. Glad you’re finding success with it.

      Reply

  21. Vanessa
    May 15, 2013 @ 1:07 pm

    What would be a good sensible dinner after a 24hr fast? I was thinking steamed asparagus grilled chicken and brown rice?

    Reply

    • Kevin
      May 22, 2013 @ 2:53 pm

      Yep … that would be a great dinner 😀

      Reply

  22. Charley
    June 30, 2013 @ 12:16 pm

    Hello
    I have been dabbling with fasting for some time now and always have decent results. I am just about to start up a 2 month burst of Alternate Day Fasting – the plan being Mon/Wed/Fri are fasting days and Tues/Thu/Sat I can eat anything I want (within reason, not over 2000 calories). Sunday will be a low calorie day but neither fasting nor normal calorie intake – somewhere in between.

    I am active at work all day and walk with my dog often.

    I have a final 12-14lbs to lose and it is incredibly stubborn at this point. Hope this works. 🙂 My target is reaching goal weight by end of August.

    Reply

  23. Larry
    July 3, 2013 @ 9:23 pm

    Hi Kevin:
    I have set a goal for myself to lose 100lbs. and I was doing great for the first 2 and a half months. I actually lose nearly 50 lbs. But now I’m stuck for the last 3-4 weeks, I don’t seem to be able to break this stupid frustrating level. I saw your site and got excited again. I am going to give it a go. Hope this will work for me!

    Reply

  24. Tumelo
    June 12, 2014 @ 12:34 am

    Hey Kevin
    I totally enjoyed reading this post and all the comments,very informative…..My favorite part is when you explained all of the hormonal changes that encourage fat loss.I like to drink tea in the morning on my fast days(only in the morning,I drink water for the rest of the day),I have it with two teaspoons of sugar and a bit of milk..I know it has some calories but I can’t have it any other way,Its just too bitter without milk!!!Is there a specific number of calories that get you out of the fasted state,and am I jeopardizing some of the fasting benefits?

    Reply

  25. Rebecca Stebler
    December 26, 2015 @ 6:25 pm

    Hello, this is my first time ever writing a comment under a blog of this kind or any kind for a matter of fact…. How I learned about intermittent fasting was when I was on YouTube and I saw a video on it, then I started to look it up on google, I didn’t want to just start doing something just because I watched a few videos on YouTube, and my mother she has a nursing background so I took up the matter with her and she did further searching concerning IF, and I started it about a week ago, I fast for 24 hours and then when 7pm comes around I eat a regular medium plate of whatever my mother makes….. And I have not felt this great in a long time, I have been able to breath better, I am able to move around better, I have more energy… Of course when Christmas came around and the day came that we all had to come together for Christmas dinner, I had to eat with everyone and it was way before my time to eat, and I could tell the difference in how I felt, I didn’t feel so good after I ate all that food….. So far I have lost maybe 12 pounds since I started this, I am 31 and in a wheel chair and I am over 200 pounds over weight, and I am 4’7 feet tall, not very tall….. So I am vey happy I have found this new way of eating…. I can not wait to lose all this extra weight that is on me.

    Reply

  26. Mary
    April 22, 2016 @ 5:35 am

    I like the IF or ESE diet too. It seems to good to be true, but I can stick to the 24 hr fast 2 days a week easily as long as it’s spread out a couple days. I definitely ate out of habit more than hunger, but now I can differentiate the two, without feeling deprived at all! It’s also good because you can make it work with whatever is best for you, 8 hr, 12hr, 18hr, or 24hr. It’s a no brainer for me!

    Reply

  27. Jim
    July 14, 2016 @ 8:16 am

    Hi.

    I think you mean
    “…should not overdo it.”
    instead of
    “…should not overdue it.”

    Reply

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