New to Intermittent Fasting

[runner4jc]

Today was a day of firsts...This morning, I woke up and done my workout on an empty stomach (besides my pre-workout drink). Then, I threw out my usual protein drink, skipped breakfast, and began my fast. I crammed in a third of my calories into lunch and plan on splitting the other two into dinner and a right before bedtime meal. Even though this is not 1 or 2 meals, would this still be considered "intermittent fasting?" Also, I'm sure it's just do to the shock to my body from trying something new but is it normal to feel shaky and experience a few minor cramps in the beginning? Thanks for the help guys.

[Ondemand]

Deja vu. It's intermittent fasting as long as you eat within the 8 (or w/e number you picked) hours, it doesn't matter how many meals you have within that period (as in you can have as many as you prefer).

[PBateman2]

^That.

[SilvaMan61]

And yes it is normal to feel hungry and a bit shaky the first week or so. Your body has to adjust to the fast.

I adjusted quickly and experience only a liitle hunger now on my 4th day

[Dback21]

during my fast, can i have one of these green tea drinks that have 0 calories or does that ruin the fast?

[PBateman2]

during my fast, can i have one of these green tea drinks that have 0 calories or does that ruin the fast?

It's fine.

Please read www.leangains.com. It's all there.

[peteyboy1015]

As others have said, your body takes some time to adjust. But once it does, IF becomes something of huge convenience, and you'll come to really enjoy it.

And if you don't adjust, then simply go back to what you did before. Everybody is different, and some will do better on IF while others not so much. Bodybuilding is approachable in so many ways...you just have to find out which way works best for you.

Glad to hear you have an open mind and are willing to try out new protocol. More people need to adopt that same kind of mindset and be willing to learn.

[runner4jc]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your informative answers and support. I was a little worried at first to post because of some of the 'bashing' and sarcasm that goes on inside this nutrition forum but you all have been really helped. Now it's time to eat big, get big, and stay humble.

[icall]

You may want to take 10g BCAA just prior to lifting and every two hours thereafter until you eat.

I drink 5 cups of iced coffee with stevia black and a two liter of raspberry seltzer from when I get up until lunch. I've never had hunger pains.

Good luck!

[peteyboy1015]

You may want to take 10g BCAA just prior to lifting and every two hours thereafter until you eat.

I drink 5 cups of iced coffee with stevia black and a two liter of raspberry seltzer from when I get up until lunch. I've never had hunger pains.

Good luck!

That's really not necessary. Whatever catabolism you experience during your fasting period is made up through the huge anabolic effect of the post-workout meal.

[icall]

That's really not necessary. Whatever catabolism you experience during your fasting period is made up through the huge anabolic effect of the post-workout meal.

Not my protocol. Taken directly from Lean Gains. If it works for him and his clients and everyone else following the fasted training protocol, it can't hurt to follow it. Martin thinks its necessary. At worst, its a waste. I'm willing to risk losing a few cents for an unnecessary supplement vs losing lean body mass if it turns out to be necessary.

Link to Martin's info below.

http://www.leangains.com/2009/12/fas...le-growth.html