My Energy Crashes and Stubborn Weight (Without Diets)

[madisonjohn]

Let’s get real: I’ve tried every diet. Keto left me cranky. Vegan made me bloated. Counting calories? Exhausting. By 35, I was stuck—tired, overweight, and convinced I’d never fix my health. Then I stumbled on intermittent fasting (IF). Skeptical? Absolutely.

But after 90 days of IF, I lost 22 pounds, kicked my 3 p.m. energy slumps, and finally broke up with sugar.

This isn’t a guru’s guide. It’s my messy, unscripted journey from sceptic to believer. I’ll share exactly how I started, the mistakes I made, and the simple routine that changed everything.

My Breaking Point
Two years ago, my life looked like this:

Energy Rollercoaster: Crashing by noon, relying on candy and coffee.
Weight Gain: 25 pounds overweight, hiding in baggy clothes.
Digestive Issues: Constant bloating, no matter what I ate.
Zero Willpower: Bingeing snacks after 8 p.m. every night.
I blamed my genes, my job, and my sweet tooth. Then my doctor said, “Your blood sugar’s borderline. Let’s talk medication.” That scared me. I Googled alternatives and found intermittent fasting.

What is Intermittent Fasting? (No Jargon)
IF isn’t a diet. You eat within a set time window and fast the rest. Popular methods:

16:8: Fast for 16 hours, eat within 8 hours.
18:6: Fast 18 hours, eat within 6.
5:2: Eat normally for 5 days, restrict calories for 2 days.
I chose 16:8 because it seemed easiest. No food from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. the next day. Just black coffee and water in the morning.

Week 1: Hunger, Headaches, and Hope
Day 1–3: Pure misery.

10 a.m.: Stomach growling like a bear.
11 a.m.: Headache from hell.
12 p.m.: Ate a giant burrito in 4 minutes.
Day 4–7: Small wins.

Hunger pangs lessened.
Drank herbal tea to curb cravings.
Ate slower during my window.
By day 7, I lasted until noon without snacks. Progress!

Week 2–4: The Energy Miracle
The Hunger Faded: My body adjusted. Morning hunger vanished.

Energy Surge: No afternoon crashes. I skipped coffee after 10 a.m.

Weight Loss: Down 5 pounds. Clothes fit better.

Mental Clarity: Focused at work. Less “brain fog.”

Surprise Benefit: My skin cleared up. No more breakouts.

My Simple IF Routine (That Actually Works)
Fast 16 Hours: 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. next day.
Hydrate: Water, black coffee, herbal tea.
First Meal: Protein + veggies (e.g., eggs + spinach).
No Calorie Counting: Ate until full, but avoided junk.
Stop Eating by 8 p.m.: Brushed teeth early to resist snacks.
3 Mistakes That Almost Ruined My Progress
Overeating During Meals: Thought, “I’m fasting—I deserve this pizza!” Gained weight. Fixed it with balanced plates.
Ignoring Electrolytes: Got dizzy. Added Himalayan salt to water.
Too Much Coffee: Jittery. Switched to green tea afternoon.
90-Day Results: Life-Changing
Weight: Lost 22 pounds (no exercise).
Energy: Stable all day. No 3 p.m. slumps.
Blood Sugar: Normalized. Doctor shocked.
Relationship with Food: No guilt. No bingeing.
5 IF Hacks for Beginners
Start Slow: Try 12-hour fasts, then increase.
Distract Yourself: Walk, read, or call a friend during hunger waves.
Eat Protein First: Keeps you full longer.
Sleep Well: Poor sleep = cravings. Aim for 7–8 hours.
Be Kind to Yourself: Miss a day? Start fresh tomorrow.
FAQs (From One Beginner to Another)
Q: Can I drink anything while fasting? A: Water, black coffee, herbal tea. No cream, sugar, or diet soda.

Q: What if I get hungry? A: Hunger comes in waves. Wait 20 minutes—it usually passes.

Q: Will I lose muscle? A: Not if you eat enough protein. I didn’t.

Q: Can I exercise? A: Yes! I walked daily. Avoid intense workouts fasted if you’re new.

Q: Is IF safe long-term? A: Consult your doctor. I’ve done it for a year with no issues.

Why IF Worked When Diets Failed
No Restrictions: Eat what you love—just within a window.
Free and Flexible: No apps, no meal plans.
Hormonal Benefits: IF boosts fat-burning hormones like norepinephrine.
Who Should Avoid Intermittent Fasting?
Pregnant/breastfeeding women.
People with eating disorders.
Those on certain medications (ask your doctor).
Final Thoughts
Intermittent fasting gave me my life back. I’m not “perfect”—some days I eat cookies or skip fasting. But that’s okay. It’s sustainable because it’s flexible.

Your Turn: Try a 12-hour fast tonight. Skip breakfast tomorrow. See how you feel. You might surprise yourself.

Need support? Share your IF journey with #IntermittentFastingJourney. I’ll cheer you on!

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This article reflects my personal experience. Could you consult your doctor before starting IF?

Read More:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-intermittent-fasting-fixed-my-energy-crashes-stubborn-nvxif