Why I’ve been following Intermittent Fasting for the last 5 years
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My Journey with Intermittent Fasting
I still remember the day I started following Intermittent Fasting (IF). Ideally, I had to break my fast at 11 o’clock in the morning after a 16-hour window. But by 9 a.m., my body was already asking for food. As I used to have my breakfast at 7:30 or 8 o’clock, it felt quite hard to stay hungry for 16 hours straight.
However, over the years, something amazing happened. With consistent practice, I began fasting for longer hours—sometimes even 17 or 18 hours. And this shift made me realize something powerful: our bodies are incredibly adaptable.
If you have a big appetite, your body naturally craves food quickly. But if you fast for longer, it begins to crave longer fasts. If you eat healthy food, your body starts demanding healthier options. And if you prefer junk food, it craves junk food even more.
So, why not make this adaptable nature of the human body work to your advantage? Build healthy habits today so your body doesn’t suffer—neither in the short term nor in the long run.
Why I Follow Intermittent Fasting
My journey began when I came across a video on YouTube by the Satvic Movement channel, titled “Intermittent Fasting – Is It for You?”
The hook of the video was fascinating:
“After following this practice, you will have increased mental clarity, you won’t crave food all day, you’ll work more efficiently, your skin will glow, your weight will stay under control, and even existing health issues may start disappearing.”
I was struggling with burnout from my studies, weight gain, excess fat stored on my face, overeating, irregular periods, and constant lethargy. So, naturally, I wanted to give it a try and see if it was truly effective.
At first, it was difficult because my body was used to eating all day long. But gradually, I began noticing positive changes:
- I could focus on work for longer periods.
- My appetite reduced.
- My periods became regular.
- I started waking up feeling refreshed.
- My weight came under control.
- Sudden cravings for junk or processed food disappeared (except for chocolate cravings)
Now, it has been more than five years since I started following this practice, and I’ll continue following it because it has been serving my body remarkably well.
The Right Way to Break a Fast
When practicing intermittent fasting, it’s not just about when you eat—it’s equally about what you eat. You can’t break a 15–16 hour fast with junk or processed food. Right!
Personally, I break my fast every day at 11 a.m. with a seasonal fruit. For example, as I’m writing this article in late summer (August), the seasonal fruits available are apples, guavas, and pomegranates, along with evergreen fruits like papaya and bananas that are available year-round.
Why 11 a.m.? According to Ayurveda, the digestive fire (Agni) in our body is strongest during the daytime, which means food is digested more efficiently in sunlight compared to nighttime.
That’s why I avoid very early meals (like 7 a.m.) and late-night meals (like 8 or 9 p.m.). My first meal is always around 11 a.m., and my last meal is between 6 and 6:30 p.m.
My second meal of the day is usually around 1 p.m.—this is my heaviest meal, as the digestive power is highest at this time. I typically eat roti-dal, roti-sabzi, or rice, and sometimes I prepare poha as well. Dinner, at 6–6:30 p.m., is similar.
However, I am still learning and exploring healthier options for my lunch and dinner. So, stay tuned on the website for more recipes!
Things to Consider Before Starting Intermittent Fasting
1. Don’t jump directly to a 16-hour fast.
If you’re a beginner, your body won’t be adapted to fasting for this long. Instead of shocking your system, start small. For example, if you had dinner at 7 p.m., try delaying breakfast until 8 a.m. the next morning—that’s already a 13-hour fast. Once your body gets comfortable, slowly increase the fasting window.
2. Choose nutrition-rich foods for your eating window.
In the 16:8 fasting ratio, you only have an 8-hour window to eat. Make sure you consume foods that are calorie-dense and nutrient-rich—like nuts, seeds, nut butters, and complex carbs. Complex carbs keep you full for longer, while nutrient-rich foods ensure you don’t have to overeat just to meet your body’s requirements.
3. Stay hydrated during your fasting hours.
Initially, if you crave something to drink during your fasting window, stick to water or coconut water. These won’t break your fast and will help you stay energized.
Conclusion: Make Your Body Work for You
Looking back, I realize that intermittent fasting has been more than just a diet change—it has been a complete lifestyle shift. It taught me that our bodies are not rigid; they are highly adaptable and always ready to evolve with the habits we give them.
The key is to use this adaptability wisely. If you nurture your body with healthy choices, it will reward you with energy, balance, and vitality. If you neglect it with unhealthy habits, it will reflect that too.
So, start small, be patient, and stay consistent. Over time, you’ll notice not just physical changes, but also mental clarity, discipline, and freedom from constant food cravings. Intermittent fasting isn’t about restriction—it’s about alignment with how your body is naturally designed to function.
And trust me, once you start experiencing its benefits, there’s no looking back. 🌿
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