Intermittent Fasting

[Jaco-fiets]

Whoops, sounds like I am fasting for 18 hours. Dinner 18:30 then lunch the next day with a cycle in the morning. 

 

Normally stuck with what is in the canteen at work.

Not a problem. If I understand correctly 14 to 16hrs is optimal before you start running the danger of loosing muscle

[Rob Mortimer]

Is it possible to follow this and remain low carb and while still cycling 8 -12 hours a week?

 

Tips and hints would be appreciated!

[Winstonian1984]

Not a problem. If I understand correctly 14 to 16hrs is optimal before you start running the danger of loosing muscle

Its more than 16 hours. Something in the region of 48-60 hours, granted you get enough protein in the eating window. Secondly, your body wont use muscle if you are active, but if you are in active, muscular atrophy will occur i.e use it or lose it principle.

 

The bro-science of breaking down muscle is attributed to supplement companies selling their products. 

[Winstonian1984]

Is it possible to follow this and remain low carb and while still cycling 8 -12 hours a week?

 

Tips and hints would be appreciated!

I think that intermittent fasting can be done while on low carb, but it is dependant on your riding goals. Ive done low carb but the moment intensity is ramped up it was a struggle. 

 

I then reverted back to taking in carbs from fruit and vegetables and it helped me, as they are lower in calories as well, but allow me to get enough carbs to train at a higher intensity.

 

I have done fasted ride of up to 4 hours before, but this is the day after consuming high carbs.

 

I reckon try a few things to see what works for you and make sure it is something you can sustain for the long term.

[Rob Mortimer]

I think that intermittent fasting can be done while on low carb, but it is dependant on your riding goals. Ive done low carb but the moment intensity is ramped up it was a struggle. 

 

I then reverted back to taking in carbs from fruit and vegetables and it helped me, as they are lower in calories as well, but allow me to get enough carbs to train at a higher intensity.

 

I have done fasted ride of up to 4 hours before, but this is the day after consuming high carbs.

 

I reckon try a few things to see what works for you and make sure it is something you can sustain for the long term.

 

Thanks.  The main aim for me in following the lifestyle change would be weight loss, second benefit I guess would be better performance on the bike

 

Maybe to clarify - I do take in carbs, but as for you, only in the form of vegetables and fruit and no to very little in the form of starches.  I don't need carbs to ride, even at high intensity (although my interpretation of high intensity might be a little skewed!), although I do need to eat

 

I suppose thinking logically I have just answered my own question.  I am not changing my current diet, only when I do and do not eat

[Winstonian1984]

Thanks.  The main aim for me in following the lifestyle change would be weight loss, second benefit I guess would be better performance on the bike

 

Maybe to clarify - I do take in carbs, but as for you, only in the form of vegetables and fruit and no to very little in the form of starches.  I don't need carbs to ride, even at high intensity (although my interpretation of high intensity might be a little skewed!), although I do need to eat

 

I suppose thinking logically I have just answered my own question.  I am not changing my current diet, only when I do and do not eat

 This is what IF is all about. Its more meal timing than anything else

[Da Vinci]

So how's this going for those of you doing it? I've been on it for the last 2 weeks or so. Pretty much getting 16 hours between last and first meal of the day. Start my day with half a lemon juice in warm water and rooibos tea black. Either doing bike or gym, managed about 2 of every 3 days.

Today didn't eat before 4pm - I was super super hungry by then - forced to skip eating at lunch ( High tea at mount Nelson - which was wasted on me - lucky it was a comp) and now not hungry at all! Possible cos was all the "wrong" stuff to eat so feel a bit bloated. Took guests to dinner at 20:30 so prob not gonna eat anyway and plan to eat again at lunch tomorrow - unless I get very hungry.

This is fitting in beautifully with my work schedule so I hope it's not all bad - not getting any "sugar swings" or feeling dodge. Steady on bike and gym. Meals are not anything outlandish or more than usual food wise.

Can one do this indefinitely? First meal at 1pm and last around 8pm?

I only ask having read the articles as they seemed to be focused on a weight lifter type as opposed to Cardio based exercise.?

Can't say I know if I have dropped weight or anything...

Edited September 29, 2015 by Da Vinci

[Jaco-fiets]

I am struggling lately with energy in my afternoon rides even though I have a rather big lunch. Will force feed myself more carbs during dinner from now

[EddieV]

Today I finished my 21-day water fast. Thus, just spring water (around 3lt per day), potassium (5ml) and magnesium (Epsom salts), ate or drank nothing else for the duration of the water fast.

 

I was prohibited from cycling on the road by my partner (in case I collapse somewhere  ), but she did allow me to get on the IDT. At the end I could only manage about 30 minutes at 150W before being completely exhausted.

 

Glad it’s over. Looking at doing it at least once a year from here on out (if possible).   

Edited September 14, 2020 by EddieV

[DR ◣◢]

Today I finished my 21-day water fast. Thus, just spring water (around 3lt per day), potassium (5ml) and magnesium (Epsom salts), ate or drank nothing else for the duration of the water fast.

 

I was prohibited from cycling on the road by my partner (in case I collapse somewhere  ), but she did allow me to get on the IDT. At the end I could only manage about 30 minutes at 150W before being completely exhausted.

 

Glad it’s over. Looking at doing it at least once a year from here on out (if possible).   

 

Apart from losing your outdoor privileges, how much weight did you lose? 

[EddieV]

Apart from losing your outdoor privileges, how much weight did you lose? 

 

From 85.9 to 72.1 --> 13.8kg, but I'll probably settle at 73.5/74 once the 'refeed' is done 

[Duane_Bosch]

From 85.9 to 72.1 --> 13.8kg, but I'll probably settle at 73.5/74 once the 'refeed' is done 

Amazing well done!!!!!

[lechatnoir]

Today I finished my 21-day water fast. Thus, just spring water (around 3lt per day), potassium (5ml) and magnesium (Epsom salts), ate or drank nothing else for the duration of the water fast.

 

I was prohibited from cycling on the road by my partner (in case I collapse somewhere  ), but she did allow me to get on the IDT. At the end I could only manage about 30 minutes at 150W before being completely exhausted.

 

Glad it’s over. Looking at doing it at least once a year from here on out (if possible).   

 

Well done. Interesting on your fatigue. I have done a couple of 5 day water fasts, and on day 4 of one, set a PB up Chappies.

[EddieV]

Well done. Interesting on your fatigue. I have done a couple of 5 day water fasts, and on day 4 of one, set a PB up Chappies.

 

Awesome,

 

The first few days was pretty hard in terms of discipline, then the next few up to day 10, energy levels are quite good, but after that it becomes a bit difficult.

 

I know some take supplements on their extended fasts, and they manage to continue at gym etc. unhindered.

 

But I could not maintain. Nausea and lightheadedness occurred when I pushed too hard after day 10.

 

I did not want to take supplements as I wanted autophagy to take place. Needed some injuries to heal.

Edited September 14, 2020 by EddieV

[Chris_]

Today I finished my 21-day water fast. Thus, just spring water (around 3lt per day), potassium (5ml) and magnesium (Epsom salts), ate or drank nothing else for the duration of the water fast.

 

I was prohibited from cycling on the road by my partner (in case I collapse somewhere  ), but she did allow me to get on the IDT. At the end I could only manage about 30 minutes at 150W before being completely exhausted.

 

Glad it’s over. Looking at doing it at least once a year from here on out (if possible).   

 

Genuine question - why did you do this?

[EddieV]

Genuine question - why did you do this?

 

My weight was out of control, and additionally I've been struggling with a running injury for 6 months that did not want to heal.

I've been reading up on extended fasts for more than a year. The opportunity presented itself as there is no races/goals in my near future, thus I decided to jump in and do it now. 

 

 There doesn't ever seem to be a perfect time ... sometimes you just have to "white-knuckle" it, and do it.