Hey there! Joshua Lybolt here, and I’m about to share something that’s been a game-changer in my life for nearly two decades. That’s right, I’m talking about intermittent fasting (IF), and specifically, the 16/8 protocol that I’ve been following for almost 20 years now. Buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a journey through the world of IF!
Now, before you start imagining me as some sort of fasting guru, let me assure you – I’m just a regular guy who stumbled upon something pretty extraordinary. And trust me, if I can do it, anyone can.
So, what exactly is intermittent fasting?
Well, it’s not some crazy diet that has you eating nothing but kale smoothies (though hey, if that’s your thing, more power to you). Instead, IF is all about when you eat, not what you eat. It’s like playing a game of culinary Tetris with your day, where you fit all your eating into a specific window of time.
In my case, I follow the 16/8 method. This means I fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window. It’s like my stomach is a nightclub, and it’s only open for business from noon to 8 PM. Outside those hours? Sorry, kitchen’s closed!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Joshua, are you crazy? I can’t go 16 hours without food!” But here’s the kicker – a big chunk of that fasting time is when you’re sleeping. Sneaky, right? So really, you’re just pushing breakfast back a bit and cutting out those midnight snacks. Trust me, your body will thank you for skipping that 2 AM refrigerator raid.
Why did I start this journey?
Well, like many of you, I was looking for a way to improve my health and maybe shed a few pounds. I’d tried every diet under the sun – low carb, high carb, no carb, all carb (okay, maybe not that last one). But nothing seemed to stick. Then I heard about IF, and something just clicked.
At first, I thought I’d be starving all the time. But let me tell you, your body is pretty smart. It adapts quickly. After a few weeks, I wasn’t even thinking about food until my eating window rolled around. It was like my stomach had learned to read a clock!
The benefits? They’ve been pretty impressive:
- Weight Loss: Let’s start with the obvious one. Within a few months of starting IF, I noticed my clothes fitting better. And no, it wasn’t because I’d shrunk them in the wash (though I’ve definitely done that too). I was losing weight, and more importantly, I was losing fat.
- Mental Clarity: This one surprised me. I expected to be a zombie during my fasting hours, but it was quite the opposite. My mind felt sharper, more focused. It was like someone had wiped the fog off my mental windshield.
- More Energy: Remember that post-lunch slump where you feel like you need a nap under your desk? Gone. My energy levels became more stable throughout the day. No more coffee-fueled roller coaster rides!
- Better Digestion: Giving my digestive system a break seemed to work wonders. No more bloating or feeling like I’d swallowed a beach ball after meals.
- Improved Discipline: Sticking to IF has had a ripple effect on other areas of my life. If I can say no to a midnight snack, I can say no to hitting the snooze button too!
- Simplicity: This might sound odd, but IF simplified my life. Less time planning meals meant more time for other things. Plus, my grocery bills went down. Win-win!
Now, I’m not saying IF is a magic bullet. It’s not going to turn you into a superhero overnight (though if it does, please let me know). And it’s not for everyone. If you have any health conditions or concerns, always chat with your doctor before jumping on the IF bandwagon.
Starting your IF journey
If you’re intrigued and want to give IF a try, here’s my advice:
- Start Slow: Don’t jump straight into a 16-hour fast if you’re used to eating every 2 hours. Start by pushing breakfast back by an hour each day until you reach your desired fasting window.
- Stay Hydrated: Water is your best friend during fasting periods. I always have a water bottle on hand. Sometimes, when you think you’re hungry, you’re actually just thirsty. Who knew?
- Keep Busy: The first few days can be tough. Find activities to distract yourself during fasting periods. I picked up juggling. I’m still terrible at it, but hey, it passes the time!
- Listen to Your Body: If you’re feeling genuinely unwell, don’t push through. This isn’t a competition. Your health comes first.
- Don’t Overeat: When your eating window opens, it’s tempting to go wild. Resist the urge to eat everything in sight. Your body will thank you.
My 20-year IF journey has been transformative. It’s become such an integral part of my lifestyle that I barely think about it anymore. It’s just… how I eat. And the benefits I’ve experienced have made every hunger pang worth it.
Remember, what works for me might not work for everyone. IF is a tool, not a rule. It’s about finding what makes you feel your best. Maybe that’s IF, maybe it’s something else. The important thing is to listen to your body and do what feels right for you.
If you’re interested in learning more about intermittent fasting and other biohacking techniques, I encourage you to check out my book. As a successful entrepreneur and biohacking enthusiast, I’ve spent years exploring ways to optimize health and performance. Visit my website at www.biohackingthebillionaire.com to purchase my book on biohacking, browse health products, or schedule an appointment with a board-certified health practitioner.
Your health is your greatest asset. Invest in it wisely.
Cheers!
- Joshua Lybolt
References:
Mattson, M. P., et al. (2017). Impact of intermittent fasting on health and disease processes. Ageing Research Reviews, 39, 46-58.
Heilbronn, L. K., et al. (2005). Alternate-day fasting in nonobese subjects: effects on body weight, body composition, and energy metabolism. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 81(1), 69-73.
Moro, T., et al. (2016). Effects of eight weeks of time-restricted feeding (16/8) on basal metabolism, maximal strength, body composition, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors in resistance-trained males. Journal of Translational Medicine, 14(1), 290.
Patterson, R. E., & Sears, D. D. (2017). Metabolic effects of intermittent fasting. Annual Review of Nutrition, 37, 371-393.
