Week two of my month-long alternate day fasting (ADF) challenge was more difficult than the first. I struggled with some hunger and low energy toward the end of the week, but I increased my salt and got some extra rest. I also planned a lot of decadent meals for the weekend because I over shopped and needed to eat everything before it spoiled. Last week I wrote about ADF saving me time, but one of the other major reasons I love it is that it saves me money. A lot of money.
When I do ADF I only eat four days a week, effectively reducing my grocery needs by just over 40%. That translates into so much money! Of course, you must realize you don’t need as much food and stop buying it, but you’ll learn that quick when you find yourself emptying half your refrigerator into the trash can.
On my eating days I make sure to have two solid keto meals and eat to satiety and with ADF I can afford to make those high-quality meals. One of my favorite “feast” day meals is a big ribeye steak. I have a decent job, but I can’t afford to eat one seven days a week. When I’m doing ADF, however, I will sometimes have one on each of my eating days. In fact, the high-quality fuel makes it easier to get through the next fast.
This week I had super low energy and a lot of hunger on my last fasting day. It was the first time I’d felt like that since starting this challenge, so I paused to reflect on what was different. I’d been busy the night before so, rather than cooking up a bunch of meat, I’d thrown some sausage and asparagus in a skillet with bacon grease and called it dinner. That was a lot less protein than I usually get and probably explains why I felt so low on fuel the next day. Because I was. Don’t skimp when you’re doing ADF or another fasting protocol. Chances are that you’ll be able to eat well while also putting money in the bank.
Even though I had one rough day this week, I have settled into a comfortable pattern with my ADF and expect I’ll likely continue it beyond the one-month challenge. I’m continuing to lose weight, my legs feel lighter, and I’m saving both time and money. What is there not to love about that?
Be sure to join me next week to hear how I manage attending an in-person work event on a designated fasting day. Sign up below to make sure you don’t miss that or any other Sturdy updates.
Remember, I am not a medical professional and it’s essential that you involve your care team before and during any changes you might choose to make to your eating plan or routine. Each of us is individual and our bodies may respond differently!
Sturdy Woman 