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Intermittent Fasting and Managing Energy: Tips for Busy Students with Health Conditions

 

Dear Fasting Guru,

I've been practicing intermittent fasting (17:7) for the past two months while preparing for an exam, making my lifestyle quite sedentary. I have PCOS and hypothyroidism, but they're under control with medication.

I've lost about 6 pounds without counting calories, focusing instead on healthier options and better portions. My eating window is 17:7, from 8 PM to 1 PM, though sometimes I start earlier.

However, after lunch, I feel extremely tired and often doze off while studying. Also, I recently noticed in a photo that my face looks bigger, making me question if my weight loss is just water weight. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Dear Seeking Energy and Clarity,

First, congratulations on your progress and commitment to healthier eating, especially with the demands of exam preparation and managing your health conditions! You're doing an amazing job balancing everything.

Feeling tired after eating is common and can be influenced by several factors. Here are some tips to help manage this:

  1. Meal Composition: Ensure your meals include a balance of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Avoid heavy, high-carb meals that might spike and then crash your blood sugar levels, leading to fatigue.

  2. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to feelings of tiredness. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

  3. Small, Frequent Meals: If possible, try eating smaller, more frequent meals or snacks that provide sustained energy rather than one large meal.

  4. Physical Activity: Incorporate light physical activities, like short walks or stretching, which can help boost your energy levels.

Regarding your concern about your face looking bigger, it's possible that factors other than weight loss are at play. Hormonal fluctuations related to PCOS and hypothyroidism can affect fluid retention and facial appearance. Here are a few considerations:

  1. Water Weight: While some initial weight loss on IF can be water weight, continued loss over two months indicates actual fat loss as well.

  2. Photographic Variations: Photos can sometimes be misleading due to angles and lighting. Don't be discouraged by one photo.

Remember, calories still matter overall, and intermittent fasting is just one tool to help manage intake. Your commitment to healthier choices is key. Keep up the good work and consider these adjustments to support your energy levels and overall well-being.

You’re doing an incredible job balancing all these aspects of your life. Keep listening to your body and adjusting as needed. You’ve got this!

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