Well, we survived the first week back. It was long. It was exhausting. I didn’t think I was going to make it. On top of getting back to a schedule, I decided to start intermittent fasting. Intermittent Fasting or “IF” is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. I’m doing the 16/8 fast – I eat for eight hours and fast for 16. Below is my 16/8 schedule.
- Wake 5:45
- Hot Lemon Water ~ 7:30
- Hot Tea with Lemon ~ 9:00
- Lunch 11:30
- Snack 3:00
- Dinner 6:30
- Finished eating by 7:30
After five days of fasting I can tell you I feel much lighter and less bloated. The immediate benefits, for me, are reduced calorie and sugar intake, no late night snacking and I’m not as hungry between meals. I wouldn’t say I crave less sugar but I’m definitely managing. The question I’ve gotten most often is about coffee. You can drink any non caloric drink at any given time. Unfortunately, I like my coffee sweet (hence the sweet tooth) so it’s a no can do for me.
I plan to stick with IF for as long as I possible. I don’t believe it’s a weight loss miracle plan but I do think it will help me to meet my goals a little faster. I need structure, without it I’m bound to revert back to my unhealthy habits. IF makes me think about my food choices and keeps me from eating when I’m not hungry. If you are interested in starting IF, follow me on Instagram ~ @dinnerwiththeduffys, where I post daily updates and my progress!!
Sunday, January 12th // Italian Beef & Spinach Meatballs ~ I can’t skip my Sunday suppers. Thankfully @skinnytaste finds a way to make a lightened up version of spaghetti and meatballs taste like comfort food. TIP – if you have the time, make additional meatballs and throw them in the freezer for a quick weeknight meal!
Monday, January 13th // Easy Slow-Cooker Jambalaya ~ OK so this isn’t really a light meal. BUT, the Clemson Tigers play the LSU tigers tonight and I’m all in for the purple and gold. This may surprise most of you as I’m actually a die hard Clemson fan BUT my roots run Cajun and I can’t help myself. PS – Patrick told me I can’t watch the game with him!!!
Tuesday, January 14th // One Pan Roasted Potatoes, Sausage & Peppers ~ I love sheet pan dinners for multiple reasons – easy to throw together, obviously, but more importantly they give me the opportunity to throw in at least one food group my kids will actually eat. For example, Regan loves chicken sausage so I know she will be somewhat satisfied with this dinner choice. If you are no carb just sub in additional veggies for the potatoes.
Wednesday, January 15th // Baked Corn & Crab Fritters with Side Salad ~ A crowd favorite in my house. My kids (and P) will eat on a Kaiser roll.
Thursday, January 16th // Pork Chops with Mushrooms and Shallots ~ Nothing dry about these pork chops, y’all. Serve with asparagus! TIP – my girls aren’t mushroom fans so I just leave theirs plain. Regs thinks they go well with ranch dipping sauce.
Friday, January 17th // Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Romesco Sauce ~ OK so this recipe does call for you to make a romesco sauce which requires a few steps. If you don’t have the time, just use sundried tomatoes packed in oil and jarred roasted peppers. Mediterranean diets are supposed to keep you full, longer so perfect if you are attempting IF! TIP – If your family isn’t quinoa friendly, serve with warm pita bread!
Leave a Reply