VitalShift

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I Tried Intermittent Fasting for 30 Days—Here’s What Surprised Me

I’ve seen all the hype around intermittent fasting (IF)—the before-and-after pics, the energy claims, the promises of weight loss without dieting. So, I gave it a real shot: 30 days of 16:8 fasting, where I fasted for 16 hours and ate during an 8-hour window.

Let me tell you, the results weren’t what I expected. Some things were harder, some easier, and one benefit totally caught me off guard.

Whether you’re considering trying it or just curious, here’s exactly what happened—the good, the tough, and the honest truth.

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Week 1: Hunger Games and Headaches

Let’s be real: the first few days sucked.

I was starving by 10 AM, even though I usually skip breakfast. My body rebelled with light headaches and major energy crashes. I had to push through with water, herbal tea, and black coffee (yes, no cream or sugar allowed!).

But by day 5, something shifted. I wasn’t as hungry, and the brain fog started to lift.

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Week 2: A Surprising Energy Boost

By the second week, I felt more in control. My cravings started to fade. I wasn’t obsessively thinking about food. And weirdly enough, I had more energy in the mornings.

My workouts? They didn’t suffer. In fact, I actually felt lighter during bodyweight exercises.

I also noticed better mental clarity—like I could knock out work without feeling sluggish.

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Week 3: The Scale Finally Moved

In week 3, things got real: I lost about 4 pounds without changing what I ate.

I didn’t count calories or follow any strict diet—just stuck to whole foods during my 12 PM–8 PM eating window. That’s when I realized it wasn’t about eating less, but about eating more intentionally.

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Week 4: Lifestyle Shift or Just a Phase?

By the end of the month, intermittent fasting felt… normal.

I could push my first meal to noon without thinking twice. My bloating decreased, sleep improved, and I felt like I finally broke the emotional “snacking” cycle.

But it wasn’t perfect. Social dinners and weekend plans sometimes clashed with the schedule. And I learned to give myself grace when I adjusted.

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So, Was It Worth It?

Absolutely. But not just for the physical results.

Here’s what I really gained:

• A stronger relationship with hunger cues
• Reduced sugar cravings
• More mindful eating
• A sense of structure and discipline

It taught me that I don’t need to eat just because the clock says so—and that’s a powerful mindset shift.

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Would I Do It Again?

Yes—but flexibly. I’m not a fan of anything rigid long-term. But I love how IF made me feel more in control of my habits.

It’s not a magic fix, but for someone looking to reset and reconnect with their body, it’s 100% worth trying—especially if you’re tired of diet rollercoasters.

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Thinking About Trying It? Here’s My Advice

• Start slow with a 12:12 window
• Stay hydrated (water, tea, black coffee)
• Plan your meals ahead
• Be flexible—life happens!
• Don’t obsess over the clock—listen to your body

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Got Questions About Intermittent Fasting?

If you’re considering trying intermittent fasting, or you’ve already started and want help tweaking your approach, feel free to reach out! I love connecting with readers and would be happy to share what worked, what didn’t, and how you can tailor it to your lifestyle.

👉 Contact me here if you have questions or feedback on this post—I’d love to hear from you!

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Want More?

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out:

• 5 High-Protein Desserts That Crushed My Cravings
• The 3-Minute Habit That Got Me Back on Track