I originally tried intermittent fasting (IF), specifically the 16:8 method, eating from noon until 8 p.m., to lose the weight I had gained from my insatiable CrossFit-inspired appetite. In just one month, I felt slimmer.
Throughout the last 20 months, I've tried several methods of IF, including the warrior diet and alternate-day fasting, and although some were more effective or easier to follow than others, they all helped lower my insulin levels, which helped me lose the pounds that calorie restriction and exercise couldn't.
This lifestyle allows me to be flexible, eat larger, more satisfying meals, eat the foods I want, and still lose weight. Now that I've reached my goal, IF helps me maintain it — it's something I can continue for the rest of my life.