Seattle Star

How To Master Alternate Day Fasting

1. Use a calendar to keep track of your schedule

Download an image of the current month's calendar and mark each day you are fasting and feasting. Set this image as the wallpaper on your devices so you can always reference your schedule. Alternatively, get a wall calendar or personal planner, keep it where you can easily see it to remind yourself that you are following this protocol.

2. Set strong intentions

You need to understand exactly why you are committing to this protocol. It doesn't matter what your 'why' is, all that matters is that your 'why' needs to matter to you. Your 'why' could be weight loss, managing a health condition, or anything, but it must be important to you. When you feel like quitting, remind yourself why you are doing this, and know that your 'why' is more important than the temporary urge to quit.

3. Get a time-consuming hobby

You won't be tempted by food if you have a time-consuming hobby to focus on instead. Start the hobby or practice the art you've been putting off for years, find an hours long crochet project to keep you busy, play a new video game from beginning to end. Binge-watch your favorite TV show, clean the house, do whatever you can to keep yourself occupied. Do not let yourself be bored if boredom leads you to eat.

4. Do your research and get motivated

Read articles or watch YouTube videos about the benefits of alternate day fasting. Listen to testimonials from people who have done ADF. Research studies about ADF or fasting in general. Get inspired and motivated to continue by learning everything you can about ADF.

5. Remind yourself that you can eat tomorrow

When you are struggling with sticking to your fast or having cravings, remind yourself, "I can eat tomorrow". Realize that food will always exist, resist the urge to feel FOMO (fear of missing out), you will always be able to eat again. Always look forward to tomorrow, and tomorrow you will be grateful that you had the discipline and strength to wait in patience.