Getting Started with Intermittent Fasting: A Beginner's Guide

1. Start small. Don't go from eating all day to fasting for 20 hours straight away. Build up to longer fasts slowly. For example, try skipping breakfast and fasting from 8pm until noon.
2. Stay hydrated. Water, unsweetened tea, black coffee are your friends during fasting periods. They'll help curb hunger pangs.
3. Plan your meals. Decide when you'll break your fast each day and plan accordingly. Having something to look forward to makes fasting easier.
4. Focus on nutritious foods. When you do eat, go for protein, healthy fats and fiber. These keep you feeling fuller for longer compared to processed carbs.
5. Listen to your body. Some days will be harder than others. If you feel unwell, it's okay to break your fast early and try again tomorrow.
6. Distract yourself from hunger. Go for a walk, call a friend or work on a hobby when cravings hit. They'll pass.
7. Prioritize sleep. Fasting on little sleep is a recipe for crankiness and hunger. Make sleep a priority.
8. Remove temptations. Don't stock junk food at home. Hang out with friends away from food. Out of sight, out of mind.
9. Track your progress. Note hunger levels, energy, weight changes etc. Tweak your routine if needed. Patience pays off.
10. Don't beat yourself up. An occasional slip up won't sabotage progress. Just get back on track at your next meal. Be kind to yourself.