Ok so I have decided I have to start doing this and keep doing it.
Why do I like it?
1. I have never really faced the issue of being *hungry* that much. My over eating has been and usually will be mental. A desire or urge to get a reward. I honestly think it is possible that I don't have a ton of hunger. It is a habit. Go into a store, get a candy reward. This will hopefully squelch my impulses.
2. Like any addict, it seems easier to abstain than to use the drug reasonably.
3. Have you seen the health results? Specifically Autophagy. For years now I have said to people that everyone looks bloated... and sure enough, someone discovers that we are supposed to be "eating ourselves" and if we eat too much food, this process slows down.
4. From a purely practical view my grocery budget is a lot of money. Cutting that in half would save me money.
5. From a purely practical view I lose about 2 hours per day preparing and dealing with food. (including clean up). This works even better if I get all my food at work.
6. It gives me clear headedness and energy.
7. It might result in weight loss. But when I do eat I can have what I want.
The drawbacks however,
8. Mostly sleep. I find I get a wave of energy when I am fasting.
9. I am a little concerned about blood sugar drops. When I fast I have trouble sleeping. I am considering getting a blood sugar meter to test it.
10. Remain frustrated that there is no good solid information on exactly what you must do to get the benefits except for a few tentpole studies. Some say autophagy starts after 13 hours fasting, some say you really won't be doing anything unless you fast for 3 days. My guess is that you do get some small autophagy after 13 hours (based on how great people look who do 16:8, but it probably isn't that much and can be effected by how many carbs you have)
At the moment I am starting with an 18:6 program for daily use with an attempt at 24 hour fasting each weekend. After I do that for a while I am going to try 36 hour fasting. Working up to a 72 hour fast 3 x per year.