You know, I realized that I'm just not ready for this. I've been going through a lot of stress lately and before this I hadn't been eating much at all because I'd kind of lost my appetite. I think I need to get myself physically and (moreso) mentally back to normal before I go into something this intense.
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Well, let me put it this way.....I deal with a LOT of stress myself...six figure stress...on a daily basis. And while this is, or
can be, a heck of a diet to pull off, it allows you to do a few of things that will actually help alleviate stress to some degree.. 1.)It gives you
complete control. Using Lyle's book (simple rules, really) You set up your diet, work out your macros and meal plan...boom! You're done. 2.) Low carb diets tend to have a calming effect. (for me personally, anyway) Once you get through the initial transition...most often, but not always, ketosis..or at least acclimated to the diet.... you'll level off, be clearer in thought (less brain fog) and I'm willing to bet some things might not seem as stressful. Now the biggie...3.)The results from this diet are (again, have been for me, anyway) so insanely positive that the feeling of progress and/or success will, at least to some degree, offset your stress levels. I'll bet money on this one. Nothing whips down external stressors like knowing your getting healthier, stronger, or otherwise achieving your goals. (Yeah, that sounded like a line from some support group session, I know
)
Now, I know you had the DIF approach in mind, but here's my opinion on that. Eat when you can. Eat when it is easiest. Eat when it's least stressful. The diet's tough, yes, but there's another reason for this. I have found that this diet has a sort of (as Built once described it) binary characteristic. When you haven't eaten, you might feel like death. After eating, you'll feel great. So, IMO, the fasting approach seems like potential torture. Just my .02.
Either way, good luck, I hope everything works out in your favor.....and keep the journal going anyway. There are a lot of good folks around IM who are great advisors.