If there’s one thing I enjoy as much as vegan donuts, it’s a good challenge. So, I thought, why not merge two popular health trends: vegan eating and intermittent fasting?
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t all sunshine and smoothies. There were some tough mornings, bizarre snack alternatives, and a late-night showdown with a bag of kettle chips. But after 30 days, I figured out how to make fasting tolerable and even enjoyable. Here’s what I learned and how I managed my hunger.
Why I Tried Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting seems to be everywhere—people talk about it like it’s the new diet fad. But I wasn’t trying it to drop a size or as some sort of punishment for late-night snacks. I was genuinely curious. As someone who’s been vegan long enough to feel good without animal products, I wanted to see if fasting could help me distinguish real hunger from boredom or cravings.
My Fasting Plan
I chose the 16:8 method—fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window. That meant skipping breakfast and eating from noon to 8 p.m. I promised to stick to whole, plant-based foods and skip vegan candy by 7:59 p.m. The first week? It was a humbling experience.
Week 1: The Morning Struggle
Imagine this: It’s 10 a.m. on Day One, and the smell of pancakes drifts through the office. Meanwhile, I’m sipping black coffee, trying to convince myself hunger is just a sensation. Newsflash: sensations don’t smell like maple syrup.
Without breakfast, my morning routine felt off. I realized that breakfast wasn’t just food; it was comfort and distraction. Lesson #1: The hardest part isn’t only feeling hungry; it’s breaking habits.
Week 2: Finding My Tricks
By the second week, I became better at managing my hunger. My body adjusted, and I started using helpful tricks.
- Stay Hydrated: I drank a lot of water—sometimes what feels like hunger is really thirst.
- Focus on Fiber and Protein: When I finally ate, I made sure my meals included plenty of lentils, chickpeas, and whole grains.
- Mindful Distractions: Instead of scrolling through food pics online, I kept busy with walking or journaling.
By the end of the second week, I finally made it to noon without dreaming about pancakes.
The Hummus Moment
Around Day 12, I had what I call The Hummus Incident. I woke up ravenous and stared at the fridge, contemplating a cheeky snack. But picturing myself having to confess to “quitting at hummus” motivated me to stick to my commitment. I opted for sparkling water, and when noon finally arrived, the hummus tasted like victory.
Week 3: A Mental Shift
By the third week, I realized I wasn’t obsessing over food anymore. Hunger was less of a crisis and more like background noise. I learned that fasting isn’t about starving yourself; it’s about managing hunger. This shift brought steadier energy without those afternoon crashes. Lesson #2: Fasting isn’t about controlling hunger; it’s about understanding it.
Week 4: Social Situations
Just when I thought I had this down, life threw a curveball: a friend’s birthday dinner at 9 p.m. Normally, I’d be surrounded by snacks, but I found a balance. I had a light meal and enjoyed being social, proving that fasting doesn’t mean isolating yourself.
Effective Strategies
Here’s what worked for me during my month of vegan intermittent fasting:
- Protein and Fiber: They kept me satisfied.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado toast might be basic, but it filled me up better than rice cakes.
- Hydration: Sparkling water and herbal tea were lifesavers.
- Mindframe: Instead of saying, “I can’t eat,” I told myself, “I’m giving my body a break.”
- Flexibility: Sometimes, it’s okay to bend the rules.
The Takeaways
Did intermittent fasting change my life dramatically? Not really. But it did change my perspective.
- I became aware of why I eat.
- I learned my body can handle a missed meal without panic.
- I felt consistent energy, without the snacking rollercoaster.
- Food tasted better when I finally enjoyed it.
Intermittent fasting is just one of many wellness tools. It can offer insights into your habits and needs, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Final Thoughts
Would I recommend vegan intermittent fasting? Definitely, but with a caveat. If you’re curious, give it a shot. It teaches awareness about hunger and habits. Remember, it’s not about perfection—every cheeseboard or nacho plate is a learning moment.
For me, the biggest win was realizing I don’t need to respond to every hunger pang. Sometimes, it’s better to just drink water and wait for that satisfying hummus moment.
