Progress 1 month!
I don’t really have anyone IRL to share with so posting my progress here!
Started IF 8/12/26.
Left: 8/29/26
Right: 10/4/26
5’3, SW: 128lb. Current weight unsure - I don’t weigh myself.
HUGE disclaimer that the starting photo was taken at 6pm so I did not have an empty stomach. The right photo was taken this morning before eating anything. My tummy is definitely bloated/bigger throughout the day when I’m eating. I didn’t know I was supposed to take all my progress photos in the AM before eating for accurate comparison lol but now I know. I tried to let my body be as relaxed as possible/no flexing to also get a better idea of how I look.
I would say that this morning I look my best compared to an average day. I have the usual fluctuations of water weight, feel and appear to have some bloating/fullness due to the foods I eat, etc.
Super happy with the progress though. I struggled a bit with the adjustment and hunger during the first 2.5 weeks of IF. Once my body adjusted, I only occasionally feel hunger that is uncomfortable but it’s not terrible. I aim to eat in a deficit but I don’t count my calories. I eat 2 meals a day, with high protein or healthy snacks in between, and a protein shake. I aim to eat at least 100g protein a day for body recomp.
In addition to IF, I’ve increased my physical activity. I strength train 3x a week, indoor climb 2x a week, and I try to get at least 1 cardio session a week (either swim or run/walk on treadmill). I also try to reach at least 8-10k steps daily, although if I’m already pretty active during the day then I’m not as strict with the steps (like if I climb and strength train on the same day).
My previous activity level was just climbing 2-3x a week but nothing else. I didn’t count my steps or care about walking before.
Current focus is body recomp by eating at a slight deficit, high protein, eat healthy whole foods when possible, strength training with some light cardio and increased average daily steps.
Feeling positive and hoping to reach my body goals next year! (Goal to reduce body fat to reduce the lower belly pooch and also grow my muscles, especially my glutes)
Thanks for reading! And thanks everyone for this community. I’ve been reading the posts here since I started and it has been very encouraging and motivating to me.