Waiting 3-4 hours after working out to break fast

I try to fast from 8:30-9:00 p.m. to 11:30-12:00 noon the next day. I workout usually around 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. & I find it difficult with my work schedule to eat all necessary calories in a 6 hour window. Am I creating problems by not eating that long post workout?

By the way, I miss breakfast (eggs, sausage, etc...).

I was thinking maybe I should consider just general calorie restriction with between 3-5 meals (it might fit the schedule more appropriately). I do know that studies find the IF implementation to work better, but my quesiton is how much? What is the degree of improvement?

Thank you,
Bleu

[Greg Everett]

Based on the fact that your second option is caloric restriction, I'm assuming your primary goal is fat/weight loss. That being the case, not eating for a significant period of time post-workout should have significant benefits. Consider that folks following a 1-day-on, 1-day-off eating schedule are regularly training on their fasting days, and therefore not eating for possible 24 hrs after training, and the reports we've been getting have been invariably positive.

The degree of improvement varies among individuals. How long have you been experiementing with IF? Have you spent any time on just a caloric-restriction setup? The easiest way to answer that question would be to spend some time on both and compare, although this is slow at best.

Bottom line, I would encourage continuing with IF. If it becomes problematic due to scheduling reasons, try returning to simple calorie restriction, and keep detailed notes for the sake of comparison.

Keep us posted!

Greg,

Thank you for your reply. Actually, my goals are just general health, then maybe some functional muscle. I am 25 (male), 6'1", 10-12% body fat, and do crossfit type workouts.

I just want to lead a healthy lifestyle: mentally, physically, etc.. I really enjoy the workouts, but am really trying to get ahold of the nutrition portion. I tend to stress out over it.

[Greg Everett]

OK, first stop stressing. Not good for your hormonal environment.

Definitely experiment with IF if you want, but be sure the rest of your nutrition is in order first, i.e. getting adequate high quality protein and fat, tons of vegetables, some tubers and little fruit.