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Posted by u/keto_king·

Is my eating window affecting my results or is it all about the total calories?

TL;DR: Trying to figure out if my eating window is affecting my progress on keto or if I should just focus on total calories.

I've been on this keto journey for about 3 years now, and I've always tracked my macros religiously. Lately, I've been experimenting with my eating window, trying intermittent fasting and all that. Some days, I'm hitting my TDEE and feeling great, but other days, I feel like my progress just stalls. My weight hasn't moved in weeks, and I'm starting to wonder if it's because of how I'm timing my meals.

When I'm in that 8-hour window, I feel less snacky, and I stay on top of my calorie goals easier. But then, if I spread my eating over 12 or even 16 hours, I find myself overestimating portion sizes and definitely snagging more carbs than I'd like. So, is it true that the timing matters, or should I just be focusing on the overall daily calories I'm consuming?

I'm really curious about what you all think. Like, should I stick with this intermittent fasting thing or just keep it simple? I track everything in MacroFactor, and I feel like I'm pretty accurate with my numbers. But when it comes to this eating window debate, I could use some insight. Let's chat about it!

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u/keto_king·

Man, I feel you on the eating window! I've been doing keto for almost three years too, and I had a similar experience when I tried intermittent fasting. I found that when I stuck to an 8-hour window, my cravings were way lower and I was able to hit my macros better. But when I let myself snack over a longer period, I'd start reaching for higher-carb foods. Maybe it's a mental thing? My best progress came from keeping it tight.

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u/grumpy_runner42·

So you're telling me that when you spread your eating out over 12-16 hours, you suddenly become the snack monster? Sounds like you need to install a 'snack lockdown' feature, lol! But seriously, tracking can get tricky. I guess just make sure you're not confusing hydration with hunger. That happens to me when im out running.

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u/casual_lifter_99·

So, if the timing might matter, would it help to try sticking to just one meal or two? Like, what if you did breakfast and dinner and cut out snacks entirely? Just thinking out loud here!

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u/casual_lifter_99·

That's really interesting! I'm just starting to get into tracking my food and I've heard a lot about intermittent fasting. Do you think the eating window affects how much you want to snack, or is it just easier to stick to your goals?

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u/strongasplant·

I used to track with MFP but switched to Nutrola, and it's been great for me as a vegan lifter. The ability to voice log is super handy when I'm busy and can't type. Plus, I love that it helps me keep my micros in check, which is crucial for my goals.

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u/fitmom_2019·

I totally get what you're saying about the eating window! I'm a busy mom of two, and sometimes my meal times just get out of whack. I found Nutrola helps me a lot because I can log meals with a quick photo. It cuts down on the time I spend tracking, which is a huge plus for me.

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u/numbers_lifter·

From a more experienced perspective, I can say that while overall calorie intake is crucial, the timing of your meals can also play a role in your results. It's not just about the calories in, but how your body responds to when you eat those calories. If you notice that you feel better and are more satisfied during an 8-hour window, there might be something to that. It's worth experimenting with different windows to see what aligns with your lifestyle and hunger signals.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

I switched to MacroFactor a while back, and it really helps with keeping my numbers in check. The algorithm just seems to work for me. I used to struggle with portion sizes too, and this app makes it easier to stay on track, especially when I'm meal prepping! It's a total win.

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u/gymratbutchill·

Honestly, I think it might just be you overthinking it. Sometimes, our bodies hit these plateaus, and it doesn't always mean it's about calories or timing. I've stalled before even while hitting my macros. Just keep lifting heavy and don't stress it. Your body will adjust, trust the process!

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