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[LunarCrazy]

I just want to lose a few inches off of my waist, belly, and hips. I tried fasting once a day each week for awhile, and lost about 4 pounds in a few weeks. But the last time, by the time I tried to go to sleep, my heartbeat became irregular and scared me a bit(that's how I ended up chugging orange juice at midnight), and I'd feel dead tired by about 3 P.M. each Saturday I attempted it. Plus, I got a little shaky, probably not a good sign. So I stopped fasting after that. But it did take a couple inches off both my hips and waist(not my belly, unfortunately) and I felt quite a bit slimmer, so it worked.

What are some general guidelines for staying energetic and healthy while practicing calorie restriction? Some good ideas to destroy cravings and not feel mentally-fuzzy?

*I'm more concerned with losing inches than pounds. I'd like to fit into pants a size or two smaller(so I'd probably see only a few pounds off of the scale).
*Still a teenager, but not with the best metabolism(obviously).

[Rjr3412]

Hi Lunar, I personally would not recommend just randomly taking a day from eating. If you really want to follow a route like that, the book Eat Stop Eat, is supposed to be very helpful. For a more consistent approach, if you like the idea of fasting, is Intermittent Fasting, specifically LeanGains. This is wholly if you find you prefer this lifestyle. Its to make things easier, it is not magic.

If dieting is making you fuzzy and tired, you're probably cutting too many calories or too many carbs; either will do it. Again and again, you'll see on here, people recommending gradual adjustments. Shave a hundred calories off of your daily intake each week until you start dropping weight, and hold there until the weightloss stops. You should totally be able to hit your goals without feeling that bad.

And on a side note, as a teenager your metabolism is never going to be better than it is now. Learn a healthy active lifestyle and get in the habit now, you'll thank yourself in a few years.