Every week, the fasting and keto communities share incredible stories, breakthrough discoveries, and hard-won wisdom. This week (May 18–24, 2026) was no exception. From stunning 60-pound transformations to a surprising keto sweetener that’s taking r/keto by storm, we’ve rounded up the best tips, wins, and trends you need to know.
Whether you’re just starting your intermittent fasting journey or you’re a seasoned faster approaching a 72-hour stretch, there’s something here for you. Let’s dive into the highlights.
1. This Week’s Biggest Transformation Stories
The fasting community continues to deliver jaw-dropping transformation stories that prove the power of consistency. Here are the standout stories from r/intermittentfasting this week:
The 380-Pound Comeback
One of the most upvoted posts this week came from a member who started at 380 pounds back in March 2025. After years of struggling with weight, they finally committed to change. Their approach? Simple but effective: reducing processed foods and staying consistent. The post resonated with thousands because it showed that transformation doesn’t require a perfect plan—it requires showing up every day.
Key takeaway: If you’re waiting for the “perfect moment” to start fasting, stop waiting. The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
Soda-Free + 16:8 = 30 Pounds Down
Another member shared their New Year’s resolution journey: quit soda entirely, then added 16:8 intermittent fasting six weeks later. Combined with 11,000–17,000 daily steps, they’ve made remarkable progress. This story is a masterclass in stacking habits—don’t try to change everything at once. Remove one bad habit, add one good one, and let momentum build.
The 4-Year ADF Veteran
A 42-year-old male shared their ~4-year alternate-day fasting (ADF) journey. After military service, weight crept up year after year. They tried everything—keto, paleo, calorie counting—but ADF was what finally stuck. Their advice? “Find what works for you.” Not every fasting protocol suits every person, and that’s perfectly fine.
2. The Keto Sweetener Discovery: Glycine Powder
One of the most discussed product discoveries this week came from r/keto, where a member in Germany shared their experience with glycine powder as a sugar substitute. With allulose unavailable in their region, they turned to glycine—and were amazed by the results.
Glycine is an amino acid that tastes sweet (about 70% as sweet as sugar) and has some impressive benefits for fasting and keto dieters:
- Zero glycemic impact — won’t spike blood sugar or break your fast
- Supports gut health — glycine is a key component of collagen and helps maintain intestinal lining integrity
- Promotes better sleep — studies suggest glycine before bed improves sleep quality
- Coffee-friendly — dissolves easily and adds sweetness without bitterness
If you’re looking for a food-grade glycine powder on Amazon, look for USP-grade options that are specifically labeled for culinary use. A little goes a long way—start with 1/2 teaspoon in your morning coffee and adjust from there.
3. Loose Skin After Major Weight Loss: What Actually Works
A question that came up repeatedly this week on r/fasting: “Those who lost 60–100 pounds, did you have loose skin?”
The answers were honest and nuanced. Here’s what the community consensus looks like:
Factors That Affect Loose Skin
- Age — Younger skin (under 35) tends to bounce back more effectively
- Rate of loss — Slower, steadier loss gives skin more time to adapt
- Genetics — Some people are simply more prone to loose skin
- Muscle mass — Building muscle underneath fills out skin better than fat loss alone
- Hydration and nutrition — Collagen, vitamin C, and adequate protein help skin elasticity
What the Community Recommends
Several members shared their go-to solutions for managing loose skin during and after major weight loss:
- Collagen supplementation — Multiple members reported noticeable improvement after 3–6 months of daily collagen. Collagen peptide powders dissolve easily in coffee or bone broth during your eating window.
- Resistance training — Building muscle is the single most effective way to improve the appearance of loose skin. Even bodyweight exercises help.
- Intermittent fasting + autophagy — Some members believe that the autophagy triggered during longer fasts helps the body “recycle” damaged skin cells. While research is still emerging, the anecdotal evidence is compelling.
- Time — Skin can continue tightening for 1–2 years after reaching goal weight. Patience is key.
For those dealing with stubborn loose skin, a collagen and elastin body cream applied daily can provide topical support while you work on internal nutrition and exercise.
4. OMAD Meal Ideas That Actually Keep You Full
The r/OMAD community shared some impressive meal setups this week. One post in particular caught attention: a keto + OMAD meal that looked like “a lot of food” but fit perfectly within daily macros. The key?
- Volume eating — Fill half your plate with low-carb vegetables (leafy greens, cauliflower, zucchini)
- Quality fats — Avocado, olive oil, butter, and fatty cuts of meat keep you satiated for hours
- Adequate protein — Aim for 1–1.5g per pound of goal body weight in your single meal
- Electrolytes — Sodium, potassium, and magnesium prevent the headaches and fatigue that derail many OMAD beginners
If you’re struggling with meal prep for OMAD, invest in quality glass meal prep containers. They make batch-cooking your single daily meal much easier, and glass won’t absorb odors or leach chemicals like plastic alternatives.
5. This Week’s Top Fasting Tips from the Community
Here are the most practical tips that emerged from discussions across r/fasting, r/intermittentfasting, and r/OMAD this week:
For Beginners
- Start with 14:10 — Don’t jump straight to 16:8. A 14-hour fast with a 10-hour eating window is achievable for most people and builds the foundation for longer fasts.
- Black coffee is your friend — It suppresses appetite and boosts autophagy. Just skip the sugar and cream.
- Track your fast — Use a simple app or even a stopwatch (check out our guide to the best fasting apps for 2026). Seeing the hours tick by provides motivation.
For Intermediate Fasters
- Break fasts gently — Bone broth, small salads, or a handful of nuts are better than a heavy meal after a 24+ hour fast.
- Watch your electrolytes — Headaches and fatigue during extended fasts are almost always electrolyte-related. Electrolyte supplements designed for fasting make a huge difference.
- Walk during your fast — Light cardio (20–30 minutes) during the fasting window can accelerate fat oxidation without compromising muscle.
For Advanced Fasters
- Autophagy peaks around 72 hours — If autophagy is your goal, aim for 3-day fasts periodically (not daily). Recovery nutrition matters.
- Monitor glucose during extended fasts — A continuous glucose monitor helps you see exactly how your body responds to fasting and refeeding.
- Fasting + resistance training — Train in a fasted state for maximum fat oxidation, then break your fast with protein-rich meals.
6. Community Q&A: Questions Answered This Week
“I’ve reached my goal weight—should I stop fasting?”
One member who reached their goal weight after 92 days of OMAD asked this question. The community response was overwhelmingly: keep fasting, but adjust your approach. Many long-term fasters maintain a 16:8 or 18:6 schedule even after reaching their goal. The convenience factor alone makes it worthwhile—you spend less time thinking about food and more time living.
“How do I handle social pressure while fasting?”
This came up multiple times. The best advice: don’t announce your fasting to everyone. Simply say you’re not hungry, or that you ate earlier. Making your fasting a big production invites unsolicited opinions. Let your results speak for themselves.
“Can I drink diet soda during a fast?”
The consensus: diet sodas won’t technically break your fast (zero calories), but artificial sweeteners may trigger insulin responses in some people. If you’re fasting for autophagy, stick to water, black coffee, and plain tea. If you’re fasting primarily for weight loss, occasional diet soda is probably fine—but listen to your body.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch Next Week
Based on current trends, here’s what we expect to dominate the fasting conversation next week:
- Summer fasting challenges — With summer approaching, expect a surge in “summer shred” fasting protocols and transformation challenges
- Fasting and mental health research — New studies on fasting’s effects on anxiety and depression are generating buzz in the scientific community
- Keto product innovations — New keto-friendly snacks and supplements are launching for summer
Final Thoughts
Every week, the fasting community proves that sustainable weight loss and health improvement are absolutely achievable. The stories shared on Reddit aren’t from fitness influencers or people with personal trainers—they’re from real people making real changes with intermittent fasting, OMAD, and keto.
If you’re just starting out, take inspiration from this week’s transformations. If you’re a seasoned faster, share your wins and help someone who’s on Day 1. The community grows stronger when we support each other.
Have a fasting win to share? Drop it in the comments below or find us on social media. We feature the best stories in our weekly round-ups!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results from intermittent fasting?
Most people notice changes within 2–4 weeks, with significant results appearing at the 8–12 week mark. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Can I exercise while fasting?
Yes! Light to moderate exercise (walking, yoga, bodyweight exercises) is perfectly fine during a fast. For intense workouts, some people prefer to train just before breaking their fast.
What should I eat when breaking a long fast?
Start small. Bone broth, a handful of nuts, or a small salad are gentle on your digestive system. Avoid heavy carbs or large meals immediately after a 24+ hour fast.
Does coffee break a fast?
Black coffee (no sugar, no cream) does not break a fast and may actually enhance autophagy. It’s one of the best tools in a faster’s arsenal.
Is it safe to fast every day?
For most healthy adults, 16:8 intermittent fasting is safe for daily practice. Extended fasts (24+ hours) should be done periodically, not daily, with proper nutrition during eating windows.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any fasting regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
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