[hudbuddy]

I don't think "remembering to eat" is really in line with anorexia, if that's the parallel you're trying to draw.

I know you're joking, but it's really not a concern at all. A healthy mind will seek food after a fasting period.

I'd add a caution of my own, which is not to gorge yourself during this period. Your body should be given time to adjust back to a normal diet. Though this isn't much of a concern for brief fasts under the intermittent fasting regimen.

[wastedhours]

I was only being slightly flippant - one of the factors (aside from body image and weight loss) that tipped me over the edge was continuing to strive for the buzz from fasting long after it became healthy to do so.

From my lived experience I can tell you that if you're vulnerable from the other mental health signals of anorexia, the mental and physical benefits of fasting can be a trigger. So as simplistic as it is to say, break the fast when you intend to break it, and never just stretch it out or do it more regularly simply "because I feel good now".

Maintaining a healthy relationship with food is crucial in the early days. Otherwise you'll find yourself stood in the ready meal aisle of the supermarket for 30 minutes paralysed by a choice between a 300 and 400 calorie ready meal and being mentally unable to rationalise eating either.

TL;DR - set an defined end to your fast and stick the heck to it.

[hudbuddy]

Oh yeah that makes sense, thanks for the explanation. Similar to how the positive affects of meditation can be quite addicting, I imagine!

We humans sure do like getting addicted to stuff.