> I avoid all processed sugar (no cola or any refined sugar products), I avoid all dairy, and of course, avoid meat.
Sounds like it has a lot more to do with your results than
> So I made a total lifestyle change to a 16/8 intermittent fast (16 hours water only, 8-hour feeding window)
Also, if you were counting your calories before and after this transition, you likely missed or underestimated the calories before. I do the same 16/8 window (never been a breakfast person anyways) and have no problem maintaining my weight at about 2.5k calories a day
> I avoid all processed sugar (no cola or any refined sugar products), I avoid all dairy, and of course, avoid meat.
Sounds like it has a lot more to do with your results than
> So I made a total lifestyle change to a 16/8 intermittent fast (16 hours water only, 8-hour feeding window)
Also, if you were counting your calories before and after this transition, you likely missed or underestimated the calories before. I do the same 16/8 window (never been a breakfast person anyways) and have no problem maintaining my weight at about 2.5k calories a day