Hello,
First, don't be frustrated. It is very good to start a diet in itself !
I still try and keep my calories less than 1400 daily
If you go from 3000 (that is only an example) to 1400, your body consider there is a problem. So it uses a "stand-by" mode. This mean it will do everything it can to save energy. Then, even if it uses fat / sugar resources, it will do it as slow as it can.
This explains your statement:
What you have to do (IMO) is to reduce very progressively your daily calories. This will create an habit for your body. It will not say "oh there is problem, I have to save energy". The tip is that the body dislikes brutal changes.
An idea : let say you daily calories (before IF) is 3000. You start fasting with only 2750. You do that for 2 weeks. On the 3rd week, you cut off 250 (so you are at 2500) and so on. If you consider yourself tired, you add 200 calories the next week. It will be your spot.
If you do not want to count calorie, you can simply reduce your portion and that is it.
I really don't want to throw towel in Thanks.
No you won't !
Are there restrictions as to what I should eat during my main meal?
Basically, you have to avoid junk food, cut off sodas, etc... Eat meat / fish / eggs, vegetables (a lot of) and some fruits. From time to time, rice, etc...
If you have no physical activity, avoid high carbs and high fat food.
So, I have been IF since last week
A weight loss is progressive. One week is very short. If you lose 4 kilos in 4 weeks or less (for e.g.) it is too fast and you will get them back. A good ratio is about 1kg / month.
Keep going !
Kind regards,
Pet'