Intermittent fasting is all the rage right now. But what is intermittent fasting? And more importantly, what are the benefits of this eating pattern? In this blog post, we’ll discuss intermittent fasting in detail, explain why it’s become so popular, and its health benefits.
THE CONCEPT OF INTERMITTENT FASTING
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you alternate between periods of eating and fasting. It doesn’t tell you what foods you should eat, but when you should eat them. Because it’s not a diet that restricts what you can eat, intermittent fasting is more accessible than other trends. At Total Health and Fitness, our meal plans are tailored to your tastes and will teach you how to eat sustainably rather than restricting you. Intermittent Fasting
There are several intermittent fasting schedules, but the most common is 16:8. This means you fast for 16 hours and only eat during an 8-hour window. For example, stop eating at 8 p.m. and not eat until noon the next day.
Other popular intermittent fasting schedules include 18:6 (fast 18 hours, eat 6 hours) and 20:4 (fast 20 hours, eat 4 hours).
Some people also follow a more extreme version of intermittent fasting called the warrior diet, which involves fasting for 20 hours and eating one large meal at night.
WHAT CAN YOU EAT DURING LENT?
It is not recommended to go without fluids during the fasting period. Continue drinking water or zero-calorie beverages, including coffee, tea, or soda.
It is essential to be mindful of the length of the fast; going too long between meals can simulate a lack of food in the body. This will cause the body to go into something similar to starvation mode and hold onto fat reserves instead of allowing the body to use them for fuel.
WHY IS INTERMITTENT FASTING SO POPULAR?
There are several reasons why intermittent fasting has become so popular in recent years. It can be less intimidating than fad diets because it doesn’t dictate what you can and can’t eat. Plus, most of the fasting time occurs at night, making it easier to stick to the 16 hours required by a traditional schedule.
You also don’t have to reduce the number of calories you consume at each meal, but this can be part of your intermittent fasting plan.
BENEFITS OF INTERMITTENT FASTING
The results of intermittent fasting will vary from person to person and depend on activity levels and other health factors. However, intermittent fasting has proven to be an effective tool for weight loss.
Why does it work?
According to  Dr. Mark Mattson, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University, intermittent fasting works because it “contrasts the normal eating patterns of most Americans.” Instead of constantly feeding the body “new” calories, fasting signals the body’s hormones to use stored fat for fuel. Here are some other positive changes fasting can promote in the body:
- Lowering insulin levels
- Increased levels of human growth hormone (HGH).
- Cellular regeneration response
- Increased metabolism
- Increased norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
- Reducing oxidative stress
- Reducing inflammation
- Improve blood sugar levels
- Improving blood pressure
- Lowering LDL cholesterol levels
Intermittent fasting is also thought to be beneficial for other aspects of health. It has been linked to lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, intermittent fasting has been shown to improve brain function and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
It can take up to a month to feel and see the results of intermittent fasting, so remember that this is a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.
WHO SHOULD NOT TRY INTERMITTENT FASTING
Always consult your doctor before deciding on a meal plan, whether intermittent fasting or anything else. While timed eating can be helpful for many, it is not for everyone. If you fall into one or more of the following categories, you may not want to try intermittent fasting:
- Currently pregnant
- I am currently breastfeeding
- diabetic
- Under 18 years old
- Anyone recovering from an eating disorder
