Exploring Intermittent Fasting

We have been hearing a lot about intermittent fasting for quite some time. It has been in the fitness industry for a long time and we won’t deny that it’s one of the most debatable and controversial topics in the fitness and health industry. 

What Is Intermittent Fasting? 

Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on your regular schedule. Regular research shows that intermittent fasting is a way to manage weight and prevent or even reverse some forms of disease.

Intermittent fasting involves periods of entirely or partially abstaining from eating. Many methods of intermittent fasting vary in the number of fast days and the calorie allowances. 

Why Do We Need Intermittent Fasting? 

A lot of people ask this question, and it is rightly asked. 

The main reason for intermittent fasting is to lose that extra weight of yours but more than losing weight fasting is all about keeping your health in check. 

Fasting for years has been miraculous and effective. People who fast almost regularly are not immune to heat diseases and diabetes.  With the internet, TV and other entertainment mediums available 24/7 people are often seen snacking or munching. 

With a spike in obesity, it is therefore important to keep your health in check and fasting fulfils that purpose. For most people, fasting is easier than going to the gym every day. Many studies show that intermittent fasting can reverse the trends of obesity. 

How Does Intermittent Fasting Work?

There are several different ways to do intermittent fasting, and all of them are based on different timings. It depends upon you and your personal preferences. This includes; 

1. Fast For 12 Hours 

The diet for this is simple. It is equally important to note that you have a window which is the hours or time slot in which you can eat food. 

Eventually, after this time slot, you can’t eat anything you are allowed to fast for 12 hours. The easiest way to do 12-hour fasting every day is to include the sleep period in the fasting period. 

2. Fast For 16 Hours 

In this, you have to fast for 16 hours. So this means that you have to skip your breakfast and can fast for the next 16 hours of the day. 

These are just preferences and you can go for other options where you can start from 6 or 8 hours. 

Tips For Intermittent Fasting

#fasting

It can be hard to stick to fasting, but the following are some important tips;

• Stay Hydrated: Make sure you have lots of water as you’ll be needing that the entire day. 
• Avoid Thinking About Food: Plan plenty of distractions for your fasting day so that you don’t think of food. 
• Resting and Relaxing: Avoid strenuous tasks as you are already fasting. However, light exercises like yoga can be beneficial for health. 
• Eating High-Volume Foods: Moreover, try to eat high-volume foods that are rich in proteins, fibre, and healthy fats. They are called superfoods.

Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting: 

There are several benefits of fasting, but here are some benefits that are most likely to change your health and body; 

1. Weight Loss

#weightloss

Intermittent fasting can help with weight loss by reducing calorie intake and promoting fat burning. During fasting, the body uses glycogen and stored fats as it burns the excess fat. 

2. Improved Insulin Sensitivity 

Time-restricted eating may also help you with insulin sensitivity, which can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Fasting periods prevent the pancreas from producing insulin which gives it a break. 

3. Cellular Repair And Autophagy 

Fasting triggers a process called autophagy, which can remove the damaged components and recycle them. 

4. Heart Health 

#HeartHealth

This fasting may also help improve your heart health and can prevent you from heart-related diseases. 

5. Improved Blood Sugar Control

#SugarControl

Intermittent fasting can help regulate blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance and it can eventually reduce your risks of Diabetes type 2. 

Conclusion: 

While it is important to note that intermittent is extremely beneficial it is not everyone. For example, individuals who have heart conditions, pregnant women or breastfeeding women, and also those with a history of eating disorders are advised not to practice this fasting.