I’m sure you’ve heard about intermittent fasting – but do you know what it really is? Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating nothing at all with periods of unrestricted dieting. The idea behind IF has been around for centuries: every major religious tradition in the world has some form of fast that goes beyond just water. Today we’re going to be looking at how it can help you lose weight and improve your health.
How does intermittent fasting work and how can you do it
Intermittent fasting is a dietary technique. It has been proven to be a very effective technique in rapidly losing weight and body fat. The process of intermittent fasting involves the following steps:
-Go without food for 16 hours
-Eat healthy on the other 8 hours of the day
-Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your fast
-Drink coffee or tea (without cream, sugar, or milk) as needed to keep you going through your fast
-When hunger pangs start to arise, try chewing some gum or sipping water. These simple actions can help trick your brain into thinking that you’ve eaten something which may lead to reduced feelings of hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods.
It is recommended that one sticks with the 16/8 method as this will give your body enough time to adjust while still losing weight at an accelerated pace. Those who follow a healthy diet and exercise should see positive results within three weeks, provided they are consistent with their fasting schedule.
The pros of intermittent fasting
-Losing weight and fat rapidly-Helps control hunger
-No need for intense calorie counting
-Reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer
-Increases your energy and improves mental clarity
-Saves you time and money
The cons of intermittent fasting
There are not many cons to intermittent fasting. One of the only downsides is that you might have trouble sleeping if you are one of those people who like to eat late at night. If this happens, eliminate the second meal (i.e., 8 hours) and see if this helps your sleep schedule. Another more common con would be binge eating after an extended fast period. This is a sign that your body might need food more often than once every 24 hours, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little bit! Not all diets are good for you! Do your research and find the one that works best for you.
Fasting can be a very powerful tool, but it is not for everyone. Make sure to consult a medical professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.
