Fasting for the Benefits
Intermittent fasting is a term that describes an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of fasting and eating. The fasting periods can range from a few hours to days, and the eating windows typically last 12-16 hours. The practice has been around for centuries but has only recently become popular in the United States. One of the first people to promote intermittent fasting was Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, who believed that fasting was the healthiest way to live. In more recent years, fasting has been endorsed by celebrities like Hugh Jackman and Ben Greenfield.
There are several ways to go about this, but the most popular fasting window is the 16/8 method. This involves fasting for 16 hours and then eating for 8 hours. For example, you would fast from 8 pm until noon the next day. Some people find maintaining a consistent fasting window difficult, while others find it easy and prefer it over traditional diets. There are many benefits to intermittent fasting, including weight loss, better mental clarity, reduced inflammation, and improved insulin sensitivity.
Some Dos and Don’ts
If you are looking to get started, here are a six things you need to know.
1. This is not a diet. It is simply a way of eating that you can use to lose weight or improve your health. You can still consume your normal caloric intake for the day so long as you stick to your eating window.
2. It is not for everyone! If you have diabetes, are pregnant, or have any other health conditions, you should consult with a doctor before starting intermittent fasting.
3. You don’t need to fast for days at a time to reap the benefits of intermittent fasting. A few hours of fasting per day can be just as effective.
4. If you are new to the idea of fasting, start by fasting for shorter periods of time and gradually increase the duration as you get used to it.
5. Drink plenty of water! Dehydration can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and other health problems.
6. Make sure you’re eating enough during your eating windows. You should aim to eat the same number of calories you would eat if you were not fasting.
Additional Resources
Finally, if you’re looking for some inspiration, check out these resources that can help you stick to your intermittent fasting regimen:
– 7 Proven Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
– How to Start Intermittent Fasting
– The Beginner’s Guide to 16/8 Intermittent Fasting
– The Complete Guide to Fasting for Weight Loss.
