Alrighty, Then. Let's Talk Intermittent Fasting

I have been trying to come up with a routine to help me lose a little weight. I am currently 167 lbs. but generally I'm about 140 lbs. I don't feel like I overeat but since I had Buddy last year, I haven't been able to get the weight off, so I decided to give intermittent fasting a chance. Intermittent fasting is a type of diet that allows you to eat your main meals within a shorter time period. It works by having the body go into a "fasting" mode for several hours each day, which increases metabolism and burns more fat. Water is an essential component of intermittent fasting. You should be drinking at least eight glasses of water per day to stay hydrated, especially if you’re also limiting your food intake. It’s also important to drink plenty of water during your fast so that it doesn’t turn into a starvation diet.

History and Benefits

In 2012, a new style of fasting was starting to gain interest. It is called Intermittent Fasting (IF), and it is now practiced by thousands of people worldwide. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. There are several different ways to go about intermittent fasting, but the most common method involves restricting your eating window to a short period each day. For example, you might eat all your meals within an 8-hour time frame and then fast for 16 hours (such as sleeping or going without food). This method of eating has become popular due to its numerous health benefits and the fact that it has been shown to be effective for weight loss. It can help increase energy levels and improve blood sugar. It has also been shown to help with depression and cancer risk factors for certain individuals.

How does intermittent fasting work?

The length of the fast and the frequency of fasting vary. There are many different versions, but the most popular is 16/8, which is where you fast for 16 hours every day (from dinner to breakfast) and eat for 8 hours. Intermittent fasting is not a diet, it’s not a fad and it’s not a quick fix. At its core, intermittent fasting helps you to reduce your calorie intake while improving the quality of your food choices. This is done by reducing or eliminating snacking between meals and eating at consistent times throughout the day—typically in an 8-hour window. IF works by giving your body a break from digesting food, which allows it to focus on repairing and healing itself. The theory is that when you’re constantly eating, your body never gets time to rest and repair. I am currently doing 14/10 and it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. I'm still looking for all the things I can have while I'm fasting, so I currently just stick to water.

What can I eat and drink while fasting?

This will vary based on the method of fast you are doing. Doing methods like alternate-day fasting, you would be restricting your calorie intake to 500 calories when fasting and with time-restricted fasting, you eat nothing and only drink certain drinks when fasting. Such as:

• Water

• Unsweetened Green or Black Tea

• Black Coffee

• Non-caloric beverages

• Water with Apple Cider Vinegar- so experts say yes, and some say no

• Water with Lemon or Lime juice- some experts say yes, and some say no

• Water with collagen- only for prolonged fasting

• Bone broth- only for prolonged fasting

Is intermittent fasting safe?

IF is safe, but it’s not for everyone so please speak to, your doctor first. If you have a history of eating disorders or medical conditions, then intermittent fasting may not be the best option for you. Intermittent fasting can also be difficult if you don’t have access to healthy foods or adequate meal planning resources. If you want to try intermittent fasting, start with a simple version-like 16/8. This will help you ease into IF without feeling too deprived or restricting yourself too much. If that feels comfortable, then try extending the time periods perhaps going from 8 to 10 or 10 to 12. The bottom line: if you are healthy and physically active, then intermittent fasting can be a very effective way to lose weight.

If you’re interested in trying intermittent fasting, start by reading up on the various styles of IF and speaking with your doctor. Then experiment with one or two different techniques to see which one works best for your body and schedule. Intermittent Fasting is an easy, affordable way to improve your health and well-being. Whether you choose 16/8, 12/12, or 14/10, these styles of IF don’t require you to count calories or feel hungry all day long! All you need is patience as your body adjusts over time to its new routine of eating only during certain hours each day. However, it’s important to remember that intermittent fasting isn’t a magic pill that will make you skinny overnight. You still need to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly in order for IF to work effectively.

Unapologetically,

K