Numerous weight loss plans and get Lean are involved in tracking you’re eating and caloric count. However, from the past few decades, it’s clear when you eat is as much as important as what you are eating. There is a great need to know that fasting between the means is one of the plus points like others. This approach is called intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting not only works for weight loss but also improves brain functioning and overall health.
Intermittent Fasting
IF- or intermittent fasting is a method of eating only for some specific hours. You can choose your period to eat and fast. The fasting process can either be daily, weekly, or monthly. However, there are various approaches for intermittent fasting; some of the popular ones are:
Alternate day fasting
Alternate day fasting involves normal eating every other day and days of restricted eating. The restricted day should be under 500 calories.
Daily time-restricted eating
It limits your eating to one period each day. Typically, it’s six to eight hours. However, the rest of the time, you have to fast.
5:2 approach
There is a great need to know that 5:2 involves normal eating five days a week. However, you must limit yourself to 500 calories for two non-consecutive days.
There are no hard and fast rules regarding what you eat in your unrestricted hours. Scientific studies prove that maintaining a well-balanced diet gives optimum results. However, you must limit yourself to zero calories or just water in your fasting hours.
How does intermittent fasting works?
Keep in consideration that fasting science changes when the body gets energy. Generally, the energy comes from sugar. When you eat sugar constantly and don’t exercise, the body will run on your consuming calories. On the other side, if you don’t use sugar, the body starts storing fat. Without eating, hours allow the body to use stored sugar and start burning fat.
Significant Perks of Intermittent Fasting
Science has been focusing on intermittent fasting for decades, and there are numerous evidence-based studies on the advantages of intermittent fasting for long-long. However, more research is in the process of determining other benefits.
Weight loss and fat loss
It is fascinating to know that ween intermittent fasting and weight are directly linked to the loss. Eating during the set period helps you reduce the number of calories. Intermittent fasting boosts the metabolism rate of the body. It also deals with obesity. A scientific study has revealed a significant difference in weight reduction who were practicing alternate-day intermittent fasting compared to 16:8 fasting. In terms of overall calorie intake, the dropout rate was high among those in the intermittent fasting group.
A lot of people try intermittent fasting to lose weight. However, it’s not a thing that you can do forever. If you want to make this plan sustainable, you can use weight loss supplements. Remember that it’ll only help when you eat healthy portions and choose adequate meals during restricted times.
Disease prevention
Supporting studies of intermittent fasting recommend that this way of eating can prevent several conditions and diseases such as:
· Type 2 diabetes
· Heart conditions
· Neurodegenerative disease
· Some cancers
Time-restricted fasting, like the 16:8 method, sharpens the memory and slows down diseases that ultimately affect the brain. However, more research is necessary before reaching reliable conclusions. Also, if you are taking some health-related supplements, it would be best to consult with your specialist.
Extended life span
Many animal studies show that IF can help animals live longer. Another survey of female mice has some increment in short-term fasting span. Moreover, the national institute on aging trusted source has deeply studied the effect of IF, but they cannot confirm the long-time safety. However, human studies need more attention to know the potential benefits of IF for human longevity.
Cancer Protection
Intermittent fasting can also reduce cancer risk as it can fight against cancer cells. But, a lot of research is necessary to find the final results. High-quality clinical trials can show some improvement in cancer patients. But, adequate changes in diet with supplements are also required.
Side effects and risks of intermittent fasting
There’s a great need to know that 16:8 intermittent fasting can also lead to side effects and risks. That means this plan is not for everyone.
Common side effects include:
· Weakness, hunger, as well as tiredness in the early stages
· Overeating or eating unhealthful foods due to excessive hunger
· Acid reflux due to overeating
Moreover, intermittent fasting can be less beneficial for women than men. Animal studies suggest that intermittent fasting may negatively affect female fertility. People with an abnormal eating disorder will avoid intermittent fasting.
Intermittent fasting tips
Keeping an eye on time is more accessible than counting calories, as there is a need for adjustment. There is a great need to know; it may take up to four weeks to adjust your body to your new eating pattern. It’s normal to feel weak and hungry at that time. However, if any person feels unusual headaches, nausea, and anxiety, stop intermittent fasting and consult your doctor.
In order to help you make Intermittent fasting a success plan- follow this guidance:
· Always check with your care provider before starting intermittent fasting.
· It would be best to make your eating window earlier in the day.
· Be active to build muscle tone and burn fat.
· Stick with healthy eating.
· Don’t make your fasting period too long. Because if the body thinks it’s in starvation mode, you’ll start storing fat than burning it.
· Never deprive yourself of water and zero-calorie drinks.
· Watch less television to reduce exposure to images of food.
· You can also use cinnamon tea during restricted hours as it is an appetite suppresser.
· Try meditation during your fasting periods.
Who should avoid it?
Some people must avoid intermittent fasting, or they should be under the close supervision of a physician.
· People with diabetes or on medication for diabetes
· People with a history of eating disorders
· Pregnant or lactating women
· Children and teens under 18