Intermittent Fasting for Health and Weight Loss
Intermittent fasting
Explore the potential of intermittent fasting for weight loss and improved health in our latest blog post. Learn about popular methods like the 16:8 method, and their benefits for weight management and health.
What Is It?
Intermittent fasting is a time-restricted eating method. The idea is that fasting reduces total calorific intake. It is being used to help people lose weight, improve their health, and simplify their lives. Many studies have shown that intermittent fasting has beneficial effects on our body and brain, and it may even help us live longer.
Intermittent Fasting Methods
Intermittent fasting can be accomplished in a variety of ways, all of which involve dividing the day or week into separate eating and fasting or semi-fasting periods. During fasting periods, you eat very little or nothing at all. You should still drink water though.
These are the most popular methods
The 16:8.This method involves skipping breakfast or dinner and limiting your daily eating period to 8 hours, for example, 12:00 noon to 8 pm. You then fast for 16 hours.
One meal a day. This involves fasting for 24 hours once or twice a week, for example not eating from dinner one day to dinner the next.
The 5:2 diet. This method involves consuming 500-600 calories (sometimes up to 800 calories) on two days of the week and eating normally on the other five.
As long as you don't overcompensate by eating more during the non-fasting periods, all of these strategies should help you lose weight and become healthier.
Many people feel that the 16:8 method is the simplest, most sustainable, and easiest to follow. It's no surprise that it's also the most popular.
Health Benefits
Studies have demonstrated that intermittent fasting can have significant benefits for weight management as well as physical and mental health.
Here are the main health benefits of intermittent fasting
Weight loss: Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight, including belly fat.
Inflammation: Some studies show a reduction in inflammation markers, which are key drivers of many chronic diseases.
Heart health: Intermittent fasting has been shown to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Brain health: Intermittent fasting boosts the brain hormone BDNF and may aid in the growth of new nerve cells. It may also be beneficial in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
Insulin resistance: Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce insulin resistance by lowering blood sugar levels by 3-6% and fasting insulin levels by 20-31%, potentially protecting against type 2 diabetes.
Cancer: According to some studies, intermittent fasting may help protect against cancer.
Slows down ageing: Intermittent fasting can help people live longer, healthier lives.
Is it time to eat?
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to offer personal dietary or medical advice. You should seek advice from a registered dietitian or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read.
