Exploring The Basics And Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting

A new year is here, and many of you are probably thinking about your resolutions. Some might have plans to focus on their career, finances, or even your health. Getting and staying healthy can be easy for some people, but for others, it can be a difficult task. Creating a healthy eating routine and workout schedule can be tricky. However, there is one type of dieting that will allow you to cut out calories instead of foods that could be the answer you have been looking for: intermittent fasting.

I was looking for a way to still be able to eat the foods I love, yet lose weight. Sounds like a dream, right? I tried intermittent fasting for the first time this year and it helped me with my fitness goals. I did it for about two months, and the results were so encouraging for me.

Intermittent fasting is when you do not eat for a period of time each day or week. There are a few popular approaches to the diet such as alternate-day fasting, 5:2 fasting, or daily time-restricted fasting.

I decided to do a version of the daily time-restricted fasting. I only ate between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. every day for 60 days. During this time, I made sure to focus on eating high proteins and green vegetables. Sometimes I would also have a brownie or something sweet. I also ate small portions and continued with my workout plan. After a few weeks, I started noticing a change.

A recent study showed that intermittent fasting works by prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat. Research has also found that it can improve your overall heart health and physical endurance performance and it can help people lose body weight and lower their levels of fasting glucose, and fasting insulin. (Experts recommend that children under 18, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with a history of eating disorders, and people with Type 1 diabetes should check with their primary care doctor before trying any sort of fasting.)

I would work out in the morning before I ate and sometimes at night at least one or two hours after a meal.

As stated before, I noticed results in about two or three weeks after I started fasting. I noticed I had more energy and my thinking was clearer. Of course, after a few weeks, I also noticed a change in my physical appearance.

Whether your goals are to lose weight, get healthy, or increase overall endurance, intermittent fasting could be worth a try. And again, as with anything health- or diet-related, be sure to consult with a doctor or nutritionist before starting.