Introduction
Did you ever think there is any way to reduce your belly fat and boost your overall health without keeping any restrictions on your diet?
Well, you feel blessed because today, you all learn about intermittent fasting, a unique eating pattern gaining popularity, which is the answer you want to know about!
In this article, you learn about the advantages and drawbacks of intermittent fasting, aka time-restricted eating, which helps you achieve your fitness goals.
The Basics of Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is a cycle of between periods of fasting and consuming food. It’s not similar to a traditional diet in which you must first learn what to eat or not; intermittent fasting is directly associated with when to eat.
The most common method of intermittent fasting, followed by everyone, is the 16/8 method, where you have to fast for 16 hours a day and take your meals in 8 hours.
The second method is the 5:2 method, in which you can consume your meals without restriction for five days and restrict your calorie consumption for the rest of 2 days.
Exploring the Benefits of intermittent fasting:
Weight loss:
One of the main reasons most people consider intermittent fasting for their weight loss journey.
Restricting the eating window gives the body a limited time to consume meals, which reduces overall per-day calorie consumption.
Moreover, fasting may boost your body’s production of HGH (human growth hormone), accelerating your fat loss journey and muscle mass.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity:
Intermittent fasting can increase insulin sensitivity, which is suitable for those with a chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
By granting leave to your body from uninterrupted digestion, intermittent fasting refines blood sugar levels and better your insulin efficiency.
Upgrade Brain Functioning:
Researchers proved intermittent fasting might improve cognitive function. Fasting strikes a cellular process of your brain called autophagy, where your body removes damaged cells and produces new ones.
This process is associated with bettering your brain function and learning power.
Also, it reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (a brain disorder in which your body starts doing uncontrollable movements such as difficulty in balance, shaking etc.)
Increase longevity:
Some research on animals proves that intermittent fasting may help to live longer by triggering some genes and cellular repair mechanisms.
While we need more substantial evidence to understand the impact on the human lifespan thoroughly, the earlier results are positive.
Understanding the Risks and drawbacks of intermittent fasting:
Nutritional deficiencies:
Avoiding calories and depriving yourself of essential nutrients won’t only reduce belly fat, But also make a barrier between crucial nutrients (such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre) and your body.
It becomes difficult to consume nutritious meals when involving yourself in intermittent fasting.
Disordered Eating Patterns:
This means if your relationship with food was not good in past, which means you had a habit of continuously eating, had an obsession with food, made the excessive reduction of calories from your diet, and were conscious about your body image all the time, then you have to be extra careful before doing any change in your diet or indulging in intermittent fasting.
You should consult your doctor and ask him what is best for you.
Potential Discomfort:
While you start intermittent fasting, especially in your early phase, you will experience hunger, crave your favourite food, and sometimes become very irritated, but these symptoms will fade.
You have to listen to your body and change your fasting pattern accordingly.
Getting Started with Intermittent Fasting?
If you are thinking of trying intermittent fasting for fat loss, It’s essential to indulge slowly and find a method suitable for your lifestyle and body. Below are some valuable tips to start your fasting journey.
Choose the suitable method:
You must experiment with different intermittent fasting techniques to find which suits you best and your daily schedule.
Always remember one thing the successful path which suits your friend doesn’t give a guarantee of success to you also.
Stay Hydrated:
You should consume 3-4 litres of water during fasting to help you stay hydrated and limit hunger.
Consume nutritious meals:
Pick healthy options during your eating window to ensure you get all the Important nutrients for proper body functioning.
Please never choose unhealthy and processed food in your eating window because it will create a deficiency of many essential nutrients, leading to serious health problems in the long run.
Listen to Your Body:
Never ignore your body’s signals of hunger and fullness. If you are uncomfortable or experiencing health problems during fasting, consult your doctor or change your fasting schedule.
Conclusion:
I hope now all your doughts related to intermittent fasting are resolved. Take your time to start any diet; examine your body and its needs first, then gradually change your diet.
If you are not okay with a 16/8 window, make your window to eat and fast and watch changes in your body. Immediately consult your dietician if you notice any abnormal health problem symptoms during your fasting journey.
