Intermittent fasting- One health trend to reach the peak of popularity among various fitness enthusiasts these days. This fasting has been known to help in weight loss, improve metabolism and perhaps increase lifespan.
This alternating cycle of fasting and eating has been known to improve lifestyle in a fit way without having to diet mercilessly, preventing unhealthy snacking during odd times.
Now, What is Intermittent Fasting?
It is an eating pattern that follows a certain cycle of eating for some period and then fasting for some. Since it focuses on when you should eat rather than what you should eat, you won’t have to hold back cravings if you just include them in the eating schedule.
Usually, there are 3 types of Intermittent fasting, the 16:8 ratio being the most famous and convenient one.
The 16:8 ratio is where you eat your first meal at noon and last meal at 8 pm, thus fasting for 16 hours a day and eating during the rest of the 8 hours.
You can consume water, coffee, tea, or other non-caloric beverages during the fasting period, but make sure to eat healthy foods during the eating period.
Despite the schedule seeming difficult, once habituated, this method is pretty easy to follow and provides more energy.
Some Benefits of this type of fasting includes:
- Effective in weight loss, because of its simple way of restricting calories and increase of growth hormones.
- The body adjusts hormone levels and makes stored fat more accessible.
- Significant reduction in blood sugar and insulin level reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.
- Boost metabolism.
- Body cells initiate the cellular repairing process.
Keep in Mind
Individuals who are underweight, have eating disorders, or have medical conditions should consult a health professional before opting for fasting. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid intermittent fasting.
Among many lifestyle strategies, intermittent fasting is one that may improve your health if done correctly. It might work well for some people and might not for others. The only way to find that out is if you give it a try.
Text by: Ipsita Ghosh, IBTN9
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