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I’m sure there’s a good chance that you are completely new to intermittent fasting (1) and are curious to find out what the hell all the fuss is all about.
You’ve read a ton of articles, seen a ton of videos of people talking about intermittent fasting. Saying how it’s been changing their lives for the better, and how they swear by it.
But are there actually any benefits?
Can fasting for certain periods really be good for?
Absolutely, there are plenty of benefits. And they are backed up by science.
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What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is basically where you only allow yourself to eat during a certain period of the day, and spend the remaining hours fasting.
Some people may fast for up to 16 hours, then eat for 8 hours. Whilst others go a bit more or less.
But that’s the basics of how intermittent fasting works.
Me personally, I try do the 16 hours of fasting, then allow myself an eating period of 8 hours.
What Are The Benefits?
There are a few great benefits coming from intermittent fasting, both externally and internally.
You really do start to feel the benefits a few weeks in!
Below are just a few of the many benefits from fasting:
- Increases weight loss
- Promotes longevity
- Increases energy
- Improves memory
- Lowers bad cholesterol
For me the biggest benefits I feel with intermittent fasting is controlling my weight, and having a lot more energy.
It’s funny because we are always told that without food you will never have any energy. Yet restricting your eating hours, you build up more energy!
How I Got Into It Without Even Knowing
A few years back I started backpacking and working my way through Europe.
During those early days, I never used to budget for three whole meals a day. I tried to keep spending down as low as possible, so I figured that breakfast would be the easiest meal to cut out everyday.
So, without even knowing, I was eating my first meal at lunch and last meal at dinner. No wonder I managed to never pick up weight, considering I was eating a pretty unhealthy mix of foods everyday!
Ever since then, I have read up and studied it more and more. And now I make it part of my daily lifestyle.
How Do You Start?
The thought of trying to force yourself to not eat for a certain period every 24 hours is daunting, and just horrible.
However, it really is not as difficult as you think!
The best way really is to make sure you eat dinner by 8pm, and have your next meal at midday the following day.
Easy peezy, right?!
And like everything in life, with time and effort it gets easier. The first few tries will be the most difficult as your body has never experienced a fast before.
If you planning on working out, then try do the workout right before you break your fast. Then that first meal will taste even better!
TIP: You do NOT have to, and probably shouldn’t, start right away with a 16 hour fast. You can build it up easily. So for example, start with a 12 hour fast. The next week move up to 13 hours, and then 14 hours and so on.
Are There Different Types Of Intermittent Fasting?
Yeah, there are!
There’s the 24 hour fast, where you restrict yourself from eating for 24 hours once or twice a week.
There’s the 16/8 fast, as mentioned before. This is where you fast for 16 hours, then eat for 8 hours.
And lastly, the 5:2 fast. This is where you eat normally for 5 days a week, then for 2 days you restrict your calories to about 600 or so a day.
Can You Drink Any Liquids Whilst Fasting?
Yes, of course you can.
Teas, coffees and water are all good for fasting periods. Some people might also having a teaspoon of coconut oil or something similar.
And feel free to add a dash of milk to your tea or coffee during fasting. Anything that has less that 60-70 calories is considered fine. This really doesn’t have much of an effect.
Conclusion
Intermittent fasting can be a good way to help you lose a bit of weight and feel better.
It’s not for everyone, though, but give it a try if you are curious!
If you are curious to find out even more about intermittent fasting, then give this article a read.
Cheers,
Richard-T
If you want more tips on intermittent fasting, then don’t forget to follow my Intermittent Fasting Pinterest board!
