Intermittent Fasting: A Beginners Guide

Intermittent fasting is an effective means of losing weight and reducing risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The practice involves going extended periods without food, which forces the body to burn stored fat for energy instead of glucose from carbohydrates. It can be challenging at first, but it has many benefits that make it worth trying. In this blog post, we will explore what intermittent fasting is, why it works so well for weight loss, and the different types of intermittent fasting diets. We’ll also help you get started with a beginner’s guide to intermittent fasting.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary pattern in which people cycle between periods of fasting and non-fasting. There are several different types of intermittent fasting diets. They vary in the length of the fasting period, nutritional approach, and the health goals of the individual. Most people who follow an intermittent fasting diet do so because it helps them. Helps them to achieve their desired weight loss goals more easily than by following other diets. IF also has potential health benefits including reducing risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. These health benefits make IF an appealing option for people who want to lose weight and improve their overall health.

Why does intermittent fasting work?

There are two main theories behind how intermittent fasting works. First, people who fast intermittently may end up consuming fewer calories than people who eat the same amount of food but in smaller amounts. This may occur because people feel less hungry when they fast. Or because they tend to eat larger portions when they eat during their feeding period. Alternatively, intermittent fasting may work to promote weight loss because it encourages the body to use stored fat for energy rather than glucose from carbohydrates. This occurs because when you don’t eat for several hours, your blood sugar levels go down and your body releases stored glucose in the form of glycogen. When your glycogen stores are depleted, the body turns to stored fat and other sources of energy to power itself.

Different types of intermittent fasting

There are several types of intermittent fasting diets. The major difference between them is the length of the fasting period and the amount of daily calories.

IF with a 16/8 diet – This type involves a 16-hour daily fasting period and an 8-hour feeding period during which you eat all of your daily calories. IF with a 16/8 diet is one of the most common types which is referred to as 16:8 dieting.

The 5:2 diet also called the “fast diet” involves a weekly fast of 5 days during which you eat just 500 calories per day. Two weekly non-fasting days are used to eat normally.

The Warrior Diet involves fasting for 23 hours a day with a 1-hour eating period in the afternoon. This type of IF doesn’t require you to follow a specific daily calorie count, as long as you consume enough calories during your afternoon meal.

How to fast intermittently?

Intermittent fasting depends on your ability to resist the urge to eat even when you’re not hungry. It requires a lot of self-discipline, but the first step towards success is to set up a helpful environment. Here are a few recommendations: Stock up on snacks – Instead of waiting until you feel hungry, have a small snack every few hours. Choose low-sugar, high-protein foods such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. Brush your teeth – Brushing your teeth is a great way to distract yourself from the urge to eat. It also helps you resist the urge to go get a snack when you have nothing to do. Get moving – Exercising is another great way to distract yourself from the hunger pangs. Also, working out burns energy and may help you get over the hunger sooner.

Conclusion

I have been doing intermittent fasting for the past 3 yrs, usually 16:8 with 1 meal and 1 heavy salad. I try to do the warrior diet (23:1 diet) for a few weeks in between. It helps me to maintain my weight and physical and mental health. It reduces the cravings for sweets or junk food in long run. You need to try this which helps to build better eating habits and also helps to improve your health. But please make sure to consult your doctor before you change your diet.

Intermittent fasting is an effective means of losing weight and reducing risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The practice involves going extended periods without food, which forces the body to burn stored fat for energy instead of glucose from carbohydrates. Intermittent fasting can be challenging at first, but it has many benefits that make it worth trying. When followed properly, it may help you lose weight and improve your overall health. It is important to be mindful of your body’s needs during intermittent fasting, and to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients.