Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating where you limit your consumption of food for only certain hours per day. There are different patterns you can follow, one of the most popular is 16:8, where you do not eat for 16 hours, and eat for 8. Finding the right time frame and pattern that works with your lifestyle is key to being successful at intermittent fasting. The major benefit to intermittent fasting is the weight loss that comes along with it.
There are three different types of intermittent fasting. There is 5:2 fasting, where you eat normally for five days a week and then fast for two days. There is alternate day fasting, where you eat one day, skip the next, and so on. Lastly, there is the most popular kind of fasting, the time restricted fasting, where you eat for only certain hours per day. This kind is the most popular because you are able to eat every day, and also able to choose which time frame you want to be able to have your eating window.
Most people who want to try intermittent fasting do it for weight loss. When you are only eating for a short window of time, you tend to eat less calories than if you allowed yourself to eat all of the time.
For example, doing a 16:8 fast, you will allow yourself to start eating at 10 am, and then stop at 6 pm. This will eliminate breakfast if you wake up early, and also any late night and after dinner snacking. If you are a morning person, you could start eating at 7 am, and stop eating at 3 pm. The key is to find which eating window works for your schedule and lifestyle. You can also make adjustments to your eating window. If you have a dinner to go to at 8 pm one night, try an eating window from 2 pm to 10 pm.
To see a change in your weight and overall health, make sure you are eating nutrient rich foods during your eating window. You want to eat foods that will fill you up and keep you full during your fasting period to feel your best.
The period of not eating will give your digestive system a break and will definitely reduce bloating when you wake up. While doing a fast, you can drink black coffee, unsweetened tea or water. You want to stay hydrated, but avoid any food during this time. If you tend to snack a lot at night, this can really help with weight loss.
There are some side effects to intermittent fasting, like headache, nausea, and fatigue. It will take a few days of intermittent fasting for your body to adjust and get used to not consuming food for this period of time. Intermittent fasting is a safe and easy way to lose some extra pounds, but may not be for everyone. Always talk with your doctor before beginning any new diet.
Amy is an writer and editor. A mom of girls who loves shopping, reading, and lots of coffee. She has a bachelor’s degree in english literature. Her dream is to become a successful and well-known writer.
