I feel like I need to start this one out with some clarification. When people talk about fasting they are not talking about starving yourself. The practice of fasting has been around for thousands of years. This is because it is apart of many spiritual rituals. But, in the context of better health, we need to look at fasting in a very calculated way.
What is fasting?
In simple terms it is not eating for a period of time. It is really just a change in eating patterns. For example: you may be typically accustomed to eating three meals per day or a few smaller meals through out the day, fasting would change this to only a small window of time, maybe only a few hours, to ingest these calories.
Benefits of fasting?
- Reduce Insulin Resistance
- Fights Inflammation
- May Improving Blood Pressure, Triglycerides and Cholesterol Levels
- May Boost Brain Function
- Aids Weight Loss by Limiting Calorie Intake and Boosting Metabolism
- Increases Growth Hormone Secretion: Vital for Growth, Metabolism, Weight Loss and Muscle Strength
- Delays Aging
- May Aid in Cancer Prevention and Increase the Effectiveness of Chemotherapy
Before you dive into fasting and start skipping meals, it is always good to check with your healthcare provider and chose a plan that works for you. There are many different types of fasting and taking a more calculated approach can help you to see the results you are looking for.
Popular types of fasting:
- Intermittent Fasting - Typically fasting from 14-18 hours
- Time-Restricted Eating - Typically fasting from 12-16
- Alternate Day Fasting - Reduce calories to 25% every other day
- 5:2 Diet - 5 days or normal eating and 2 at reduced calories
- The Warrior Diet - Fruits and veggies during the day and larger evening meal
- Long-term fasting - fasting for 24-72 hours at a time or sometimes even longer.
All of these types of fasting can have benefit. But, it is not for everyone. If you decide to try intermittent fasting, keep in mind that diet quality is crucial. It’s not possible to binge on junk foods during the eating periods and expect to lose weight and boost your health.
Again, talk to a health professional and do your research on fasting. With the right approach and planning, this may be beneficial to you.
