Fasts Can Counterbalance Food Availability

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Intermittent fasting is not a diet plan, but rather an eating pattern. You designate certain times for eating and fasting each day. During your fasting periods, you can still drink calorie-free beverages like water, black coffee and unsweetened tea.

Fasting has been used therapeutically for centuries and research suggests that fasting for certain hours each day or having just one meal a few times a week can have positive effects on weight and health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol.

Today we no longer have to hunt and gather our food. But, practicing responsible intermittent fasting can help to offset today's food availability and convenience. By feeding your body more like what was originally intended, the benefits may go well beyond those to your waistline.

Breaking your fast is just as important as fasting itself. So, it's important to reintroduce food carefully and choose nutritious, whole foods for optimal health benefits. Avoid overeating or indulging in junk food during non-fasting periods.

Set Responsible Fasting Time Zones

Once you’ve selected a fasting method, remember to listen to your body and adjust your plan as needed, especially if you experience any side effects like dizziness or headache. Plus, responsible fasting means getting your nutrients too. Listed below are commonly used fasting zones or methods:

ALTERNATE DAY FASTING: While alternate-day fasting may be challenging (especially in the beginning), the results are often worth it. Studies have shown that following an alternate-day eating pattern can reduce waist circumference and positively impact total cholesterol levels, especially in adults over 40 years of age.

WHOLE DAY FASTING: Whole day fasting stimulates the production of human growth hormone that aids in fat burning, but when breaking your fast, avoid foods high in sugar, complex carbs, and animal fats. While short-term whole day fasting can promote weight loss, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you find yourself struggling, try another approach.

INTERMITTENT FASTING: You’ve likely heard about the power of intermittent fasting that allows you to achieve better weight control by naturally promoting metabolic benefits. The 16:8 Method of fasting involves skipping breakfast to easily extend an overnight fast to sixteen hours, where the 14:10 Method maybe a better fit for those with fixed working hours. For beginners, 12:12 intermittent fasting may be the easiest to implement and follow.

When you choose to fast responsibly, you don’t have to count calories or eliminate certain foods from your menu plan. It is a powerful tool that can be easily incorporated into your lifestyle to simplify your day as a counterbalance to food-related health problems.

Consume Fewer Calories with Restricted Eating

Intermittent fasting is favored by some as it helps manage appetite, weight, and overall health. For some, sticking to a fasting routine is easier than constantly monitoring calorie intake. But, individuals with unpredictable schedules may struggle. Responsible fasting can actually help you lose fat while preserving your hard-earned muscles, especially if you also maintain a regular strength training and exercise routine. But make sure you eat enough during your feeding window.

Many people find that they rather quickly adapt to the fasting routine and even begin to enjoy it after a few months. However, it's important to anticipate feelings of hunger and other frustrations when implementing or adjusting fasting zones. While fasting has many benefits, reducing overall calorie intake may be equally effective. However, the restricted time for eating may naturally help some individuals consume fewer calories overall. At MRC Fort Walton Beach, we help you find what works best for you.

Whether you’re interested in jump starting your journey using the latest compounded weight loss medication or would like to implement a responsible fasting method to shed pounds, Metabolic Research Center has over three decades of experiencing in helping clients meet their goal for healthy living.