Fasting Is an Opportunity to Empower Yourself

The benefits of fasting seem to mimic those of calorie-restricted diets. Moreover, fasting offers specific benefits that only occur during the fasting window. In human studies, intermittent fasting can stimulate the production of growth hormone and testosterone to help retain muscle mass while shedding pounds — the more muscle the better the resting burn. In addition to burning stored fat, intermittent fasting boosts the repair process where cells dispose of damaged proteins and replace them with new ones. Since fasting keeps cells young and functioning at peak condition, it may be an effective tool for anti-aging strategies.

• Whole Day Fasting - The 5:2 Diet strongly discourages drinking alcohol on fasting days and suggests that you drink in moderation on your off days. Once you have reached your goal weight, it is recommended that you fast one day of the week instead of twice.
• Time-Restricted Feeding - Following a menu plan with an established timeline for fasting and feeding (i.e. - eating between 12 noon and 6 pm with food restricted for the remainder of the day) is one of the simplest methods for fasting.
• The Warrior Diet - This relatively extreme eating pattern involves consuming a few servings of raw fruit and vegetables during a 20-hour fasting window, then eating one large meal at night.
• The Daniel Fast - Technically not a diet, the Daniel Fast is a 21-day period of worship, prayer and fasting practiced by some Christians. Actor Chris Pratt recently used the Daniel Fast to lose weight at a quicker pace.

Intermittent fasting is the biggest new trend for restoring good health and an effective tool for managing your weight. Rather than defining fasting as some kind of cruel and unusual punishment, think of it as your opportunity to empower yourself through your daily dietary intervention. A potential danger in blindly using fasting as a health and wellness strategy is an unidentified medication or over-the-counter drugs that can be affected by the reduction in food consumption. People often claim that intermittent fasting makes them feel lighter, brighter, sharper and happier without having to count calories and go to the gym at the break of day.

*NOTE: Due to a difference in hormonal makeup, women have special considerations when fasting. Intermittent fasting is not a good idea for women under 18 years of age, those with a lean body profile, or those with medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or a history of eating disorders. Ask your physician about an appropriate fasting protocol for you.