Fasting Helps Counter Food Availability

---

In today's fast-paced world, with drive-thru windows and processed convenience foods, you may find yourself eating from morning till night, causing your body to struggle over the long-term. Intermittent fasting shifts your body's energy source.

Intermittent fasting isn't just for losing weight. It has been shown to help regulate blood glucose and insulin levels in diabetes patients, as well as reduce hyperactivity in epilepsy patients by naturally increasing ketone production.

Studies have shown that fasting for specific hours each day or consuming just one meal a couple of times a week can have numerous health advantages. It helps reduce fat mass, manage weight, and improve overall health markers.

Fasting has been used therapeutically since ancient times when the Greek physician Hippocrates recommended abstinence from food or drink for patients showing signs of illness. So if you're tired of the traditional approach, why not give fasting a try.

Responsible Intermittent Fasting Zones

It may take some time for your body to adjust to the new eating schedule, so be patient and give it a few weeks. Also, during fasting times stick to water and zero-calorie drinks. Discussed below are popular methods using different fasting zones, such as:

ALTERNATE DAY FASTING: Alternating between days of regular eating and days of calorie restriction, you can achieve your health goals without feeling deprived. While fasting every other day may be challenging for some, emerging research suggests it has potential benefits for metabolic health, heart health, inflammation reduction, and longevity. Maintain a balanced diet and an active lifestyle on feeding days to maximize your results.

WHOLE DAY FASTING: Whole day fasting requires you to fast one or two days a week by consuming no more than twenty-five percent of your daily caloric needs. You must include on eating day between fasting periods and should include high-fiber and high-protein foods, so you feel fuller with fewer calories. Engaging in a 24-hour fast once or twice a week can lead to calorie deficit and weight loss, but it may not be the best solution for you.

INTERMITTENT FASTING: Intermittent fasting for 10 to 16 hours can trigger your body to use stored fat for energy and may also promote a process (autophagy) that eliminates old or damaged cells and reduces harmful inflammation. However, it is still important to opt for nutritious meals like protein-rich salads, eggs with avocado, and wholesome vegetables, and watch portion sizes to avoid overeating.

Your body was basically built to handle fasting zones and responsible fasting is not considered a cause of nutritional deficiencies. If you do experience symptoms like anxiety or nausea, it’s important to stop and reevaluate your fasting zones.

Fasting Methods Each Have Pros and Cons

It's worth noting that fasting for a day without food can come with side effects such as dizziness and headaches. Plus, after breaking a fasting, there is a possibility of regaining lost weight. In the end, most report feeling better following a fasting lifestyle. Adjusting to fasting may initially cause hunger and discomfort, but most people find that it eventually decreases hunger levels. It's important to note that when you return to your regular diet after fasting, you may initially regain some of the weight.

For some people, sticking to an intermittent fasting routine is more convenient than counting calories daily or extreme calorie restrictions. On the other hand, those with busy or unpredictable schedules may struggle to maintain this method. It's important to prioritize nutrient-dense foods during your eating windows and avoid extreme calorie restriction. However, there can be side effects when abstaining from eating, such as dizziness, headaches, fatigue, low blood sugar, and irritability. It's also important to be mindful of overeating on non-fasting days.

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.