Periodic Fasting Is Common to Religious and Cultural Fasts

The benefits of fasting mimic those of calorie-restricted diets, which have been used successfully for weight loss and weight maintenance. 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 (especially in obese patients) to help retain muscle mass while shedding pounds — the more muscle the better the burn. Intermittent fasting is quickly becoming one of the most popular techniques for losing weight, and for good reason. A fast can be incorporated into almost any diet plan or lifestyle.

• The Crescendo Method - This fasting technique is used on non-consecutive days of the week and involves 12 to 16 hours of fasting on rest days as opposed to training days. The Crescendo Method is a popular choice with women.
• Periodic Fasting - One of the extreme methods of fasting, periodic fasts can last for several days. Dietary intake is limited calorie-free fluids to force the body into full fasting mode instead of alternating between fasting and feeding.
• USC's Fast-Mimicking Diet - The Fast-Mimicking Diet create at the USC Longevity Institute involves consuming small amounts of food while still reaping the benefits of fasting based on the selection of foods consumed.
• Occasional Prolonged Fasting - If your goal is to shed lots of weight, extended fasting (up to 36 hours) may be the restricted eating technique that you were searching for online. But, eat healthy and don't binge once the fast is over.

An abundance of current weight loss research suggests that intermittent fasting is an effective longevity tool. What makes fasting an appealing dietary solution is the reduced burden for grocery shopping, menu planning, meal preparation and eating. It simply saves time and money. If you struggle with managing blood sugar levels, hormonal issues or chronic health concerns, speak with your physician before launching an intermittent fast. 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.