Fasting Is Not a Diet; It’s an Eating Plan

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Many members of the animal kingdom are natural fasters, including reptiles, penguins, seals and bears, who can go without eating for months. And now, some health experts say intermittent fasting can be beneficial for humans too.

Responsible fasting switches between fasting and regular eating on a set schedule. Plus, it has been practiced for centuries as ancient civilizations recognized the potential benefits of fasting for both their health and spirituality.

In today's world of food convenience, your body is constantly on a rollercoaster of blood sugar spikes and crashes. But by incorporating intermittent fasting, you can tap into your body's ability to burn fat and promote healing.

Intermittent fasting might sound intimidating, but fear not. It's a flexible approach that allows you to eat during specific windows of time while leaving the rest of the day for your body to work its magic. And, it will not leave you feeling sluggish.

Time Zones for Age-Old Concept

If you are tired of fad diets that focus on what you can’t eat, responsible fasting takes a different approach by focusing on when you can eat. It is a very simple age-old concept where you only eat during certain times. Listed below are some common approaches for responsible fasting:

ALTERNATE DAY FASTING: Alternate-day fasting involves alternating between days of regular eating and days of limited calorie intake. While there is some concern about a potential decrease in metabolism over time, research shows that alternate-day fasting can have positive effects on metabolic markers, heart health, inflammation, and cellular repair.

WHOLE DAY FASTING: Food scientists recommend 500 calories for women and 800 calories for men on two non-consecutive eating days when following an approach for whole day fasting. It is also important to remember to leave at least one day between fasting periods and do not allow yourself to over compensate by overeating on non-fasting days. While fasting can enhance fat loss, it may not be suitable for everyone.

INTERMITTENT FASTING: Short-term studies show that intermittent fasting leads to weight loss, reduced belly fat, and decreased inflammation. But, maximize your results by consuming whole unprocessed foods and choose balanced meals like salads with protein, eggs with avocado and veggies, homemade protein shakes, or leftover protein with roasted veggies. And don’t forget, portion sizes still matter, especially when diving into more intense time-restricted eating plans.

Sticking to a specific eating window and abstaining from food during the other hours can allow you to harness the potential metabolic benefits of this dietary approach. But, regardless of the fasting method you choose, make adjustments as needed.

Is Responsible Fasting a Good Option for You?

The power of fasting goes way back in history, and it has a multitude of health benefits. It's been scientifically proven to be effective, and researchers are continuing to uncover all the ways it can help us live healthier and longer lives. Going to bed feeling hungry multiple times a week can feel unpleasant and unsustainable in the long run. That being said, most people can adapt to their fasting schedule and some even discover that it reduces their overall hunger.

While fasting has its benefits, it's important to note that there's still much we don't know. Scientists are still researching how fasting affects the body and its systems, as well as the potential long-term benefits of following this eating schedule. Although fasting works wonders for some people, it may not be the right fit for you. Factors such as medical conditions, personal beliefs about nutrition, and individual preferences play a role in determining the suitability of this approach.

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.