Fasting Says When to Eat Not What

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Intermittent fasting is a well-established practice in the animal kingdom, with many animals being able to abstain from food for extended periods of time. Now, modern-day humans are harnessing the power of fasting for their own health benefits.

With constant eating, our bodies store excess sugar as fat. But, by giving your body dedicated periods of time to burn fat and tap into its innate healing abilities, you can better manage your weight and experience lasting health benefits.

Breaking your fast is just as important as fasting itself. 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.

Overeating and consuming overly processed junk food between fasting periods can undermine your progress. To make the most of intermittent fasting, choose nutritious whole foods for sustainable results that support your goals for healthy living.

Different Zones to Fit Any Schedule

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: Instead of restricting your calories every single day, alternate-day fasting allows you to indulge in your favorite foods one day and then restrict your calorie intake the next. This approach is simpler to keep up with than other fasting methods used for effective weight loss and improved health.

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: When you choose intermittent fasting to restrict caloric intake, even sleep time counts toward the fast, as long as no food or calorie-containing drinks are consumed. Both 12-hour and 16-hour fasting can be effective for shedding pounds, but 16-hour fasting may lead to a greater reduction in caloric intake and promote fat burning. However, the 12:12 Method allows for a longer eating window to meet your nutritional needs.

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.

No More Constant Monitoring of Calories

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. When you consume fewer calories than your body needs and lose weight, your metabolism may initially slow down in a response to perceived starvation. Your body will adjust and the symptoms should diminish.

There are so many different fasting protocols out there that can fit into any lifestyle to improve your general health, enhance metabolic flexibility, shed some fat, and live a better life. Moreover, each protocol offers unique health benefits. With responsible fasting and a well-rounded approach to nutrition and exercise, you can reap the rewards of a healthier and more fulfilling life. However, it’s important to experiment with fasting methods, and 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.