Feeling a Little Hungry Could Be Beneficial to Your Well-Being

Nutritionists say that being a little hungry is the best thing that can happen to you, as it creates a true mind-body connection. Thus, intermittent fasting is great for some people who are trying to shed pounds. If you feel better when you are fasting, it can be a sustainable approach to weight loss and can improve your well-being. Unlike many fad diets, however, fasting is backed by scientific research that has concluded intermittent fasting to be just as effective as low-calorie diets and sometimes more effective at improving body composition. In fact, participants in a recent college study were surprised to report that they felt more energetic working out in the gym on fasting days rather than feasting days.

• Prolonged Fasting - Extended fasting involves fasting for entire days at a time. For example, if you eat a dinner meal on Day 1, you would fast all of Day 2 and not eat again until the breakfast meal on Day 3 for a 36-Hour Fast.
• Just Say No Fasts - It is a myth that people need to eat every few hours or they will hit the wall. The human body is equipped to handle long periods of famine. So, skip a meal anytime you can and do a short fast.
• Fast Mimicking - Developed by a biogerontologist named Valter Longo, the fast mimicking diet came from years of study on the role of starvation and nutrient response genes on cellular protection against aging and chronic diseases, as a method of improving longevity.
• Same Day Fast - According to a recent study at the University of Alabama Birmingham, time-restricted feeding can help individuals control cravings better than those who consumed food as an all-day graze.

The benefits of fasting are similar to those of a low-calorie menu plan but dieting can lead to a vicious cycle of losing weight only to gain it back. Conversely, some studies suggest that due to specific benefits that occur during the fasting window, intermittent fasting has a unique advantage. In fact, a broad range of fasting protocols has shown they can deliver many health benefits, but fast-diets don't always work well for every "body". If your plan is not working for you, it is always a good idea to seek the guidance of a doctor or dietitian that is trained in fasting techniques. For a personalized fasting-diet plan, contact the Metabolic Research Center nearest you for a FREE consultation.

*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.