One of the best hacks I’ve used to accelerate my health gains over the past couple of years has been intermittent fasting.
Wait…don’t go.. bear with me.
In practicality, all this means is skipping breakfast.
What I aim to do is have an 18 hour gap between eating. So I have dinner before 7pm, then don’t eat food until 1pm the next day. At first you need a bit of discipline to not head to the fridge during the evening, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy.
Then in the morning, the coffee machine gets a good work out and I drink plenty of water so don’t really feel hungry until getting on lunch time. I might be a bit strange, but I reckon putting up with a few hunger pangs feels like you are burning body fat while you wait to stuff your face.
I found that as I moved away from carbs and sugar, I didn’t get the urge to need to eat, like I did in the past. Having cereal and toast in the morning, I would be sniffing around the pantry by mid morning looking for a sugar hit. Lots of people report similar reductions in cravings when they go low carb
So what is the reasoning behind intermittent fasting (I.F.).
I.F. has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to improve health and wellness. This eating pattern involves alternating periods of eating with periods of fasting, usually for a period of 18 hours. While the idea of going without food for an extended period of time may seem daunting at first, the health benefits of intermittent fasting are numerous and can be quite substantial.
One of the most well-known benefits of intermittent fasting is the reduction in blood sugar levels. Consuming food raises blood sugar levels, and when this happens too frequently, it can lead to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes. Intermittent fasting allows for periods of time when blood sugar levels are lower, which can help improve insulin sensitivity and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Another important benefit of intermittent fasting is weight loss. Many people find that this type of eating pattern helps them to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight. When you fast for 18 hours, your body is forced to rely on stored fat for energy, which leads to weight loss. Additionally, intermittent fasting can help to regulate hunger hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, which can lead to decreased hunger and an overall reduction in calorie consumption.
Improved brain function is another benefit of I.F. I experienced a substantial change as if a fog had lifted and I could think more clearly. Research has shown that fasting can increase the production of a growth hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is essential for the growth and survival of neurons in the brain. BDNF has been shown to play a role in memory formation, learning, and the prevention of depression and other mood disorders.
In addition to the physical benefits of intermittent fasting, many people report an overall feeling of well-being and increased energy levels when they fast for 18 hours. This is likely due to the fact that fasting allows the body to focus its energy on internal processes, such as repairing damaged cells and removing waste products. Intermittent fasting can also help to reduce inflammation in the body, which has been linked to a number of chronic health conditions, including heart disease and cancer.
It is important to note that while the health benefits of intermittent fasting are numerous, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting an intermittent fasting regimen. Additionally, if you have any concerns about your eating habits or have a history of disordered eating, it is best to seek professional help.
In conclusion, the health benefits of intermittent fasting are numerous and can have a significant impact on overall health and wellness. It certainly helped me. By reducing my blood sugar levels, accelerating weight loss, improving brain function, and reducing inflammation, intermittent fasting provided numerous benefits when I adopted this type of eating pattern.
Now to reiterate what I’ve said in the past, I’m not a doctor or a nutritionist, I just know what worked for me.
If you are interested in trying intermittent fasting, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider and to approach it in a safe and mindful manner.
That said, it’s just skipping breakfast.
How hard can that be?
Thanks for reading.
P.S. have you signed up to my free daily tips emails? The sign up is in the sidebar.
English