Intermittent Fasting. Where to Start the Journey

Intermittent fasting is a type of diet during which a person goes through periods of fasting and eating. If you are in need of a better eating schedule or a way to lose weight that does not include any food restrictions, Intermittent Fasting can be a way to go. 

According to recent research, Intermittent Fasting is a healthy way to lose weight. But not only that, but it is also a great way to cleanse the gut while the digestion process is “off,” and it can help you minimize insulin levels.

Still, it is important to remember that there are conditions that do not allow Intermittent Fasting, for example, pregnancy/breastfeeding, history of eating disorders, diabetes, gastritis, and others. 

Once you are sure there are no conditions preventing you from Intermittent Fasting, it’s time to look at the different types of Intermittent Fasting and choose the best one for you. 

There are many different types of Intermittent Fasting: 

16/8: the most common type of Intermittent Fasting, where fasting lasts for 16 hours and eating for 8. 

Eat - Stop - Eat: this type of Intermittent Fasting involves 24-hour fasting periods once or twice a week. Except for those days, the eating schedule stays the same. 

14/10: this type is similar to 16/8, but here, fasting lasts for 14 hours, and the eating window is 10 hours. This type might be easier for beginners since fasting doesn’t last that long, and you can have three full meals in the day. 

So which type of Intermittent Fasting to choose? 

The best thing to do is to start with one type that’s easiest for you and stick with it. It’s important to be consistent and strictly follow the schedule without having “cheat days” or “cheat meals" during the period of fasting. 

One more rule is to still take care of what food you are eating. You are not restricted by what you can eat, but eating healthy is still important. If you choose to stick with the 16/8 method, you need to make sure that during the eating period, you have two full and healthy meals consisting of fats, carbs, and proteins and that you are not eating excessive amounts of sugar out of hunger from not eating for 16 hours in a row. 

Intermittent Fasting is a great way to start your journey on the way to a healthier and stronger body. Find the best fasting/eating schedule for yourself, have healthy recipes that give you enough energy throughout the day, and make sure to stick to your new way of life.

Article by Mary Zakharova