Every year, there is a new super food in the market or a new way of dieting to lose weight and be healthy. One that is becoming popular in recent days is intermittent fasting. Does it really have health benefits and promote weight loss? Here is what you need to know.
What is intermittent fasting? It is a diet plan that allows you to eat during a specific block of time. You may fast for a certain number of hours every day or even for days at a time. While a diet focuses on what you eat, intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat. Nowadays, people are consuming food throughout all waking hours and not exercising much, so the body is constantly being fueled with energy and storing fat. The intermittent fasting makes your body exhaust the sugar store and use the stored fat as a fuel because there are no calories coming in from food during the fasting period.
What are the benefits of intermittent fasting besides weight loss? Studies are showing that it can improve memory, immune system, heart health, gut microbiota, blood sugars, insulin resistance, and physical endurance.
Is it OK to eat whatever you want during the “eating” hours? If you are serious about losing weight, the answer is no. Any extra calories consumed that are not being used as energy will be stored as fat. It is important to be mindful of food choices and the amount you are consuming, otherwise you can pack tons of calories in a short period of time.
How to Start Intermittent Fasting
If you are thinking about trying intermittent fasting, consult with your doctor and discuss meal and snack ideas with a registered dietitian.