Are you trying to lose weight and have tried a MILLION ways to do so? Well, we’re here to tell you about a full proof method that would help you drop the pounds and lead a healthy lifestyle! What we’re referring to is Intermittent Fasting (IF) of course!
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern which cycles between fasting and eating. The most common method used when doing intermittent fasting is the 16-hour fast method. What this means is that within a 24 hour period, one can only eat within 8 hours and the remaining 16 hours have to be spent while on a fast.
If this sounds a little bit insane to you, well, fasting has been a very common practice throughout the evolution of humans. Back then there was no supermarket for anyone to just run to when they’re running short of food. Instead, they had to hunt in order to survive. The thing is that they’re unable to get a feast and sometime they’re even unable to get anything to eat at all. Hence, they have adapted themselves to go fasted for prolonged periods of time! It’s actually more natural to fast from time to time than eating 3-4 meals a day.
How does IF affect you on a Cellular Level?
Here is where it gets tricky and a little bit complicated. Don’t fret, we’ll make it as simple as possible to understand. So let’s dive into it!
When one undergoes IF, there are 4 main things that happen within your body. We have compiled a list for your easier understanding.
Human Growth Hormones Surge ( ) :This has benefits of muscle growth which increases metabolic demand. Hence, this helps in burning fat as well!
Insulin Sensitivity Increase ( ) :This means that your natural Insulin in your body will double up in effort in the absorption of Glucose. What this means is that more glucose will be utilized to fuel your muscles. Therefore allowing your body to have a lower blood sugar level. With the low blood sugar levels, it will help curb the incidence of one getting Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.
Cellular Repair ( ) :When fasted, cells in our body undergoes a process called ‘Autophagy’. I’ll spare you the intricate details of this process. Just know that this is a process where cells digest and destroy old, degenerated and dysfunctional proteins in our body.
Ketosis ( ) : When this stage happens, our liver will break down our fat storage in our body to produce ketone bodies. Ketone bodies, in return, will be used as an alternative source of energy for the heart, skeletal muscles and the brain when Glucose isn’t readily available.
Will this eating method really help me?
Well yes! It does help! Here’s the catch though. While it does have some amazing weight loss benefits, it will never be able to perform to its 100% efficacy just by following this eating regimen. You will also need to incorporate a healthy lifestyle. What do I mean by Healthy Lifestyle? I mean undergoing a Caloric Deficit (Caloric Expenditure > Caloric Intake), 7 hours of sleep every day and adequate water intake. Once you have incorporated this into your Intermittent Fasting Meal Plan, only then will you’ve unlocked the full potential of this meal plan!
Who should AVOID Intermittent Fasting?
IF can be done for mostly everybody! But with every great thing comes with downside. We’ve compiled a list of conditions and if you fall within any one or more of these, you should consult a Doctor before beginning your Intermittent Fasting meal plan.
- Eating disorders
- Pre-existing Diabetes Mellitus
- Pre-existing Hypertension / Hypotension
- Taking Medications
- Pregnant / Breast feeding
- Underweight
- Women who are trying to conceive
- History of Amenorrhea (Primary / Secondary)
With all these being said, go out there and
CREATE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF