Intermittent Fasting.. Should I be Doing This?
Intermittent Fasting
You might have heard of this diet before. Let’s start by defining the term..
Intermittent Fasting is simply an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule, usually a 16/8 split (fast for 16 hours, eat for 8). You abstain from food for 16 hours, though you’re still allowed to drink water and other no-calorie beverages, like plain coffee or tea.
Now a lot of people ask me, is this healthy? Well personally, I’ve been doing this most of my life without even realizing it. I’m not a big breakfast guy, so my first meal isn’t usually until around 12. Then I eat until about 8 at night, maybe have a light snack after and then I’ll fast until the following morning at 12. It works for me and this is just my normal eating schedule.
For you, it may be different. There have been studies that say intermittent fasting helps, but just like any other diet would help.
“Losing weight and being physically active helps lower your risk of obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, sleep apnea and some types of cancer. For these diseases, intermittent fasting seems to be about as beneficial as any other type of diet that reduces overall calories”
While other studies say intermittent fasting “may also lead to an increase in the stress hormone, cortisol, which may lead to even more food cravings. Overeating and binge eating are two common side effects of intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is sometimes associated with dehydration because when you do not eat, sometimes you forget to drink”
So is it good, or not?
If you’re someone who struggles with losing weight because you’re simply in a caloric surplus (eating more calories than you’re burning daily), I’d say try it. It may limit your intake allowing you to be in a caloric deficit (burning more calories than you’re consuming daily) which will help you lose weight.
If you’re not one of these people trying to lose weight, then stick to a regular diet. You can eat more than 8 hours a day just make good choices and cut it off after 8pm. You NEVER want to go to bed on a full stomach because it’s way more likely to turn to fat and if you ever experienced acid reflux like myself, you’ll want to avoid this as much as possible.
And lastly if you’re trying to gain weight, disregard this blog. This diet does not apply to you because you need to be in a caloric surplus anyway so you have to eat.. A Lot..
Listen to your body!!
You Got This!!
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