Intermittent Fasting is something that I’ve dabbled in for the past couple of months, there are a TON of health benefits, including weight loss, improved immune system, and a better relationship with food (among MANY others). 

Ok so what exactly is intermittent fasting? 

Essentially, intermittent fasting isn’t dieting at all, it’s just skipping meals every once in awhile. For some people, intermittent fasting is going without food for 16-36 hours. 

Think about it, we fast every day when we sleep, this is just extending the fasting period =) 

Why eat this way? There are actually quite a few benefits to intermittent fasting! 

Researchers have found that decreasing calories can lead to a longer, healthier life. There is also research that suggests that limiting food intake may reduce the risk of many common diseases. Furthermore, fasting may also increase the body’s responsiveness to insulin, which regulates blood sugar. This can help to control feelings of hunger and food cravings! 

Science shows that it takes your body about 6-8 hours to metabolize stored carbohydrates…then after that happens, your body starts to use your stored fat for fuel. If you are eating every 8 hours or sooner, you make it more difficult for your body to use your fat stores as fuel. Are you sticking with me here? Does this sound like it’s gone against EVERYTHING you’ve been told you’re supposed to do to lose weight? Like you’re supposed to eat every 2-3 hours to keep your metabolism revved up? I hear you! 

Why do I like this way of eating? Because when I eat frequently, I feel like I’m not as in tune with my hunger and I end up eating more out of boredom, or because it’s ‘time’ to eat. With intermittent fasting, I know that I’m eating because I’m really hungry! It has helped me become more aware of my body and it’s hunger cues. 

How does it work? There are a LOT of different ways you can fast! 

One way is to fast for 14-16 hours each day, and then feed for the remaining 6-8 hours. During the fasting period, you consume water, black coffee or tea.  

What’s an easy way of doing this?

I like to fast from 6pm-10am. So after dinner no nibbling on anything (I like to snack!) and eat a breakfast later than normal. 

Another form of intermittent fasting is to fast for longer periods of time, once or twice a week. So you may fast for 24 hours, then eat normally. What is the main rationale behind eating this way? It can reduce your overall caloric intake without really limiting what you’re able to eat–just how often! 

A lot of people think of fasting as a form of deprivation or starving–but let me tell you that that is not true!! Our ancestors did not have food available 24/7! If you’re overweight, think about it…do you eat during most of your waking hours? It’s pretty normal in our society today…EVERYTHING is centered around FOOD! Parties, dates, birthdays, any special occasion, watching TV, etc., etc., etc!! So don’t think of intermittent fasting as depriving yourself, rather becoming more in tuned to your body!

Please keep in mind that fasting isn’t for everyone!!! Some people can do this naturally (like my hubby) while other people (especially you breast-feeding mamas) get dizzy or light headed without frequent feedings. So, as anything, do what is right for YOU! Don’t try intermittent fasting if you are pregnant or have a history of disordered eating. 

Since I love support, I decided to create a free intermittent fasting for women support group! 

If you want to join us, just click here! See you in the group!