Intermittent Fasting:

A Brief Guide for Beginners

Author: Jamie Smith

Published: 5/06/2024

Introduction

In recent years, more people have begun to practice intermittent fasting because they believe it can do more for their health than simply help them lose weight. By eating and then not eating for specific periods of time, called intermittent fasting, it allows the body to enter a state that may aid in various bodily processes.

Better insulin response, accelerated metabolism, less body edema, and possibly even extended life expectancy are all benefits of intermittent fasting. Adherents of intermittent fasting frequently report improved mental clarity and improved appetite control.

Popular Types of Fasting

Many people follow different plans for intermittent fasting each one has its own timing and way of doing things.

The 16/8 approach means one fasts for 16 hours straight and then eats everything they want in the next 8 hours. Think of it like this: if you finish your dinner by 8 in the evening you won’t eat again until noon rolls around the following day.

The 5:2 Diet involves eating without restrictions for five days each week while limiting calorie intake to about 500-600 on the other two days which should not follow one another directly.

In the Eat-Stop-Eat method you go without eating for a whole day. This happens once or maybe twice in a week where for 24 hours you don’t eat anything at all.

In the practice known as Alternate Day Fasting one switches back and forth between days where they eat normally and days where they either don’t eat at all or eat very little.

Many newcomers find the 16/8 plan a good place to begin. It works well because it matches the body’s overnight fasting period and gives you a fair amount of time to eat when the sun is up. Still, picking a method that suits how you live and what you like is key.

Closing Thoughts

Keeping your body hydrated is key when you dive into intermittent fasting mainly in those times when you’re not eating. Sipping on water plain tea or even black coffee might just be what you need to fight off those hunger feelings. It is also a good idea to fill up on foods that are rich in nutrients when you eat so you can be sure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs every day.

Starting slow with intermittent fasting allows your body to get used to a different way of eating. Kick things off by fasting for just a short time and then bit by bit make those fasting windows longer as it feels easier for you. Listening to what your body tells you and making changes to your methods if you start feeling unwell is just as important.

Intermittent fasting brings many perks but it doesn’t work well for every person. People dealing with health issues like diabetes or problems with eating habits need to talk to a medical expert before they try intermittent fasting.