Intermittent Fasting is not considered a diet, but a pattern of eating, where you eat your meals within a specific time period and then fast the rest of the time of that day(for example, eating for 8 hours a day and fasting the other 16). Another version that is not as popular but still considered intermittent fasting is eating your normal calorie intake for 5 days and then for the other 2 limiting your calorie intake to around 600 calories (depending on how many calories you consume on a normal day). This style of eating does not change what you eat it just changes when you eat. Some people say it is the best and most simple way to keep good weight on and lose the bad weight. Here is an example of an eating schedule for someone following this eating style.
* 16 hour fast followed by an 8 hour eating period
So what are the benefits of intermittent fasting?
- A good way to get lean without going on a diet or cutting down calorie intake
- Keeps muscle mass on (unlike some diets where you lose both muscle and fat)
- Helps you lose fat
- Easier than some diets since you don necessarily cut out foods
What are the disadvantages?
- Can be not very sustainable (hard for some people to be restricted to an eating period due to their schedule)
- You don’t know how your body will respond – for some it can lead to more health issues (people with type 2 diabetes etc.)
- Could lead to binge eating during the time you are allowed to eat
- Can have a negative effect on your sleep
There is a lot of evidence showing that intermittent fasting can be a healthy lifestyle and that it is effective in weight loss, however, some nutritionists suggest that the best approach is to find an eating schedule that works for them and is sustainable. This eating style is not recommended for those suffering from advanced diabetes, people who have a history with eating disorders, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important to talk to your doctor before fasting as it can affect your health if you suffer from certain health issues.
All in all, I believe that intermittent fasting is one of the healthier ways to lose weight and to live a healthy lifestyle. I like how it is referred to as a pattern of eating instead of a diet because it makes it seem less intimidating. Of all the diets I have researched, this one is definitely one of the ones that I would consider if I were to change my eating pattern. That being said I personally would not want to be restricted to a certain time period where I can eat and I think it would be hard to maintain with my school schedule.
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for next weeks blog post 🙂
References:
https://jamesclear.com/the-beginners-guide-to-intermittent-fasting
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/intermittent-fasting-surprising-update-2018062914156
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