You might be asking what the heck is intermittent fasting and why does it seem like everyone is doing it?
Intermittent fasting (IF) may seem like the newest trend in fad dieting but there is some real science to back it up. Diets to maintain fat loss are often not sustainable because of their restrictive nature where you have to cut out foods you love.
The amazing thing about IF is that it’s a way to reduce body fat without cutting out food groups. For that reason, you’ve got a lot more chance of this being a viable plan that helps you lose fat long term.
It may be just the thing you need to break through a fat loss plateau or to ramp up your fat burning!
Watch the video to see Dr. Rob explain why!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA8aeYXWDyI
So now that you know the basics here are some things to consider before you start IF!
1. Find what plan is going to work best for YOU.
While 12pm-8pm may work best for someone else, try and coincide your meal time with your activity levels. So if you are the most productive in the morning or you like to workout first thing, you may want to try and start your meal window earlier so your body has enough fuel to feed your body and your brain.
If you tend to be more productive or active in the evening, I would suggest adjusting your meal window to later on. Basically make sure your meals coincide with when you are going to need it the most.
If you choose to fast one or two days a week then make sure those days are lighter activity days for you as well.
2. This is not an excuse to eat crappy food
Eating healthy is still a very important part of your overall health! Consuming quality foods that are high in fiber, protein, and nutrients in the right amount is essential to a healthy lifestyle.
Some people find that they consume fewer calories when they intermittent fast so you want to make sure the calories you do eat are nutritious and serving your body in the best way possible.
And don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Hydration is extremely important and can also help manage hunger during your fast.
3. Be flexible
Any eating plan is not set in stone. IF can be challenging to implement so take your time and allow your body to adjust.
There will be days when IF will not work for you. Expect ups and downs because we are all humans who fail sometimes. Just pick up and try start again the next day, altering your fast will not derail your progress as long as you don’t let it.
4. Is IF going to be beneficial for you?
If you have a history disordered eating, you probably recognize that a fasting protocol could lead you down a path that might create further problems for you. Why mess with your health? You can achieve similar benefits in other ways.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also no ideal candidates for IF. It is important to get the nutrition you need for you and your child!
For more info and and an insider look at what it’s like to do IF check out our previous blog posts on here:
https://www.pricehealth.ca/intermittent-fasting-a-way-of-eating-that-can-change-your-life/
https://www.pricehealth.ca/intermittent-fasting-part-2/
https://www.pricehealth.ca/can-you-lose-weight-without-changing-what-you-eat/
Talk to your practitioner at your next appointment to see if IF is right for you!