Why Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is not just for those who want to lose weight, but, is meant to really cleanse and lose those unwanted fats and damaged cells in the body.  Many have started to do intermittent fasting as there have been results of people who fasted and seen not just weight loss but dramatic transformation of the overall health.

What is Intermittent Fasting

So, what is intermittent fasting?  Fasting for a period of time and only eat during a short window period.  Intermittent fasting allows the digestive systems in the body to rest.  Intermittent fasting usually range from 12 hours to 48 hours or more of fasting, allowing the much needed rest that the digestive systems needs to rest.

Types of Intermittent Fasting

Depending on the types of food that we consume, our body usually digest food within 1-2 hours.  It is recommended that we consume food after 8 hours. so that our body can get the digestion rest that it needs.

Intermittent fasting is a method of fasting that allow our body to get the digestion rest that it needs.  This is good for the body.

If you are new to fasting, you can start with 12 hours of fasting and proceed to increase the hours of your fast by 2 hours the following day, till you reach your ultimate fasting hours.

12/12 intermittent fasting is where you fast for 12 hours a day and is allowed to eat the remaining 12 hours.

16/8 intermittent fasting allows more time for the body to rest, as you fast for 16 hours and only allow consumption of food within the next 8 hours in the day.

18/6 intermittent fasting is one of the more popular fasting that many follows.  This is where you fast for 18 hours and allow 6 hours of eating window in a day.  You can choose to the time that is suitable for your own schedule.

What is Autophagy

Some research has shown that fasting for more than 24 hours in a day can kick start the autophagy process in the body.  Autophagy is a process where the damaged cells in the body is being removed and replaced with healthy cells, in the body.  Autophagy is the process where the body is cleansed and heal at a cellular level.

What to Eat During Intermittent Fasting

You can drink water during the fasting hours and eat up during the eating windows.

There are no rules on what to eat and what not to eat during intermittent fasting.  If you want to optimize this diet, it is best to eat food that is good for your body and well being.  It is healthy to eat lots of fruits and vegetables for the rich nutrients, fiber and water.  Fish, meat, nuts and soybeans are good source of protein that you can add to your diet.  A portion of healthy carbs like potatoes and whole grains diet is also good for the body.

The Effect of My Personal Intermittent Fasting

I did 18/6 intermittent fasting for about a month, late last year.  I was pleased and amazed with the results it had on my weight as well as my overall well-being.

I lost 2.5kg within a month but what was most shocking was that the pain that I had on my lower part of my legs were gone after the 8th day of my intermittent fast.

Though fasting for 18 hours a day was not a major problem for me then, having to choose the right types of food to consume was.  It took me a while to figure out what was really good for my body.  I cut down all the processed food and snacks that I usually liked, and started adding more fruits and nutrious food and protein into my food consumption.

The pain on my back dissappeared after the 2nd week of the fast.

I saved a lot of money not only because I reduced my snacks and food intake, I also saved quite a bit on going to the chiropractors and doctors for my pain and aches that I had for more than ten years ago.

Would I Recommend Intermittent Fasting

Would I recommend intermittent fasting?  I definitely would.  Personally, I have benefitted from it and I would definitely wish the same or better benefits for those of you, who would like to do intermittent fasting.

Is it easy?

It may not be easy for the first week as we would be tempted to continue to snack or eat during the fasting hours.  But, what better times to overcome your food temptation than this, knowing that the benefits of the fast weighs much more than the pain.

Intermittent fasting may not be for everyone. Before making and changes to your diet, be sure to consult with your physician, especially if you are on any medical treatments.

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