We’re always looking for ways to lose weight. From dieting to exercising, everyone is trying to find the right combination to shed those extra pounds. One of the latest fad diet trends to emerge is “intermittent fasting.” Some celebrities and wellness gurus are touting the diet as a way to improve overall health and well-being. What is intermittent fasting and how does it work? Let’s take a look.
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Simply put, intermittent fasting is the practice of going between periods of food consumption and fasting. So rather than consuming a large meal, you might eat a small meal (or drink a snack) three or four times a day. During this time, you are considered to be in a fasted state. The goal is to enter into a calorie deficit every day and to do this by controlling how you eat rather than what you eat. This ensures that you will maintain muscle mass while losing the fat.
The Pros And Cons Of Intermittent Fasting
There are a few notable benefits to intermittent fasting. First off, it’s a very low-calorie diet, which can be highly effective for weight loss. According to a study in the journal Appetite, people who followed an intermittent fasting diet for 16 weeks lost an average of 10 pounds without feeling hungry or deprived. Another benefit of the diet is that it takes willpower but very little effort to follow. Finally, many people who try out the diet experience an improvement in their overall health and wellness. One of the main research studies on the subject indicates that those who practiced intermittent fasting experienced a significant decrease in their cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as an increase in their omega-3 fatty acids. The study also found that the subjects who practiced intermittent fasting had thicker skin and fewer wrinkles. So although the diet is new, there is already a lot of data supporting its benefits.
On the other hand, there are some important considerations when following an intermittent fasting diet. For starters, you have to make sure that you are physically able to exercise. Not everyone will be able to follow a daily fasted routine, especially those who are already sedentary. If you are over 35 and want to try the diet, you should also speak to your doctor about whether or not you are up for it. A lot of the time, the doctor might suggest a weight loss medication or procedure, so be sure to tell them about all your medications and any medical conditions you have.
The Perfect Food For Intermittent Fasting
The perfect food for intermittent fasting is not a specific diet food, but instead clean, natural foods. Which means you should be avoiding foods with added sugar, processed foods, and foods high in starch. The diet also requires a lot of water, so you should drink plenty of beverages, particularly water. You should also make sure to include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet. These foods contain vitamins and minerals which are essential for human health. Finally, make sure to include some low-fat protein such as chicken or fish in your daily diet. Together, these foods form a healthy and balanced meal that fuels your body and promotes weight loss.
How Many Miles Per Day Should You Walk To Lose Weight?
There is no specific rule stating that you have to walk a certain number of miles per day to lose weight. However, it is generally agreed that if you want to lose weight, you should walk at least 10,000 steps per day. This can be established by measuring your steps with a pedometer or by using a service like Fitbit. Walking for 10,000 steps equates to approximately 4.5 miles per day. Alternatively, if you want to lose 1 pound per week, you should aim to reduce your calories by 500 per day and increase your activity by 250 minutes per week. This can be easily calculated and will help you determine the right walking plan for your specific needs.