If you’re looking for a way to lose weight without feeling like you’re on a diet, you’ve probably heard of intermittent fasting. Popularized by the fashion industry, the practice essentially means you eat once or twice a day, and you skip the majority of your daily eating time. Scientists have found that intermittent fasting can help people lose weight and improve their health, so it’s no wonder people are interested in trying it out.
How Much Weight Can You Lose in a Week With Intermittent Fasting?
As you might imagine, the amount of weight you lose in a week will depend on how you implement intermittent fasting. Some people might lose a few pounds in a week, while others might lose more. The key is consistency, so if you’re looking to shed a significant amount of weight, you might have to try out the practice for a few weeks before you see any major results.
Why Intermittent Fasting?
Inevitably, you’ll be asked about the science behind intermittent fasting. While the practice has been around for some time, it wasn’t until recently that scientists started researching it and discovering its many advantages. Studies show that intermittent fasting can help people with various health issues, from diabetes to Alzheimer’s disease. It can also improve the general quality of your life. Here’s why:
- Lowers Your Risk Of Heart Disease
- Helps With Digestion
- Suppresses Your Appetite
- Boosts Your Mental Capability
- Promotes Bacterial Growth
- Increases Your Oxygen Consumption
- Improves Your Skin
- And Much More
It’s important to note here that while these are all very good reasons to try out intermittent fasting, it’s not necessarily a quick fix. You should still consult with your doctor before you start any new diet or exercise plan. That way, you can be sure that you’re not hurting yourself and that you’ll see the best results.
How To Implement Intermittent Fasting
If you’re looking to try out intermittent fasting, you’ll need to determine how often you should eat and how long you should fast. There are a variety of approaches you can take, but most people will suggest you try out the 23-hour Diet. This diet involves eating once or twice a day, and you should eat within a specified window of time each day, usually between the hours of midnight and 9 am. So, for example, if you wake up at 7 am and eat breakfast at 8 am, you might have to skip lunch and eat dinner at 5 pm, to be within your 23-hour eating window. Of course, you might not feel like eating at that time, so you might end up breaking down what you can and cannot have throughout the day.
Depending on your schedule, you might find the 16-hour Diet easier to follow. This diet involves fasting for 16 hours, followed by eating a normal meal. So, instead of eating six small meals throughout the day, as dictated by the 23-hour Diet, you would eat three large meals. Since you’re not constantly burning calories, you might find it easier to skip meals or use smaller plates when eating out and save the big ones for when you’re at home. Some people prefer to eat only once or twice a day, so that they can get all their energy out at once and avoid hunger pangs later on. In this case, having a mid-day snack might be a good idea to keep your energy levels up while still adhering to a healthier lifestyle.
What Happens To Your Body During Intermittent Fasting?
If you’re interested in trying out intermittent fasting, you’ll need to understand a few things about how it affects your body. The first and most important thing is that your body does not store fats or carbs in the same way it does for food. This is a very good thing, because it means you will not face the yo-yo-ing phenomenon that is common with many diet plans. When you eat regularly, your body will start storing calories as fats in your belly and thighs. When you fast, those fats will be released back into your system, and if you’re not using them, you’re essentially wasting valuable energy.
Another important thing to note is that while fasting, your body does not produce the hormones ghrelin or cholecystokinin, which are responsible for your appetite. This means that you will not feel like you’re going through the Hunger Games every day. You will also not experience extreme swings in blood sugar levels, which can cause problems for people with diabetes. Overall, it’s a viable option for those seeking to improve their health or lose weight. Not many diet plans can claim that.
How Effective Is Intermittent Fasting In Changing Your Body?
One of the things that make intermittent fasting so effective is the fact that it allows you to take control of your health. While there are various ways you can lose weight and improve your health, there is no guarantee that you will see the results you’re looking for. With intermittent fasting, you are in charge of how you eat and when you eat. You decide what foods you want to include in your diet and monitor how many calories you consume. In addition, you can take advantage of the practice in a way that makes you feel happier and more relaxed. Even better, you don’t have to rely on willpower alone to keep you going. When you experience hunger pangs or cravings, there is always an option of what you can have, whether it’s organic strawberries or a dark chocolate bar. These are the types of foods that give you energy instead of causing you to crave more junk food. This is one of the reasons why many people, myself included, find it easier to stick to a healthier lifestyle when using intermittent fasting. Not only do you have the self-control to not eat the wrong foods, but you also have the option of what you can eat instead.
So, as you might imagine, there are countless benefits to try out intermittent fasting. Not only does it help you lose weight and improve your health, but it also provides you with a better sense of wellness. If you’re looking for a way to take control of your health and to live a happier and more fulfilling life, intermittent fasting can be a good option to consider.