Intermittent fasting seems to be the latest trend but it can actually very good for you. I practice it myself and the benefits are enormous. I no longer wake up bloated and my water retention has also improved not to mention the increase in energy.
What is intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting is a fasting pattern where you alternate between periods of when you fast and eat. Usually you will fast between 14-18 hours.
The other way you can do it is by restricting your calorie in take to 700 per day for two days of the week, eating normally for the other 5 days.
Personally I go for the 14-18 hour option.
The 8am – 6pm Fasting Plan
This is the one that works for me and I find it is also good for beginners. You eat between 8am – 6pm. You eat your last meal at 5.30pm. I go to bed between 10 -11pm so this is perfect for me.
I don’t struggle at all with the 14 hour fast and it also gives me the chance to eat my 3 main meals a day with snacks.
I find it easier as I go to bed early so I am fasting mainly as I sleep. When I awake I will have my lemon water and little fruit before having my breakfast.
I practice this every day.
The 12pm – 6pm Fasting Plan
If you are not a breakfast person then this way of fasting is ideal for you. It also means you fast 4 hours more.
You have to find what works for you. As mentioned above I like having my 3 meals a day. Also for me a 14 hour fast is more than enough.
The importance of preparing for any fast
No one shoe fits all and fasting is not for everyone. If you have a healthy diet, fasting will not be a problem. If you tend to eat a lot of processed foods and are generally unhealthy, you will no doubt struggle with any fast. Therefore it is very important to prepare the body. Start by slowly eliminating unhealthy foods like sugar and alcohol.
Always consult your doctor before embarking on any type of fast especially if you have any type of medical condition and are taking medication.
Benefits of intermittent fasting
The results will be clearer skin, an abundance of energy, an improvement in memory and concentration, becoming less acidic and more alkaline with a stronger immune system.
Intermittent fasting also lowers the risk of cancer. It also helps with fighting free radical damage and inflammation in the body. Constant inflammation in the body leads to disease. It is also fantastic for improving gut health.
I hope the above article helps you understand the benefits of Intermittent Fasting and the different plans available to you.
I am a qualified nutritional therapist, so feel free to ask me any questions. If you would like a bespoke nutritional plan please contact me via my Facebook page.