Intermittent fasting for weight loss; a myth or facts?

/uploads/i_Stock_1375039697_dfa58dbaa3.jpg

Book Now to Experience
S6 Body Sculpting Treatment

1 Minute Self-Registration

Date should not be before minimal date

I have read and agree to the Privacy Statement and Terms & Conditions

Author: Puteri Fikri|2024-3-15

Fasting for weight loss has been going for quite some time but having the exact terms to it is quite recent. Having the goals to lose weight is not uncommon in our society, especially the one with extra kilos will definitely be trying hard to shed them. By checking out your body mass index, you can determine which calorie restricted diet you can choose from.

Does intermittent fasting vary from a normal diet?

The eating habit called intermittent fasting alternates between periods of eating and fasting. These include the 16/8 hour fast (fasting for 16 hours and eating periods within 8 hours), the 5:2 diet (eating normally for 5 days, reducing calories on 2 non-consecutive days), and fasting for 2 days.

Includes examples of common intermittent fasting techniques (little or no food on alternate days). Intermittent fasting is commonly led to weight loss strategy, but it may improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation, among other health benefits.

Which diet can I choose as a newbie for intermittent fasting

For those first timer to this one diet trend, the hour fast that you can try is eating only for eight hours each day and fasting the other sixteen. Or you could decide to only eat one meal each day on two days per week and have alternate day fasting. For obese adults, it is advisable to start alternate day fasting which will not give higher impact to their health benefits.

There are numerous variations of intermittent fasting plans. According to study, the body runs out of sugar after several hours without eating and begins to burn fat. This is referred to as metabolic switching and helps weight loss.

16:8 method

The 16/8 hour fast is a type of intermittent fasting where you fast for 16 hours and then eat within 8 hours. For example, by having time restricted feeding for yourself, if you finish your last meal at 7pm, you won't eat until 11am the next day. In this eight hour window he consumes all the calories for the day. Also known as the Leangains method, this method is the most common type of intermittent fasting.

How does this diet work?

The idea behind this method is to give your body enough fasting hours to burn fat and improve insulin sensitivity. It is also seen as an easy way to incorporate fasting into your lifestyle rather than just implementing daily calorie restriction. This will give you enough time to eat throughout the day while still allowing you time to do other activities.

5:2 and alternate day fasting method

The 5:2-diet is a type of intermittent fasting in which one eats normally on 5 days of the week and has standard calorie restriction of 500-600 calories on the remaining 2 non-consecutive days of the week. Aside from that, there is also alternate day fasting which allows you to fast every other day and eat a normal diet on non-fasting days. The concept is still similar to a 5:2 diet which involves eating 500 - 600 calories per day.

How is it different from the normal diet trend?

Like any other diet, intermittent fasting also keeps your calorie restriction at a certain limit, however, the idea behind this method is that the body switches from burning glucose as the primary source of energy to burning stored body fat, which can reduce body weight but still can maintain muscle mass. This diet includes insulin sensitivity and glycemic control.

Benefits of intermittent fasting routine

It also has potential benefits in improving inflammation health, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and extending its lifespan. It is important to note that you should always consult your doctor beforehand as one may have serious health concerns or cardiovascular disease that is not suitable with this diet. Intermittent fasting also can be a savior to reduce metabolic disease risk factors for obese adults.

I have started intermittent fasting but I don't really have the energy to keep going, what should I do?

There are few challenges that you might face during this process and the major one is your cravings! For someone who has access to food almost 24/7, restricting him or herself from eating could be a major challenge. Without having a proper mindset, you could easily slip into getting back into your normal eating routine. Thus, in order to keep going strong, you must have strategies up in your sleeves as well. For instance, water should be one of your best friends during intermittent fasting, but drinking them can help to curb your hunger and suppress your appetite. There are beverages like black coffee, tea and mineral water which are permitted during the fast as long as they are taken without sugar and cream.

Have a meal prep and you are good to go

Next, you need to plan your meals really well as it will help you to stay on track and not go on rampage during your time restricted window. There are tendencies that you might be wanting to munch on snacks all along during eating window. People with low blood sugar should prepare beforehand as they could be having a harder time coping with the fasting periods. This is why you need to prepare healthy diet snacks beforehand such as fruits, nuts and vegetables that are readily eaten. As any other diet plan which implements a balanced diet will help with your weight loss. Adding a meal that contains whole grains can help to keep you feeling full for a longer period and consume fewer calories.

Getting enough sleep could actually help you to lose body weight

Did you know your sleep is related to your cravings? By getting enough sleep, you can actually feel a lot less hungry. Thus, it is very important to keep your sleeping schedule intact to actually start weight loss.

Unveiling The Truth Behind Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss

Weight Loss Before And After: The Weight Loss Journey Of Someone With Obesity

Protein Shakes For Weight Loss: Yay or Nay?

Can I lose weight with apple cider vinegar?

Can we have breakfast during intermittent fasting?

One of the other crucial things to keep in mind for your intermittent fasting protocol is to find other activities that can keep your head and hand busy. Get to understand between the cravings that are often triggered by emotions and stress rather than by actual hunger. We have been taught that breakfast is the most important meal of the day which is why if your eating window falls during this period, you should never skip breakfast.

Although intermittent fasting means you have a time restricted eating discipline, you can always go for a high-protein breakfast which will help to keep you feeling full throughout the day. Lean protein like plain greek yogurt, tofu, beans and peas will actually be getting you eating fewer calories.

Fats could also help you lose weight! Wait, what?

Yeah, you read that right. Adding healthy fats to your diet could satisfy your hunger for a longer period of time. Although someone who is on a diet would have continuous calorie restriction, adding healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olive oil in your diet, could actually lead to weight loss. The downside of practicing intermittent fasting routine has the risk factors of losing lean muscle mass. Thus, having a high fat diet which contains both saturated and unsaturated fats can help someone to feel full faster compared to consuming carbohydrates.

Benefits of intermittent fasting besides losing weight

Many studies have shown that intermittent fasting can have noteworthy advantages for the body and brain, including altering the way that cells, DNA and hormones work. The body goes through a number of changes when you go without food for a period of time. For instance, your body starts to have cellular repair procedures and adjusting hormone levels to make body fat that has been accumulated more accessible. Insulin, which is a hormone that controls the amount of glucose in the bloodstream will be controlled through intermittent fasting, which then promotes fat burning. Human growth hormone (HGH) levels also can rise which then promote muscular growth and fat loss. While on cellular level, the body induces important cellular repair activities, such as clearing off waste materials from the cells.

Can intermittent fasting manage your insulin level?

Intermittent fasting also can help an individual to cut down weight and visceral fat. Instead of trying to lose weight, intermittent fasting will curb the number of meals taken as you will have a tight time restricted diet. With this, then basically the individual ends up restricting calories per day. By lowering the insulin levels, increasing the HGH levels and norepinephrine, the use of energy in the body can be facilitated and thus promoting the breakdown of body fat. Thus, short-term fasting raises metabolic rate and helps to burn even more calories, which means bringing down body weight. Research also has shown that intermittent fasting helps to remove visceral fat. Parts of the study participants were shown as a result of reduced waist circumference over a period of 6 to 24 weeks of intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting can also increase the body's production of human growth hormone (HGH), which can boost metabolism and promote weight loss. , can burn stored fat for energy. This can lead to greater fat loss over time. Intermittent fasting can also help improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Thus, practicing this diet is suitable for people with insulin resistance. It's important to note that intermittent fasting can be an effective weight loss tool, but it's not a magic solution. It is also important to consult with your doctor or licensed nutritionist before starting any new diet or exercise plan, especially if you have any health problems or are taking medication. This diet could also improve blood sugar regulation because as you track your food into having lower calorie intake and limit sweet treats, your sugar level will be improved. Not only beneficial for weight loss, having a proper fasting schedule will help you to be more disciplined.

Does this diet have any major side effects?

Your intermittent fasting works by burning calories consumed in your last meal but it could lead to some common side effects as your body may experience physical stress response due to sudden change in your eating habit and have to undergo a time restricted eating schedule. The side effects can be : Hunger : In the early stage of intermittent fasting, you will feel hungry especially during the fasting period since fewer calories are consumed. Headache : Some people experience headaches while fasting, especially during the first few days of intermittent fasting. These headaches can be caused by changes in blood sugar levels or dehydration. Stagnation : Some people may feel more tired or sluggish during the fasting period, especially during the first few days after starting intermittent fasting. Hypersensitivity: Some people may experience more irritability or mood swings during the fasting period, especially in the first few days after starting intermittent fasting. Constipation: Intermittent fasting can disrupt bowel regularity and lead to constipation, which can be caused by reduced food intake or dehydration. Difficulty falling asleep: Intermittent fasting can disrupt normal sleep patterns and lead to sleep disturbances and insomnia. It's important to note that these side effects are usually temporary and will go away as your body adjusts to your new eating habits. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, we recommend that you consult your doctor or registered dietitian to determine if intermittent fasting is right for you. Fasting allows you to eat less during the day and burn fewer calories overall. The tighter your meal window, the more time you have to plan and prepare your meals, so you're more likely to end up consuming healthier foods that can influence your weight loss.

Is this diet safe for people with high blood pressure?

It may be safe for people with high blood pressure, but it may not be right for everyone. High blood pressure, also known as high blood pressure, can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. is in a certain state. Intermittent fasting has a positive effect on blood pressure by improving insulin sensitivity, regulating blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.

So when and how should I start this diet trend?

With proper research and knowing what your body really needs, you can always start small. Starting with a time restricted window of 8:16 can help you to practice as it is very uncommon for some to undergo fasting.

After getting the groove of having fasting periods, you can change into 12:12 or even the golden 16:8 method. Theoretically, an intermittent fasting plan is not just some typical low calorie diet, there is a way of getting you to be disciplined and actually start weight loss.

How long does it take to actually start losing weight?

Like any other diet, calorie counting is always important. You will have to undergo daily caloric restriction during your non fasting period. If you manage to accompany your weight loss journey with exercising, the results would be even better and faster. Having endurance exercise like jogging, brisk walking and aerobic exercise could increase your breathing and heart rate. As you give in to your own desires, remember that it's also important to be kind to yourself and not be too hard on yourself. Intermittent fasting is a lifestyle change, not a strict diet. That's why it's important not to blame yourself too much when you fail, but to find a way that works for your weight loss process. Although you will not directly gain weight when you stop practicing intermittent fasting, having proper weight maintenance is necessary. This is to avoid you being back at square one with your weight loss. In general, it is recommended to abstain from all caloric restriction, including high-calorie foods and beverages, during the fasting period of intermittent fasting. Everyone with the aim to have weight loss should lead a healthy diet and balance it out with continuous caloric restriction.