Breakfast is often considered the nutritious and important meal of the day. However, it seems that the coming in of trends like intermittent fasting, the importance of breakfast is vanishing. The more people are adapting to intermittent fasting, the more they are giving up on breakfast.
Keto diet was one of the trendiest diets to be followed. This low-carb diet was believed to help people shed off those extra calories at a rapid rate. However, the coming in of intermittent fasting seeks to break all the trends. The increasing popularity of intermittent fasting among all generations is proving to be a great boost.
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Is intermittent fasting something new?
Although the concept sounds to be something new, it surely isn’t something new. Intermittent fasting is a form of diet that all of us have been doing in some form or another. But, how do we know it is intermittent fasting? Well, we’re all sleeping at some part of the day and skipping our meals. Intermittent fasting isn’t something complex but skipping the meals.
The time between which you have your meals is often referred to as “fasting”. The term may be a little new but then it isn’t something extremely odd. It is something that you all do. The only difference in intermittent fasting and general fasting is that intermittent fasting is generally for a longer period.
What is intermittent fasting?
People have often fasted for a night or two depending on the scarcity of food or religious occasions. Intermittent fasting, as the name suggests is a form of fasting only. However, fasting in intermittent fasting is for a shorter time and requires you to skip your meals.
Why prefer fasting?
Before starting with the diet most people tend to ask why they should go on with intermittent fasting. One of the main benefits is that the human body is adapted to fasting for a long time. This, however, is now proven with scientific studies as well.
Various researches have shown that intermittent fasting can play an important role in increasing the longevity of life. It is further helpful for lowering blood glucose levels, controlling blood lipid and lowering the risk of coronary diseases. Moreover, fasting plays an important role in weight management as well.
Studies have also shown that fasting can either prevent or cure cancer in the early stages. Many people do not believe but intermittent fasting can play an important role in helping you maintain lean mass.
Can I begin intermittent fasting as well?
Before starting with your intermittent fasting diet, it is necessary to know that this diet isn’t for all. It may work perfectly fine for some people and exactly the opposite for all.
Just because it is intermittent fasting, doesn’t mean that everyone can adapt to it. Skipping meals and then consuming high-calorie food would be of no benefit to your intermittent fasting. Many people would often agree that skipping meals and consuming high-calorie is one of the right processes, it necessarily is not.
Most people often have a hard time coping up with intermittent fasting. You should strictly be avoiding this kind of diet if you are suffering from health issues. IF can turn out to be a major issue for many people. Hence, everyone must keep a check on it.
When should you not do intermittent fasting?
There are certain situations and conditions, under which you will be prevented from indulging in intermittent fasting. Some of the most common ones include the following
- You are pregnant
- You have a chronic eating disorder
- You are stressed very much
- You have sleeping disorder or issues
- You have just started dieting or physical exercise
Things to consider before intermittent fasting
If you have made up your mind about getting into intermittent fasting, you will need to consider a lot of things. Some of the realities of intermittent fasting include
Easy to meet goals
Calorie restriction can boost up your weight loss process to a significant aspect. If you are fasting, you tend to have a check on your calories. This will eventually lead you to lose weight.
Easier day
You can easily skip the pressure of preparing meals. This is because you would get to eat your meal once-twice a day. Therefore, you wouldn’t need to be worried about your meals every 2-3 hours.
Inexpensive
Compared to other forms of diet, intermittent fasting is less expensive and efficient. You will need to prepare fewer meals a day. Therefore, there is no extra expenditure.
Better insulin sensitivity
Apart from helping you lose weight, intermittent fasting can be of great help in maintaining your weight as well. Therefore, you are sure to get an attractive physique within very less time.
Tips and Tricks to make fasting easier
If you are aiming at healthy and effective fasting, you need to ensure that you work for it. Instead of just hopping on your meals, you need to follow steps that can play an important role in easing the process.
Don’t freak out
If you are dieting and there are constant thoughts about food in your mind, intermittent fasting won’t be of any help. Instead of freaking about how and what to eat, you should just relax. Your body is sure to adapt to the changes. But you must stick to what you follow.
Go for fasted walking
This may sound a little odd but fasted walk in the morning will not only help you lose weight but also prepare you for a positive start to the day.
You can always go for zero-calories
If you are skipping your breakfast, you can always have zero-calorie beverages such as green tea, hot water or black tea. While diet soda is acceptable, it is necessary to limit consumption.
Keep a check on results
Right from the day you start intermittent fasting, you need to ensure and keep a check on your results. Apart from strength training, you need to check how much you’ve lost. Every time you lose calories, make sure that you check it.
Intermittent fasting isn’t for all but if it suits your body type, you should surely go for it. You might as well consult your fitness trainer before beginning the diet, for better advantages.
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