Happy Monday!
Topic: Fasting!
The word spread around "intermittent" fasting in particular has soared in popularity over the last couple years and is a topic that I have not spoken about with all of my clients, so let's talk about it today!
While it may sound like a diet fad, intermittent fasting has actually been practiced for thousands of years and is considered a key component of many major cultures and religions for benefits ranging from reduced inflammation to better brain health and beyond.
What is it? Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting for specific blocks of time. This can vary quite a bit based on the style of intermittent fasting; in some cases, you may abstain from food altogether for a certain period, while in others, you may cut back on calories or limit your intake to a few specific food groups. Although it is not particularly clear "exactly" why intermittent fasting is so beneficial for the body, some research has shown that intermittent fasting CAN help reduce oxidative damage to the tissues while also protecting the cells against the harmful effects of stress.
In my experience, three ways intermittent fasting may be beneficial to some (not based on religious intent) are the following:
You have been eating a VERY poor diet constantly for months or years on end and your bodies digestive tract desperately needs or craves the excess time every day to clean the gut before feeding it.
Those who are looking to lose excess weight or body fat but want to enjoy larger meals. Condensing your meal timing will make both of those things happen BECAUSE you are putting yourself in the necessary caloric deficit to lose weight, while satisfying your desire to sit down and enjoy a large meal in fewer sittings.
Lastly, if you are someone who really struggles in finding your bodies natural "hunger queues," from years of restricted dieting or chronic OVER eating, this may be a way for you to re-learn what hunger actually FEELS like by getting your bodies hunger and satiety hormones, ghrelin and leptin, back in sync once again.
****These are all topics, I would be happy to dive into further, as like anything there are many more caveats and rabbit holes to explore with any of you if you want or need further clarification or have particular interest.
But in conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, like everything else I talk about here, it always comes down to this, compliance, consistency and what works best for YOU and your body & lifestyle! It is always important to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too unnecessary extremes for no good reason! Like they say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". If you already feel really good, "happy, hungry and horny", there is no need to make changes in a well oiled and functioning machine.
Finally, please pleas please keep in mind that intermittent fasting is NOT a magic pill or substitute for a healthy diet. Even with fasting, it’s still important to be sure that you’re getting lots of nutrient-dense foods in your diet to optimize your health. Listen to your body, it will tell you everything you need to know. You just need to slow down, take the time and LISTEN.
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