The fasting diet has been around for thousands of years, and was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans in order to help them maintain their health and wellness. While it fell out of favor for a time, it has come back into popularity over the last decade or so, as people have become more and more interested in maintaining their overall health via alternative diets that don’t require counting calories or eliminating entire food groups (something the fasting diet doesn’t do). Interested in learning more about this fast-growing eating trend? Here are 10 facts you didn’t know about the fasting diet.

What Is Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is a term that describes any type of eating schedule that restricts when and how often you eat. Some people fast for more than 24 hours at a time, some fast for just 12 hours and others choose to go without food for one or two days per week. With so many different types of intermittent fasting out there, it can be hard to keep track of which is best for you.

Does Intermittent Fasting Hurt to Start

While fasting to lose weight is a common practice, many people have not considered how hard it can be to get started. One of the most difficult parts of fasting is actually hunger. This may seem counterintuitive because you are abstaining from food and should therefore feel more hungry. However, it’s important to remember that when you fast for long periods of time, your brain releases less leptin which is the hormone that causes you to feel hunger pains.

What Are The Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting

Fasting is not a diet, it’s an eating pattern. As one of the most recognized experts in nutrition and fasting, Dr. Jason Fung says, Diets are about restriction; fasting is about emancipation. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a form of calorie restriction that requires going without food or caloric beverages for 12-48 hours each week. It might sound extreme at first, but many who have tried it actually prefer it to traditional dieting.

How Fast Can I Lose Weight By Doing Intermittent Fasting

If you’re looking to lose weight, Intermittent fasting is an effective way to kick-start a diet. Basically, this type of dieting involves varying periods of eating and not eating. With the intermittent fasting diet, the person will fast for 16 hours (usually by skipping breakfast) then eat their normal three meals for eight hours. The intermittent fasting can last for up to six months before it needs to be broken and restarted again.

How Long Should I Do Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is not a one-size-fits-all plan. It works best if you abstain from food for a predetermined amount of time, usually between 14 and 36 hours. Some people choose to only fast on a weekday, while others might fast every other day or even just one or two days a week.

Will I Get Hungry While Doing Intermittent Fasting?

When you fast, your body enters a ketosis state. This state is defined by low glucose levels in the blood and increased production of ketones which are produced by fat. Ketones act as energy sources instead of carbs or sugar, so you’ll have to be mindful of hunger cues in this state.

How Can I Make it Easier For Myself To Stick To The New Healthy Routine?

• Put Your Goals in Writing Write down your goals so you have a tangible reminder to keep you on track and motivated. Keeping your goals somewhere where you can see them every day will also help remind you of what is most important to you and motivate you in difficult moments.
  Shop Seasonally Planning your meals around seasonal produce is easier on your wallet and typically healthier as well!

What Is The Best Times Of Day To Eat During A Fast?

Eating on a fast day depends on what type of fasting you are following. There are three types of fasting: intermittent, daily and alternate-day. Intermittent fasting is when a person takes in nothing but water for between 16 to 36 hours. This type of fasting is usually done one or two days a week. Daily intermittent fasting is when people only eat within an eight-hour window.

Can Older People Or People With Medical Conditions Also Do IT?

Older people and people with medical conditions can also do it, but they have to pay attention to their health. Older people and those with some medical conditions will need to consult their doctor about doing a fasting diet before starting. Some of the medical conditions that could lead to complications include diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), asthma, cardiovascular disease, or others.

Can you do intermittent fasting while breastfeeding?

Intermittent fasting is defined as a cycle of fasting where an individual reduces their calorie intake at specific intervals. For example, this may mean fasting one day per week. While we don’t know all of the long-term effects of intermittent fasting, or whether it’s safe during pregnancy, I can see why some people might find this way of eating appealing if they’re not breastfeeding.