We’ve probably all heard of intermittent fasting. It has skyrocketed in popularity over the last couple of years. Many people find that it’s an easy and sustainable way to lose unwanted weight. People have been drawn to it because they’re on the keto diet, and together, could helo lower insulin levels. Others found scientific research backing up intermittent fasting to be a fast way to lose weight. Other health benefits found have been more energy, better digestion, less bloating, better memory, sleep, and skin. Intermittent fasting is all about the time you eat, and not what you eat, making it an attractive method for many people looking for another way to lose weight. It’s not about the diet. You don’t have to be vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo, or low carb. You can eat what you want, just in your eating window. Let’s dive into some of the benefits.
According to Amy Shah, MD, a double board-certified medical doctor, and wellness expert, intermittent fasting is closely related to exercise because there are different types and levels of intensity. By fasting overnight, or circadian fasting, not only will your insulin levels improve, but also your blood sugar, inflammation, blood pressure, and weight. However, Shah says, “Some studies show no significant difference between IF and traditional eating-healthy plans when it comes to weight loss.” So this is still up for debate. But if you are looking to increase your energy, digestion, and sleep, you can aim for 12 to 16 hours of fasting, most of which is happening while you sleep. But keep in mind, intermittent fasting is not for everyone. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, underweight, or have disordered eating in your past, it is best to avoid this method.
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The healthiest kind of intermittent fasting is the one that feels the easiest to you, one you can sustain while feeling physically and mentally great. Intermittent fasting is not to be looked at as a diet, but rather a lifestyle change, because it’s pretty flexible. You can change your fasting schedule to work better for your life and goals. It’s meant to make your life healthier. But it’s not just about the health benefits. Many people may also free themselves from a restrictive diet mindset and gain a better relationship with food and our bodies.