What would happen if you ate only every other day? Would you gain weight or lose it?
As we have seen for Melisa McCarthy weight loss, how diet plays an important role?
There has been a recent surge in the popularity of intermittent fasting (IF), where you eat only during certain hours of the day. This new trend is gaining traction because it promotes healthy living and helps you achieve your fitness goals.
Many Hollywood celebs like Celine Dion came into limelight for weight loss transformation
It seems like a no-brainer that intermittent fasting is a proven technique of weight loss. Several studies show that IF also increases muscle mass and improve overall health. This article will explain why and how intermittent fasting can benefit your weight loss journey.
Table of Contents
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Fasting means abstaining from food, while intermittent fasting refers to eating only in specific periods. Most people who try intermittent fasting do so by going without food at certain times of the day. Many experts believe that there’s an optimal window for eating our meals between 10 am-3 pm, so it’s ideal to try the OMAD approach in these cases, OMAD: one meal a day.
The idea behind this theory is that our bodies need fuel during these hours to function correctly. By skipping breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a few days, you’re essentially giving your body a chance to breakdown the deposit fat.
Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting For Weight Loss
If you want to see some solid proof that intermittent fasting can help you lose weight, check out this study published in Nutrition Journal. Researchers randomly assigned 39 overweight adults to follow a traditional diet plan (eating three regular meals) or an alternate fasting schedule (fasting for 16 hours then eating two everyday meals).
After 12 weeks, both groups experienced similar decreases in their total body fat percentage and abdominal fat. But after four months, the group following the alternative fasted schedule had lost significantly more lean body mass than those following the standard approach.
Intermittent fasting also improves insulin sensitivity, which may contribute to the weight loss benefits. A study published in Diabetes Care found that people who followed a modified version of intermittent fasting saw improvements in their levels of HbA1c, a marker of blood sugar control.
Intermittent fasting isn’t just good for losing weight, though. It can also help prevent diabetes and heart disease. Scientists have long known that when we skip meals, our metabolism slows down. When our metabolism is slowed, our risk of developing high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes increases. So by limiting our calorie intake to fewer than 500 calories per day, you can keep your metabolism active throughout the day.
Another potential benefit of intermittent fasting is that it could help you manage your emotions better. A study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University found that participants who ate less frequently were happier and more positive in their moods than those who ate regularly. That may sound counterintuitive since most people associate feeling hungry with being stressed. However, the opposite was true: Those who skipped meals felt calmer and less anxious.
Are there any side effects of intermittent fasting?
The short answer is no. While many studies have shown that intermittent fasting has numerous health benefits, none have reported any adverse side effects. Several studies suggest that intermittent fasting might be beneficial for people struggling with obesity or other chronic diseases, including cancer. Other than the apparent lack of food, intermittent fasting has no downsides.
What if I don’t like it?
The beauty of intermittent fasting is deciding what works best for you. If you feel like skipping breakfast is too hard, you can always start with 30 minutes of exercise first thing in the morning before breaking your fast. Or perhaps you’d rather try eating one meal instead of two. The key is finding something that works for you to enjoy all the benefits intermittent fasting offers!
How do I know if I’m ready to adopt intermittent fasting?
You’re probably wondering how long you should wait between meals. Unfortunately, there isn’t a set time frame. Everyone’s body responds differently to different types of diets. Some people get hungry within 20-30 minutes, while others get hungry much later. Ultimately, it comes down to experimenting until you find something that works for you. Just remember to listen to your body. If you notice yourself wanting to eat earlier than usual, then chances are you’re not getting enough nutrients from your current diet.
The Bottom Line
It seems like a no-brainer, but intermittent fasting can help you get slim and healthy. If you’d like to give it a shot, consider starting with a 3-day fast once every week. You’ll see how easy it is to stick to, and if you don’t mind having a little hunger, you might find yourself enjoying the benefits.
