Awhile back, I posted a link to my favorite intermittent fasting (IF) articles and websites. I have come across a new article that I think is fantastic and wanted to share with you all. This article discusses 15 beneficial effects of intermittent fasting such as increased longevity, glucose tolerance, and boosted immune system and cites scientific studies that support these effects. Take a look and enjoy!
I'd also like to add in my two cents about IF in case you've forgotten about my post from awhile back.
There are many different ways to fast. Some individuals do one 24 hour fast once a week to improve glucose sensitivity. Others do the 16/8 fast where you fast for 16 hours and eat in an eight hour window. Others do interval fasting where you don't eat for one day but then have the next day to eat ad libitum. Caloric restriction also has similar effects to intermittent fasting, however, I have greater support for IF because I think it is easier to maintain long-term than reduced food intake.
I follow 15/9 IF schedule and I have found it to be extremely helpful in regulating post-prandial energy drops as well as an increased awareness of true hunger signals vs. boredom. Most days I fast for 14-15 hours before breaking the fast with a high protein meal such as an omelet with a piece of Ezekiel toast or Greek yogurt with berries, nuts, cinnamon, and flaxseeds. Because I am still eating the same amount of calories I don't find IF to be hard to manage. I usually finish dinner around 7 and break my fast at 10 the next day, which is very similar to most people's eating schedules. I have been doing IF for so long now that I don't even feel the urge to eat breakfast first thing in the morning when I wake up. I also find that waiting a couple hours before eating breakfast in the morning helps me wake up and encourages me to drink more water and tea before beginning my day.
Have you ever tried intermittent fasting? Would you give it a try?
Let me know in the comments!
I'd also like to add in my two cents about IF in case you've forgotten about my post from awhile back.
There are many different ways to fast. Some individuals do one 24 hour fast once a week to improve glucose sensitivity. Others do the 16/8 fast where you fast for 16 hours and eat in an eight hour window. Others do interval fasting where you don't eat for one day but then have the next day to eat ad libitum. Caloric restriction also has similar effects to intermittent fasting, however, I have greater support for IF because I think it is easier to maintain long-term than reduced food intake.
I follow 15/9 IF schedule and I have found it to be extremely helpful in regulating post-prandial energy drops as well as an increased awareness of true hunger signals vs. boredom. Most days I fast for 14-15 hours before breaking the fast with a high protein meal such as an omelet with a piece of Ezekiel toast or Greek yogurt with berries, nuts, cinnamon, and flaxseeds. Because I am still eating the same amount of calories I don't find IF to be hard to manage. I usually finish dinner around 7 and break my fast at 10 the next day, which is very similar to most people's eating schedules. I have been doing IF for so long now that I don't even feel the urge to eat breakfast first thing in the morning when I wake up. I also find that waiting a couple hours before eating breakfast in the morning helps me wake up and encourages me to drink more water and tea before beginning my day.
Have you ever tried intermittent fasting? Would you give it a try?
Let me know in the comments!
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