Introduction to Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent Fasting is a way of eating with regular periods of fasting, usually on a daily or weekly cycle. Intermittent means not continuous.
People fast for many different reasons. Many do it for weight loss, which is what we will concentrate on in our website. Some people do it for other health reasons and to help cleanse the liver and cells. These benefits include the control and reseting of hormones related to eating and metabolism, in particular insulin (blood sugar).
There are several different styles or routines of Intermittent fasting and the common feature is a period of at least 16 hours of fasting and 8 hours of eating window. Evidence shows that this is about the minimum amount of time required to completely use up the glucose from your last meal and begin reducing insulin production.
Intermittent fasting is commonly used as a weight control technique. Intermittent fasting is not a diet, it is a technique for weight management. You can eat whatever you like during a non-fasting window. Clean, healthy food is better than junk food though, for optimum results. Intermittent fasting is more concerned with your relationship to controlled eating.
Combined with a sensible diet, Intermittent Fasting is a scientifically proven way to lose weight.
Intermittent Fasting does NOT support eating disorders
Intermittent fasting is a choice for an adult with clear and healthy goals in mind. Intermittent fasting is a weight management technique and if done correctly, is not harmful. Eating too little can seriously affect your health and well-being. Intermittent fasting is designed to force the body into burning stored energy before you refuel again.
If you think you have an eating disorder, you should contact a doctor or medical professional. Intermittent fasting is not for you. Ask your friends and family what they think. Do they think it’s a suitable option for you? Ask your doctor about your health goals.
A quick guide to Intermittent fasting
There are several popular styles of Intermittent fasting. They are commonly referred to as number like 18:8 or 5:2.
If the numbers add up to 24, then it is a daily Intermittent fasting routine and the numbers refer to the hours in the fasting and feeding windows. So 16:8 means 16 hours of fasting and a 8 hour non-fasting window.
If they add up to 7 then it is a weekly routine and the numbers refer to days of normal eating and days of fasting, although their position is reversed. So 5:2 means a routine where you would fast for two days per week and eat normally for five days of the week.
Both system work differently for different people. The main concepts remain the same.
