Some of you may have heard about intermittent fasting before, if not this is what it is.
You begin to fast from around 7-8 o’clock at night, you then continue your fast until around 11-12 o’clock the next morning. During the time where you eat, you are encouraged to eat less/no sugar as a way of detoxing your body.
I went and tried this fast myself for 2 weeks, to see what it was like. I found it easy enough, however I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone.
This is because a lot of people may struggle and find it very hard and stressful and that is not what you want. I would recommend eating a healthy balanced diet over this fast any day of the week. I still do not like the whole idea of fasting your body to try and loose weight, but if this works for you or you would like to try it go for it!
Find an easy to read chart explaining intermittent fasting with times!
Find below the supposed benefits of intermittent fasting.
Weight loss and fat loss,
Some people may loose weight however if you are a person who would generally eat more than 3 meals a day, you may find yourself having a lot larger meals than normal just to keep you from going hungry. This can then often lead to weight gain or giving up the fasting!
Lower blood sugar levels,
Seen as your body is now in a habit, you are eating less food, and less sugar. Your blood sugar levels will begin to go lower. Make sure you do not let your blood sugar levels go to low. This can be extremely dangerous for your body and could result in you passing out!
Improve overall health,
Intermittent fasting can lower the risk of obesity, cancers, diabetes and also some cardiovascular diseases. Do not think that the only way to lower the diseases above is by intermittent fasting. If you eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly and take care of your body, you will lower your risk of getting these diseases as well.
Tips for intermittent fasting
These are all things that worked for me, and helped me continue fasting.
- Get busy, don’t be lying around. Go do something, go for a walk, run etc. or even tick something off that to do list. Making yourself busy will keep your mind off eating and it will also make you feel more accomplished and you will be in a better mood!
- Carbohydrate rich meals. When you are eating try to eat more carbohydrate rich meals here. Try to stay away from sugar as much as you can and have more fibres and starches.
- Drink more water. Drinking water will help break down food and use it as energy, helping you to feel fuller without eating as much food.
- Herbal teas and coffees. I seen a nutritionist Ciara Ryan had said in one of her blogs that drinking herbal teas, coffees etc. can help you with hunger. Check out that here I tried doing this in the morning and it worked a miracle. However if you are going to be having a tea or coffee stay off added sugar as much as you can. Try not to add any to your drink. The reason you should stay off sugar during this fast is, because it is addictive. If you are having sugar during the day your body will keep wanting it because it is so addictive. Another reason you should stay off it is, it will reduce your blood sugar levels as mentioned before.
If you are going to go on an intermittent diet, make sure you start off slow and steady and work your way up if you can!
Start off by fasting for around 10-12 hours and work your way up!
Don’t feel you have to keep doing this. If you are really struggling you can send me an email for advice, or reduce the fast time. If you feel you really can’t continue with the fast, have a break from it. Try eating a simple balanced diet instead.
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