Intermittent fasting is all the rage right now, having recently become an incredibly popular approach to fat loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
Intermittent fasting defines an eating pattern where individuals limit their food consumption to certain hours of the day. Research suggests that it is not only a productive strategy for fat loss but also offers benefits such as improved brain and heart health and reduced inflammation. Let’s take a closer look at the ins and outs of intermittent fasting.
What is intermittent fasting?
It is an eating pattern that switches between periods of fasting and eating. Put simply, it’s not as much about what you eat, but when you eat it. Fasting for a certain number of hours each day can help your body burn fat.
Is it safe?
In short, yes. Intermittent fasting is likely very safe if you are healthy and well-nourished overall.
Our hunter-gatherer ancestors – whose access to food was very different to our own – often couldn’t find anything to eat. As such, humans evolved to be able to function without food for extended periods. It follows that occasional fasting is likely a more natural way of eating than the standard three meals per day that we are used to. It also remains an integral practice in many of the world’s major religions to this day.
However, whilst studies show that intermittent fasting has an outstanding safety profile, it is always highly recommended to consult your doctor beforehand. This is particularly important if you have any underlying health conditions or if you are a woman who is pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive or have a history of amenorrhea.
It is also strongly discouraged if you are underweight or have a history of eating disorders.
Are there different methods?
Yes, there are several different methods most commonly employed for intermittent fasting.
The most popular strategy is the 16/8 method (AKA Leangains protocol) where you limit your intake of food to a set 8-hour window each day. There are other forms of fasting such as the Eat-Stop-Eat strategy and the 5:2 diet.
Should you try it?
Ultimately, this type of fasting will suit some individuals and not others.
Here at Spark Health, our coaches are well-equipped to be able to comfortably advise you on this practice. If you are looking for support and advice about intermittent fasting, and are wondering if it could help to aid your fat loss, we can help.
If you’re looking for help and advice with fat loss strategies such as intermittent fasting, consult one of our excellent trainers at Spark Health Low Fell. Call us on 07725 751171 today.