What is it? Why do it? What are the perks?
Since the beginning of this past summer, I have adapted a new pattern of eating — intermittent fasting; to see what it’s like and how my body responds. As a result, I have waited several months before writing and publishing this very post. Let’s dive in-
Intermittent Fasting (IF) is typically practiced by not eating for many consecutive hours (16 hours fasting), followed by consuming two meals in an 8 hour time frame — such as first eating at 11am and again at 7pm.
The purpose behind IF is to promote the burning of fat that your body would not otherwise access and use (burn) unless in a fasted state.
So why else do it? Why put yourself through hours and hours of waiting for that first meal? Well, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys having 1-2 big meals a day rather than 5 small meals a day, and/or want to be able to realistically go out with friends/family and enjoy yourself without overthrowing your macros, then IF is definitely worth trying.
Furthermore, there are several other positive perks. Some studies have shown that Intermittent Fasting has been linked to potentially reducing cancer, along with extending one’s lifespan, and reducing the risk of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
The transition into training your body to adapt to intermittent fasting can be a struggle at first. If you’re like me, and are used to waking up and having immediate hunger (and a headache until you get your morning joe), it will take time for you to get used to IF. Or, if you’re the type of person whose stomach dictates your mood — in other words, you’re someone who becomes ‘hangry,’ then IF may be more challenging; but lucky for you, you’re human and can adapt. 🙃
If you follow me on Insta, you may have seen on my story that I enjoy myself to Kodiak pancakes almost daily, and fresh, homemade tacos weekly; I am able to do so because of intermittent fasting. Now realize that it’s still very important to have a foundational base of whole foods in your day. You could get away with fitting in a Double Cheeseburger and fries into your macros everyday — but that doesn’t mean you should. Don’t short your body and muscles on nutrients. Enjoy yourself time-to-time, but still be in control and mature about what you are eating regularly. Food isn’t just food; it’s fuel for your body, and an important avenue aiding any body goal(s).
Please note that this is by no means a conclusive post on Intermittent Fasting. I’m merely aiming to give the “gist” of it simply, sharing from what I’ve learned and my experience.
References:
https://authoritynutrition.com
Let’s get social:
IG @hmillerfit
Twitter @hmillerfitness
Youtube Hannah Miller (hmillerfit)
Hannah Miller Fitness Blog 