5 reasons to do Intermittent fasting
I am going to let you in on my secret to being Summer ready!
Am I presumptuous in saying that summer has arrived?? Now I hope you are not like me and have just had the terrible realisation that you have a few weeks before summer officially starts and you are not summer body ready.
My trusty secret is Intermittent fasting! I am obsessed with this lifestyle!
So what is it?
Intermittent fasting, isn’t that starvation?
At its very core, intermittent fasting simply allows the body to use its stored energy. For example, by burning off excess body fat. Body fat is merely food energy that has been stored away. If you don’t eat, your body will simply “eat” its own fat for energy. The important thing to understand is that there is nothing wrong with that. That is how our bodies are designed.
Why do it?
As well as helping you lose weight, studies show that intermittent fasting can:
· curb cravings,
· improve blood sugar control,
· lower inflammation,
· delay aging,
· lower risk of disease
As if that weren’t enough, it’s also been linked to better sleep, more diverse gut bacteria, and improved mood.
How to do it?
Intermittent fasting offers plenty of flexibility. You can fast for as long or short as you like, but longer fasts you should consult your doctor about. The most popular options are fasting for 16 hours and eating for an 8-hour window (My personal favourite) Or 20 hours of fasting and 4 hours of eating.
You can continue all your usual activities, including exercise, while fasting. You do not need to eat before exercising to provide energy.
So, I should probably list my top tips for surviving your first few days:
· Drink water
· Stay busy
· Drink coffee or tea
· Ride out the hunger waves
Please join me, we can support each other! Bria Francis