Intermittent fasting is one of the popular weight loss methods that have emerged over the past decade or so. If you are like most people, then you might find yourself wondering if this is just a fad that will soon be forgotten and if it is a safe way to lose weight.
Intermittent fasting is not like most diets. As a matter of fact, it is not technically a diet. It is more of a different way of scheduling meals. While intermittent fasting, you are only allowed to eat during a small range of hours.
There are different ways to perform intermittent fasting (or IF). The most popular schedule is the 16:8 format. When using this, the person only eats during an eight-hour window. This means when the person eats their last meal of the day, a 16-hour window must pass before their next meal. The person only consumes water during this window.
For example, if a person has their last meal at seven at night, then they would have to wait until 11 the next morning before their next meal. It is okay to substitute water with coffee and tea as long as neither sugar nor milk is added.
People who try IF often end up consuming fewer calories than they normally would even though that is not the goal of this eating routine. The goal is to force the body to burn fat reserves by depriving it of other sources of energy.
For best results, focus on high-quality foods that are rich in proteins, fibers and essential nutrients. Avoid consuming large quantities of carbohydrates since they can end up as fat reserves.
As far as safety is concerned, there is nothing wrong with fasting for 16 hours a day. The body is designed to go for significantly longer periods without any food intake. IF has become popular because research and science back it up. IF is not only safe, but it has also been proven to be quite effective.
It should be noted that the fasting period should never be longer than a day since that can put unnecessary stress on the heart. People with low blood sugar or other chronic health issues should talk to a doctor before starting IF.
Intermittent fasting might not be viable for people with low blood sugar since they need to prevent their blood sugar from dropping to dangerous levels. People who have dealt with eating disorders in the past might not be ideal for IF since it mimics the cycles that often develop with these issues.
People who are on medication should work that into their eating schedule if possible, or try other weight loss techniques. Anyone who is pregnant should be eating well, not restricting their food intake in any way.
IF is an effective weight loss technique that has been backed by research. It allows you to lose weight and burn fat without having to constantly count calories. Contact us to learn more about IF and other effective ways to lose weight.
Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118 for an appointment in our Fresno office.
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