Intermittent Fasting: A Complete Guide
Intermittent
fasting is trending worldwide due to its immense benefits related to health and
weight loss. It is not actually a diet but more of an eating pattern. This
eating pattern is easy to follow and does not involve special recipes and
grocery lists. It is easy on the pocket as well. It can be followed easily even
while traveling and when you don’t feel like cooking. Every diet is not
suitable for every individual, intermittent fasting may suit some people while
it may not affect others. The only way to find out if this diet will benefit
you or not is to try it out. This guide will help the beginners to get the
answers to all the questions related to intermittent fasting or IF.
fasting is trending worldwide due to its immense benefits related to health and
weight loss. It is not actually a diet but more of an eating pattern. This
eating pattern is easy to follow and does not involve special recipes and
grocery lists. It is easy on the pocket as well. It can be followed easily even
while traveling and when you don’t feel like cooking. Every diet is not
suitable for every individual, intermittent fasting may suit some people while
it may not affect others. The only way to find out if this diet will benefit
you or not is to try it out. This guide will help the beginners to get the
answers to all the questions related to intermittent fasting or IF.
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent
fasting is an eating pattern that revolves between fast and feast. It doesn’t
talk about what we should eat but rather focuses on when we should eat. This
eating pattern negates the rule which says “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch
like a prince and dinner like a pauper” for better health and metabolism. In
intermittent fasting, breakfast is mostly skipped (especially if you are
following the 16/8 method of IF). It also rejects the common notion of weight
loss of eating six small meals throughout the day. In intermittent fasting you
take calories only in a specific window and opt for not eating in the other
larger window. Some people are skeptical about this diet as they think that
skipping breakfast is unhealthy. If you skip breakfast and eat healthy food in
the eating window then following this diet is perfectly OK. There are several ways
of doing intermittent fasting or commonly known as IF.
fasting is an eating pattern that revolves between fast and feast. It doesn’t
talk about what we should eat but rather focuses on when we should eat. This
eating pattern negates the rule which says “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch
like a prince and dinner like a pauper” for better health and metabolism. In
intermittent fasting, breakfast is mostly skipped (especially if you are
following the 16/8 method of IF). It also rejects the common notion of weight
loss of eating six small meals throughout the day. In intermittent fasting you
take calories only in a specific window and opt for not eating in the other
larger window. Some people are skeptical about this diet as they think that
skipping breakfast is unhealthy. If you skip breakfast and eat healthy food in
the eating window then following this diet is perfectly OK. There are several ways
of doing intermittent fasting or commonly known as IF.
1. The 16/8 Method
The most common and widely followed
method of Intermittent Fasting is the 16/8 method in which the eating window is
8 hours while the fasting window is 16 hours longer. For example, if you eat
dinner at 8 pm then according to this method you will need to skip breakfast
the other day and have your first meal around 1 pm – 2 pm. Then you eat for a
window of 8 hours and repeat the process all over again.
method of Intermittent Fasting is the 16/8 method in which the eating window is
8 hours while the fasting window is 16 hours longer. For example, if you eat
dinner at 8 pm then according to this method you will need to skip breakfast
the other day and have your first meal around 1 pm – 2 pm. Then you eat for a
window of 8 hours and repeat the process all over again.
Here you are skipping one entire
meal, which cuts down your calories, thus reducing the overall weight. This
feasting and fasting window can be adjusted according to your needs and can be
done frequently.
meal, which cuts down your calories, thus reducing the overall weight. This
feasting and fasting window can be adjusted according to your needs and can be
done frequently.
2. The 5:2 Method
Intermittent fasting can be done by
eating normally for 5 days a week and then restricting diet to 500-600 calories
for the remaining 2 days of the week. The eating days should not involve
binging on junk food and exceeding the normal calorie intake (which varies from
person to person) otherwise it will lead to gaining weight instead of losing. The 5:2
method of IF can be followed on any two days of the week but there should
be at least one non-fasting day in between them. The common planning involves
fasting on Mondays and Thursdays and eating normally with limited calorie intake for the rest of the days.
eating normally for 5 days a week and then restricting diet to 500-600 calories
for the remaining 2 days of the week. The eating days should not involve
binging on junk food and exceeding the normal calorie intake (which varies from
person to person) otherwise it will lead to gaining weight instead of losing. The 5:2
method of IF can be followed on any two days of the week but there should
be at least one non-fasting day in between them. The common planning involves
fasting on Mondays and Thursdays and eating normally with limited calorie intake for the rest of the days.
3. The Eat-Stop-Eat Method
Another way of implementing
intermittent fasting is eat-stop-eat
method where 24 hours of fasting is carried out on anyone or two
non-consecutive days of the week. The remaining 5-6 days should involve
sensible eating choices within the required calorie intake range.
intermittent fasting is eat-stop-eat
method where 24 hours of fasting is carried out on anyone or two
non-consecutive days of the week. The remaining 5-6 days should involve
sensible eating choices within the required calorie intake range.
4. The Alternate-Day Fasting
As
the name suggests this approach of intermittent fasting involves fasting on
alternate days. Its modified version allows 500 calorie intake on fasting days.
It is suggested to keep proper hydration through calorie-free drinks during the
fasting period. The Alternate-Day Fasting is simple and easier to follow as compared to the
other methods of intermittent fasting.
the name suggests this approach of intermittent fasting involves fasting on
alternate days. Its modified version allows 500 calorie intake on fasting days.
It is suggested to keep proper hydration through calorie-free drinks during the
fasting period. The Alternate-Day Fasting is simple and easier to follow as compared to the
other methods of intermittent fasting.
5. The Warrior Diet
The
warrior diet involves an eating pattern that revolves around an extended period
of abstaining from food while overeating in a small window. It follows the diet
rules of ancient warriors who devoured little food during the day and feasted
heavily at night. Those who follow this method are encouraged to eat a little number
of dairy products, raw fruits, vegetables, and no-calorie fluids in the 20
hours fasting window while eating anything in the 4 hours of overeating window.
However, junk and processed foods are discouraged. According to some health
experts this method of intermittent fasting is extreme and inessential.
warrior diet involves an eating pattern that revolves around an extended period
of abstaining from food while overeating in a small window. It follows the diet
rules of ancient warriors who devoured little food during the day and feasted
heavily at night. Those who follow this method are encouraged to eat a little number
of dairy products, raw fruits, vegetables, and no-calorie fluids in the 20
hours fasting window while eating anything in the 4 hours of overeating window.
However, junk and processed foods are discouraged. According to some health
experts this method of intermittent fasting is extreme and inessential.
6. The Unplanned Meal Skipping
One more way of doing intermittent
fasting is skipping any meal when you are not hungry or can’t cook while eating
healthy otherwise. Eating small meals throughout the day for weight loss is a myth.
Not eating food when the body doesn’t want it and eating healthy options otherwise
is a better and natural way of losing weight.
fasting is skipping any meal when you are not hungry or can’t cook while eating
healthy otherwise. Eating small meals throughout the day for weight loss is a myth.
Not eating food when the body doesn’t want it and eating healthy options otherwise
is a better and natural way of losing weight.
Intermittent Fasting Benefits:
Intermittent
fasting has been practiced in one way or the other by people of different
beliefs and religions. It is believed to be a secret of ancient people’s health.
This dietary secret is being re-discovered and is gaining popularity among
masses. If this weight loss technique is not followed properly then it would
result in weight gain instead of weight loss. Some of its benefits are:
fasting has been practiced in one way or the other by people of different
beliefs and religions. It is believed to be a secret of ancient people’s health.
This dietary secret is being re-discovered and is gaining popularity among
masses. If this weight loss technique is not followed properly then it would
result in weight gain instead of weight loss. Some of its benefits are:
1. Weight loss
and fat burning
2. Brain
clarity
3. Reversal of
type 2 diabetes
4. Rejuvenation
of vital organs
5. Lowers the
level of insulin and blood sugar
6. Better
cholesterol levels.
7. Increase in a life span
8. Inflammation
reduction
Side Effects of Intermittent Fasting:
Like so many
other
diets, this diet has some side effects too. The body needs some time to
accept the changes you make in diet and eating patterns which can lead to some
issues. Some known side effects are
other
diets, this diet has some side effects too. The body needs some time to
accept the changes you make in diet and eating patterns which can lead to some
issues. Some known side effects are
1. Hunger pangs
2. Dizziness
and headache
3. Muscular
pain
4. Constipation
5. Anxiety
6. Hair loss
7. Stress
8. Dehydration
Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss:
A series of
changes take place when the body is in the state of fasting. It starts with the
repair process of cells and changes hormone levels which makes easy access to stored
body fats. Intermittent fasting has a direct effect on insulin levels. Higher
insulin levels are related to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and increased
cholesterol. In intermittent fasting insulin level decreases which ultimately
lowers all the above-mentioned conditions, resulting in fat loss and weight
reduction.
changes take place when the body is in the state of fasting. It starts with the
repair process of cells and changes hormone levels which makes easy access to stored
body fats. Intermittent fasting has a direct effect on insulin levels. Higher
insulin levels are related to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and increased
cholesterol. In intermittent fasting insulin level decreases which ultimately
lowers all the above-mentioned conditions, resulting in fat loss and weight
reduction.
How Long Does it Take to Reduce Weight?
The time
needed to reduce weight depends on the goal. Smaller the goal, the lesser the time
would be required to achieve it. It also varies with food choices and
physical activity. Exercise along with healthy food choices are encouraged to
reach a goal much quicker. The effects of
intermittent fasting start appearing after the first 24 hours in the form of
reduced bloating. In 2-3 days sleep and energy levels improve. After 1 week,
sugar cravings reduce with more regular bowel movements. Weight loss varies
from person to person but usually it starts after a week or 10 days if
intermittent fasting protocols are followed properly.
needed to reduce weight depends on the goal. Smaller the goal, the lesser the time
would be required to achieve it. It also varies with food choices and
physical activity. Exercise along with healthy food choices are encouraged to
reach a goal much quicker. The effects of
intermittent fasting start appearing after the first 24 hours in the form of
reduced bloating. In 2-3 days sleep and energy levels improve. After 1 week,
sugar cravings reduce with more regular bowel movements. Weight loss varies
from person to person but usually it starts after a week or 10 days if
intermittent fasting protocols are followed properly.
Who Should Avoid Intermittent
Fasting?
1. Pregnant
woman
woman
2. Breastfeeding
woman
woman
3. People with
chronic diseases and other health issues.
chronic diseases and other health issues.
4. Elderly
5. Underweight
people
people
6. People with
fertility issues
fertility issues
7. People with
eating disorders
eating disorders
Intermittent Fasting Diet Plan:
This diet is
different than others
as in intermittent fasting no special diet plan is required. The main focus is
when to eat instead of what to eat? You can eat anything in intermittent
fasting but sensible food choices and avoiding processed and junk food lead to
weight loss and other important benefits. The calorie intake in the non-fasting period should also be monitored and taken in a normal range. Coffee, water, tea, and other no-calorie drinks can be taken in fasting hours but during
non-fasting hours you should eat the same quantity of food which u would have
eaten if you were not fasting.
different than others
as in intermittent fasting no special diet plan is required. The main focus is
when to eat instead of what to eat? You can eat anything in intermittent
fasting but sensible food choices and avoiding processed and junk food lead to
weight loss and other important benefits. The calorie intake in the non-fasting period should also be monitored and taken in a normal range. Coffee, water, tea, and other no-calorie drinks can be taken in fasting hours but during
non-fasting hours you should eat the same quantity of food which u would have
eaten if you were not fasting.
Intermittent Fasting Beverages:
It is
advised to keep proper hydration throughout the fasting window. Drinking an adequate amount of water and other no-calorie drinks are beneficial. People can
get dehydrated easily with intermittent fasting, install water drinking apps to
avoid it. Black coffee and tea don’t break your fast as long as it has less
amount of cream and milk. You can drink anything with less than 50 calories.
advised to keep proper hydration throughout the fasting window. Drinking an adequate amount of water and other no-calorie drinks are beneficial. People can
get dehydrated easily with intermittent fasting, install water drinking apps to
avoid it. Black coffee and tea don’t break your fast as long as it has less
amount of cream and milk. You can drink anything with less than 50 calories.
Easy on Pocket:
Unlike other
diets for which you have to spend a lot of bucks on making a grocery list, this
diet is simple and doesn’t require any grocery list. All you need to do is fill
your fridge will healthy options
diets for which you have to spend a lot of bucks on making a grocery list, this
diet is simple and doesn’t require any grocery list. All you need to do is fill
your fridge will healthy options
Supplements/ Multivitamins:
Don’t forget
to take supplements while doing intermittent fasting in order to avoid any
deficiency. However, some supplements can’t be taken on an empty stomach and can
be harmful instead of giving benefits. Please consult a doctor and set time for
these supplements according to his recommendation.
to take supplements while doing intermittent fasting in order to avoid any
deficiency. However, some supplements can’t be taken on an empty stomach and can
be harmful instead of giving benefits. Please consult a doctor and set time for
these supplements according to his recommendation.
Best Intermittent Fasting Apps for
Android and iPhone:
If you are
all set for intermittent fasting but lacks motivation then don’t worry, there
are some amazing mobile apps that will give you the right support and will keep
you on your toes. Tracking your progress has now become very easy with the help
of these amazing intermittent fasting apps which are available on Google Play
and the App Store for free. Download the app of your choice and start assessing
your progress now
all set for intermittent fasting but lacks motivation then don’t worry, there
are some amazing mobile apps that will give you the right support and will keep
you on your toes. Tracking your progress has now become very easy with the help
of these amazing intermittent fasting apps which are available on Google Play
and the App Store for free. Download the app of your choice and start assessing
your progress now
1. Fast Habit:
Whichever
method of intermittent fasting you choose this amazing app will keep you
consistent. By setting reminders, fasting length, and using some advanced
features offered by this app you can track your progress and stay motivated.
method of intermittent fasting you choose this amazing app will keep you
consistent. By setting reminders, fasting length, and using some advanced
features offered by this app you can track your progress and stay motivated.
2. LIFE Fasting Tracker:
A great and flexible app for beginners. It has a built-in library and informative articles
which can help beginners in understanding what intermittent fasting is and how
it works, thus enabling them to lose weight by having knowledge of what they
are following, moreover, you can join the fasting circle of your friends for
encouragement and support. This amazing in-app community is enough for
motivation.
which can help beginners in understanding what intermittent fasting is and how
it works, thus enabling them to lose weight by having knowledge of what they
are following, moreover, you can join the fasting circle of your friends for
encouragement and support. This amazing in-app community is enough for
motivation.
3. Zero-Fasting Tracker:
A simple and
easy to use app which has an amazing feature of sending notification related to
start and end the time of fast to the user on the phone. It keeps track of weight
loss and also gives information related to ketones, glucose, and body fat.
easy to use app which has an amazing feature of sending notification related to
start and end the time of fast to the user on the phone. It keeps track of weight
loss and also gives information related to ketones, glucose, and body fat.
4. DoFasting:
A good
training app which not only keep the track of your fasting and non-fasting
hours but also gives personalized work-out plans along with demo videos. It is
simple and easy to use. It has built-in diet food recipes too. With so many
features packed in one app, what else can u ask for?
training app which not only keep the track of your fasting and non-fasting
hours but also gives personalized work-out plans along with demo videos. It is
simple and easy to use. It has built-in diet food recipes too. With so many
features packed in one app, what else can u ask for?
5. Body Fast:
An awesome
app for beginners with the BodyFast Coach feature that enables users to get
individual plans based on progress and preconditions. It offers a number of
fitness challenges and coach users lose weight 30% faster than the standard
fasters
app for beginners with the BodyFast Coach feature that enables users to get
individual plans based on progress and preconditions. It offers a number of
fitness challenges and coach users lose weight 30% faster than the standard
fasters
6. MyFast:
This amazing
app lets you set your goals on a daily basis and informs you when to start and
stop fast. It keeps track of weight loss and water intake and allows you to
see your progress in the form of charts by comparing weight loss to fasting
length. It shows minimal ads.
app lets you set your goals on a daily basis and informs you when to start and
stop fast. It keeps track of weight loss and water intake and allows you to
see your progress in the form of charts by comparing weight loss to fasting
length. It shows minimal ads.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for general purposes only. Please
consult experienced dieticians and nutritionists before following intermittent
fasting and making any changes to your eating pattern.
consult experienced dieticians and nutritionists before following intermittent
fasting and making any changes to your eating pattern.
Intermittent fasting could be considered a natural eating pattern that humans are built to implement and it traces all the way back to our paleolithic hunter-gatherer ancestors. intermittent fasting 16 8