Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

*This is an old post and I am currently writing a new blog post explaining fasting. Talk to your doctor before trying fasting.*

There has been lots of studies released about the benefits of intermittent fasting (not eating for certain periods of time). There are many time blocks that you can follow, such as 10 hours, 16 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, even 10 days! Lauryn Evarts, the creator of The Skinny Confidential, and Katie Wells, the creator of Wellness Mama, both practice intermittent fasting and both approve of fasting!

Katie Wells practices a 10 day fast once every year. She does not eat breakfast if she's only slightly hungry in the morning, she does not believe in forcing yourself to eat. On her blog, she talks about how fasting can help with anti-aging, preventing cancer, allowing your liver to rest, muscle growth, fat loss, and mental health!

Taking a break from eating can help you feel gratitude. In our society, food is all around us. When you break your fast, food will taste more amazing and you'll be grateful. A simple way to incorporate intermittent fasting is to start have a 12 hour no eating block. This sounds like a long time; however, you would be sleeping for about half of this time. This means you could stop eating at 8 pm and begin eating at 8am.

Click here to view her blog!

Lauryn Evarts highly recommends that while you are fasting you need to stay hydrated. Lauryn also recommends that you should break your fast with a smoothie. Get that fiber, protein, and healthy fats in immediately after you break your fast.

Fasting clears the mind, regulates insulin levels, and enhances hormone stability. Some people also don't eat before working out. Of course, if you feel like you are going to pass out, EAT! Talk to your doctor if you are not sure if you should practice fasting.

Click here to view Lauryn's blog.

It makes sense that fasting has been proven to be beneficial, our ancestors were hunters and gatherers and would eat high-calorie meals than would not eat for several hours or even days. Fasting is part of our genetics!

Pregnant women should avoid fasting during their pregnancy because they need to eat 350-440 more calories more than they were before they got pregnant during their second and third trimester.


Hope these tips help!
Love,
Gabby