Intermittent Fasting

 

Fasting has become quite popular. Why would we want to fast? Luisa shares all you need to know about intermittent fasting for 69 News WFMZ’s Eve Russo in this recent segment. Read on to learn more below!

If you are a foodie, fasting helps you be more controlled with your eating.  Eating the good stuff at the right time helps to boost metabolism, can help with weight loss, and can help with overall inflammation. We have enjoyed watching the Olympics with the amazing feats of the athletes.  Intermittent fasting is popular with many athletes because it can help with muscle growth and repair. 

We do not starve ourselves when fasting. That is not healthy. Fasting is when you choose for a period of time to limit what you eat to benefit your health.   We all fast everyday – every morning, we BREAK the FAST.  

Intermittent fasting is about “BREAKING the FAST” to benefit your health, which involves cycling between periods of fasting and eating.

You will want to check with your physician to see if healthy for you.  Not while pregnant or nursing, diabetes or any other serious medical condition. 

It’s easy to get started. Most people eat breakfast at 8 am and finish dinner at 7 pm.  This means that for most of the day your body works hard on breaking down your foods.  Find a time of day where it is convenient for you to eat the majority of your food. Perhaps 9 am to 3 pm. Or noon to 7 pm.  Always start slowly.  And never BREAK the FAST with a big meal.  Make it light and healthy.  Smoothies and salads are a great idea. Nothing greasy or lots of carbs. No cakes or cookies to break a fast.

If your desire is to lose weight - Body fat is really food energy that has been stored away. When you are fasting, your body can use some of these reserves. 

There are some critical things to remember when fasting:

  • Drink water a must

  • Eat a small meal: Eating a large meal immediately after a fast can strain the digestive system.

  • Chew food well

  • Incorporate healthy meats and veggies during mealtime 

  • Eat cooked foods: Go for foods that are easier to digest, such as cooked vegetables instead of raw.

If you feel like cheating – Go ahead! Just follow our cheating rules. Here are some options that are good:

  • Bone broth

  • Coconut Water

  • Water/ Lemon or Lime Water

  • Tea/Black Coffee

TRY IT! Many people really like how they feel! Remember - No strict rules when fasting.  Start slow.  Keep meals within 6 or 8 hours and listen to your body!

 
Luisa Szakacs