Intermittent Fasting: A Quick Overview

Intermittent Fasting: A Quick Overview

I think intermittent fasting is the perfect accessory to macro counting. It completes the whole look. Not necessary, but a plus!

Since beginning Intermittent Fast a few years ago, I have appreciated its many benefits. I think a common misconception about it is that it’s a diet.

To be clear, intermittent fasting is not a diet. One of the benefits of intermittent fasting is fat loss, but that is not its’ sole purpose. I like to think of it as a “reset.” Taking your body back to its factory settings where it can function at high levels to produce maximum focus, energy, muscle growth, and repairs.

About Intermittent Fasting

The science behind intermittent fasting lies in the way the body produces insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows your body to use glucose, or sugar, from the foods you eat. If you frequently eat throughout the day, your body always has a ready supply of glucose, decreasing your insulin sensitivity. Reduced insulin sensitivity makes it harder for you to lose weight and gain muscle.

Conversely, after a period of fasting, your insulin sensitivity increases.  Fasting decreases the amount of glycogen (stored sugar) in the body. Fasting regularly gets the body into a habit of using glycogen stores instead of using sugar from the food you recently consumed. This, in turn, increases your insulin sensitivity and turns your body into a fat-burning, muscle-making machine. If you are fasting consistently, the food introduced into your body is used to build muscles instead of converting to glycogen.

Questions about fasting?

  1. Q: Do you have fast every day for it to be effective?

    A: NO. Even 2-3 days a week helps!!! I have my last meal around 8-9 pm and fast until 12-1 pm the following day!

  2. Q: Why do I fast?

    A: SO many reasons. When I'm fasting, I want less food. My blood sugar levels are stable, and I have almost no cravings! I eat when I want to and find more flexibility and freedom.

  3. Q: How often do you eat during your eating window?

    A: I eat two big meals (protein, veggies, and rice) and two small snacks like protein bars or protein shakes. PLUS 100oz water daily!

  4. Q: What is your fasted/eating window?

    A: Typically, I’ll fast from 8 pm until noon the next day and eat from 12 pm - 8 pm.

 

Do you have any other questions? Let me know in the comments or on my latest IG post!


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