5 Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is something I came across and started using in 2010. The experience and results were unreal – especially after years of believing that fasting was bad for you and ruined metabolisms, muscle gains, etc.
Back then, nobody I knew had heard about Intermittent fasting. So I learned as much as I could from online forums, specifically a blog called Lean Gains, and then began sharing about it to as many as possible.
It was often met with lots of opposition, doubters, and other trainers who laughed at it. In fact, one of my first online clients gave up coaching with me, because trainers at his gym gave him such a hard time about the fasting aspect.
Fast forward to today, and intermittent fasting is one of the most popular fat loss tools around. Even superstars like The Rock, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), and Terry Crews do it. And the cool thing about intermittent fasting, is that it is 100% natural, won’t cost you a thing, can be implemented right away, and will provide you with some powerful health and fat loss benefits.
If you’ve ever thought about it, I’d definitely recommend it. Here’s five of many reasons why.
1. Fat Loss
Intermittent Fasting helped me get below 10% body fat. It’s not the be-all-end-all, but it did make the process simpler.
Between the 12-18hr of fasting, your body uses fat for energy. When fasting, the first response of the body is to break down glucose (recent food). When the glucose is exhausted, ketosis kicks in. This is a break down of fats for energy, thus promoting fat loss. That’s what intermittent fasting helps to do.
2. Productivity
Increase in mental focus and concentration. During the fast, your body releases more of the stimulant hormones, catecholamines. Mental focus is increased, productivity goes up, and you’ll feel more involved in whatever you’re doing. Simply wake up and get into your day.
3. Digestion
Intermittent fasting gives your body time to properly digest and process all the food you’ve been eating. In many cases, that means less bloating, better elimination, and fewer stomach-aches.
4. Adherence
Intermittent Fasting allows for bigger, more satisfying meals. Instead of eating 6 meals throughout the day, for example, you’d fast for the morning, then eat 2-3 big meals during your eating time instead. It’s a more enjoyable way to eat when you’re on a fat loss plan, and can make it easier to stick to.
5. Healing
There are massive healing benefits. Many of our clients had their blood pressure or cholesterol restored to normal, and all verified by doctors – diet was key too. When you fast, it gives your cells the ability to detox and recycle. Your body is always doing one of two things: digesting or healing. When you fast, your body can use energy toward healing itself instead of digesting.
Tips to Get Started
Fasting Time & Eating Time
I intermittent fast everyday, and have been for 9yrs (as of writing this in 2019). I fast 16hrs from 8pm–12pm the next day (basically skip breakfast) and eat between 12-8pm. Ladies: 14hrs is recommended at first. Eg, 8pm till 10am the next day. Choose a time frame that works best for you.
Hunger Pangs
When your body is use to feeding at certain times, a hunger hormone called “Ghrelin” dumps itself on you to remind you that it’s time to eat. When you start intermittent fasting, ghrelin may trigger hunger pangs, but know that your body will slowly adjust to your new eating times. Stay strong.
Drink Fluids
During the fast, water, tea, or coffee with a splash of milk is fine. Chewing gum helps too.
Intermittent fasting is 100% natural, won’t cost you a thing, can be implemented right away, and will provide you with some powerful health and fat loss benefits.
