Intermittent fasting is a diet that involves scheduling your meals strictly so you eat during some periods and don't eat during others.
The Benefits
Intermittent fasting can help you ingest fewer calories, lose weight and boost your metabolism. It is also effective for eliminating visceral fat stored in the abdominal cavity.
Potential Pitfalls
Some people who try the intermittent energy restriction diet find it hard to control their food cravings during the hours when they are not allowed to consume anything.
Get the Timing Right
The most common method of intermittent fasting is to avoid eating for 16 hours and then schedule all three of your daily meals into an eight-hour window.
Do Not Overeat
If you eat more calories than you manage to burn off, you will gain weight. Resist the temptation to spend your entire eating window consuming food.
Choose Healthy Options
While this diet allows you to consume all food groups, ice cream and donuts will never be good for you. Always cook your meals from scratch using whole food ingredients.
Make Sure You Hydrate
If you decide to give the intermittent energy restriction diet a go, do not forget to drink enough water during your fasting periods, to prevent becoming dehydrated.
Do Not Overlook Exercise
Intermittent fasting works best if you combine it with regular cardiovascular exercise. Aim to get at least half an hour of cardiovascular exercise 3-4 times per week.
Use Distractions
If you have cravings during the hours you cannot eat, use techniques to distract yourself. For example, make yourself a cup of herbal tea, read a book, meditate or watch TV.
It Is Fine to Feel Hungry
It is easier to succeed at the intermittent fasting diet if you change how you think about food. Remind yourself that it is OK to feel hungry before you eat again.
Safe Weight Loss
For healthy weight loss, aim to shed 2 pounds per week. If you are losing more, increase the window of time when you are allowed to eat or add more calories to your diet.
A Healthier You
Is weight loss one of your current objectives? If you try the intermittent fasting diet safely and correctly, you will achieve healthy, positive results.