The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Fitness

Some may wonder why I am posting here about part of my fitness routine when I typically post on online marketing.

There are a couple reasons, first I ALWAYS notice my biggest wins in business tend to come at times my health is doing good. (and vice versa)

IF (Intermittent Fasting) while not being specific to my Health & Wellness business it does let people know about it.

 I recently just got back into a regular intermittent fasting schedule and I am already feeling some results with it.

I tend to stick with the more common 8/16 cycle, meaning I have a eight hour window for eating and 16 hours of fasting.

Some days this can be a challenge for sure, however in the long run it works for me.

I definitely may have cheat days, especially when I have events where food is available.

Depending on my schedule, I may fluctuate with the 8/16 cycle. The point being we have our lives to live and we can't always stick to strict schedule 100% of the time. Well, I can't at least.

Intermittent fasting is a dietary approach that involves alternating periods of fasting and feeding. The most common method involves fasting for 16 hours and consuming all your calories within an 8-hour window. This approach is commonly known as the 16/8 method, but there are several other variations, including the 5:2 method, where you eat normally for five days and restrict calories for the other two.

One of the main benefits of intermittent fasting is its potential to promote weight loss. By reducing the number of hours you have to consume food each day, you naturally reduce your calorie intake, which can lead to weight loss over time. Intermittent fasting can also help reduce body fat, particularly around the belly area, which is often associated with an increased risk of disease.

Another key benefit of intermittent fasting is its potential to improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and when your insulin sensitivity is low, it can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help your body burn fat and build muscle more efficiently.

Intermittent fasting may also have other health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and promoting cellular repair. Some studies have even suggested that intermittent fasting may help increase longevity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and 

Alzheimer's.

To implement intermittent fasting into your routine, start by gradually increasing the amount of time you fast each day. Begin with a 12-hour fasting window, and gradually work your way up to 16 hours. During your eating window, focus on consuming a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Remember to stay hydrated during your fasting period, and consider incorporating gentle exercise such as walking or yoga to help manage hunger and improve overall health.

In conclusion, intermittent fasting is a powerful tool for improving fitness and overall health. By restricting food intake to certain periods of the day, you can promote weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases. If you're interested in trying intermittent fasting, start by incorporating it gradually into your routine and be sure to focus on consuming a healthy, balanced diet during your eating periods.

If you really want to kick up your Health & Wellness goals there are many ways to get going without a whole new diet or fitness program.