You’ve probably seen a lot of my recent posts about the 11-Day Jumpstart Program. I finally joined the program in February, as didn’t want to promote something I hadn’t tried myself and I have to admit…I had never heard of the term intermittent fasting before. I had heard of people fasting but not the term “intermittent” and I have to confess I have never fasted either! So I started doing some further research and want to share what I found with you...
What is Intermittent Fasting & How Does it Work?
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that involves alternating periods of eating and not eating (also known as “fasting”). During the “eating” period, you can eat whatever you want as long as it is Paleo approved; during the “fasting” period, you don't eat anything at all. The most common is 16:8, meaning you eat only for eight hours each day and fast for the remainder.
I recently listened to a podcast episode by Dr. Mark Hyman, How to Do Intermittent Fasting for Weightloss and Better Health, and he explains that after hours without food, the body exhausts its sugar stores and starts burning fat, often referred to as metabolic switching.Intermittent fasting contrasts with the normal eating pattern for most Americans, who eat throughout their waking hours. If you are someone who eats three meals a day, plus snacks, and you’re not exercising, then every time you eat, you’re running on those calories and not burning through the fat stores. Intermittent fasting works by prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat.
The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
There are numerous potential benefits to intermittent fasting, from weight loss to improved digestion. When done correctly, intermittent fasting can help kick-start your metabolism and jumpstart weight loss by reducing insulin levels which causes your body to burn fat for fuel instead of storing it. In addition to its effects on fat burning, intermittent fasting has been linked with improved digestion due to the reduction in stress on the digestive system when food isn’t consumed for extended periods of time.
Furthermore, studies have shown that people who engage in intermittent fasting tend to have lower levels of inflammation in their bodies which may reduce their risk for chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes. Finally, many people report increased energy levels while engaging in intermittent fasting since they are consuming fewer calories throughout the day.
What Can I Eat While Intermittent Fasting?
While you are fasting… you are NOT consuming food but once you enter your eating window, we encourage the Paleo way of eating especially when pursuing the Jumpstart way of life. It is a good blueprint of what to eat, whether you’re trying intermittent fasting or not.
You can hardly go wrong when you pick leafy greens, healthy fats, seeds, and nuts as well as lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. The goal is to reduce the consumption of processed foods, sugars, grains, legumes, and dairy products that can trigger inflammation in the body. I also love drinking both hot and cold tea and adding stevia helped me to get my water intake in! I like adding Young Living Vitality Drops to my water to help me drink more water as well.
But intermittent fasting isn’t for everyone.
Before you try intermittent fasting it is wise to check in with your primary care practitioner if you have any health issues or concerns.
Some people be cautious of intermittent fasting:
- Children age 12 and under
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People with type 1 diabetes who take insulin should be cautious. While an increasing number of clinical trials have shown that intermittent fasting is safe in people with type 2 diabetes, there have been no studies in people with type 1 diabetes. Because those with type 1 diabetes take insulin, there is a concern that an intermittent fasting eating pattern may result in unsafe levels of hypoglycemia during the fasting period.
- Those with a history of eating disorders
Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular over the past few years as more people learn about its potential health benefits. From improved digestion to reduced inflammation and increased energy levels, there are numerous reasons why it is a part of the Jumpstart program. However, it's important to remember that everyone's body responds differently so it's best to talk with a doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen. With these tips in mind, anyone interested in giving it a try can do so safely and effectively!
