You might be surprised to know that intermittent fasting could already be a part of your routine without you even realizing it. It’s a simple, yet powerful approach to eating that has gained a lot of attention for its health benefits. In this post, we’ll delve into the world of intermittent fasting, exploring what it is, how it works, and the various ways it can contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health or just curious about this popular health trend, let’s uncover the secrets of intermittent fasting together.
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
The practice of intermittent fasting is not a new fad. The old-timers’ started their day with morning chores before sitting down to a hearty breakfast before going to the field or more strenuous chores. This was, in essence, an intuitive intermittent fasting.
It’s fascinating how this traditional pattern aligns with what we now understand about the benefits of giving our bodies a break from constant eating. By reconnecting with these time-honored practices, we not only pay homage to the wisdom of past generations but also embrace a lifestyle that’s gaining recognition for its positive impact on modern health.
Intermittent fasting simply means you do not eat for a certain period of time. Popular cycles or routines of intermittent fasting are the every other day, the 16:8, and 5:2 methods. For most of us, it’s 10-12 hours between our supper meal and breakfast. This is where breakfast got its name, break (the) fast.
Since we began intermittent fasting daily, we’ve seen many health benefits. We use the 16:8 method. This means we fast for 16 hours then we eat whatever we want of what God has blessed us with for the next eight hours.
We usually eat something light around the 16th hour and then have one big meal around 3-4 PM. From the time we finish our meal until at least the 16 hours have passed, we don’t eat. We’re not denying ourselves. We simply aren’t hungry. Oftentimes, it’s 18-20 hours before we feel hungry.
While we’ve found our rhythm with the 16:8 method of intermittent fasting, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience can differ. This approach to eating isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s deeply personal and varies based on individual lifestyles, health conditions, and personal preferences.
Some may find alternate methods more suited to their needs, while others might need to tweak the timings to fit their daily routines. Embracing this practice is about finding what works best for you, listening to your body, and adapting as needed. It’s a journey of personal discovery, aligning your eating patterns with your body’s unique requirements.
What We’ve Gained from Intermittent Fasting
We first began intermittent fasting as part of our efforts to lose weight. It has helped us shed some of the weight stress and comfort eating had put on us.
For me, it’s helping me lose the stubborn menopause weight I was struggling to shed. I also started intermittent fasting to break insulin resistance in my body. Diabetes runs in my family, and I was beginning to see my blood sugars rising.
I was also experiencing the early stages of high blood pressure. By implementing intermittent fasting, which helps in weight loss, blood sugar management, and hormone issues, my blood sugars are back to normal and I have no issue with high blood pressure.
I believe intermittent fasting, in addition to removing processed foods, decreasing our sugar intake, and switching to Einkorn wheat flour, created the perfect balance for our bodies to deal with our health issues.
We want to share this information with you and what we’ve learned so you can make an informed decision on whether to implement intermittent fasting to manage your health.
Beyond the tangible benefits like weight loss and improved blood sugar levels, intermittent fasting has brought a deeper sense of balance and well-being into our lives. It’s more than just a dietary change; it’s a shift in how we approach our daily routines and our relationship with food.
We’ve found a newfound appreciation for the meals we eat, and our bodies feel more in tune with natural rhythms. This journey has not only been about managing health issues but also about nurturing a more mindful, harmonious lifestyle.
Studies on Intermittent Fasting Benefits
Recent studies on intermittent fasting have shed light on its numerous potential benefits. Some of the studies have shown the benefits to include:
- Improved fat burning leading to weight loss
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Balanced hormone levels
- Healthy cholesterol levels
- Improved body composition
- Blood sugar regulation
- Decreased risk of heart disease
- Increased activation of stem cells
What’s particularly striking is how these studies echo the wisdom of our ancestors from 100 years ago when an early “fast-breaking” meal was reserved for the very young, very old, and very ill.
“Breakfast was seen as medicinal,” BBC History’s Ian Mortimer writes. “People might be prescribed ‘a breakfast of…’ as a means to sustain them in illness or old age.”
We’ve learned a lot by experience, but we’ve also learned from Dr. Berg. If you are interested in implementing intermittent fasting, I recommend you watch this video from him. His video offers a great starting point for anyone considering this lifestyle change, blending modern science with practical advice. You can use this link to Watch Dr. Berg’s Video on Intermittent Fasting.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Intermittent Fasting
- What exactly is intermittent fasting?
- Intermittent fasting involves not eating for a certain period each day. It’s a simple yet effective approach to eating that can bring various health benefits.
- What are some popular methods of intermittent fasting?
- Common methods include the 16:8 (fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window), the every-other-day approach, and the 5:2 method.
- How has intermittent fasting benefited your personal health?
- I’ve found it helpful for weight loss, especially menopause-related weight, and in managing blood sugar levels, which reduces the risk of diabetes.
- Can intermittent fasting help with other health issues?
- Yes, it’s been beneficial for managing my high blood pressure and overall well-being. It’s more than a diet; it’s a lifestyle change.
Wrap UP
The practice of intermittent fasting is more than just a diet trend. It’s a return to a more natural eating rhythm, one that our ancestors unknowingly practiced. From its potential health benefits like weight loss, improved cholesterol levels, and blood sugar regulation, to the personal stories of transformation, intermittent fasting offers a unique path to wellness.
Remember, it’s about finding a method that resonates with your body’s needs. With resources like Dr. Berg’s informative videos and a community of shared experiences, embarking on this journey can be both enlightening and deeply rewarding.
As always, we’re here to help.
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