Is Intermittent Fasting Good For Weight Loss?

Open a magazine or turn on the television and you will see countless weight loss advertisements. One weight loss method that doesn’t get much attention is intermittent fasting. Is intermittent fasting good for weight loss? Let’s investigate. 

Intermittent fasting is a type of plan where a person doesn’t eat any food for a period of 16-24 hours, drinking only liquids.

It’s the exact opposite of what we are told to do, which is to eat small, frequent meals every 3 hours. Many say this is the best way to lose weight naturally, without following a specific diet plan or having weight loss surgery.  

WEIGHT LOSS: HOW IT WORKS

Is intermittent fasting good for weight loss? It’s important to understand and to know how the body uses energy, and how it applies to shedding excess pounds.

The human body gets energy from two sources: the foods we eat and stored fat. The logic here is simple: if we burn more calories than we consume on a consistent basis, we tap into that stored fat, which prompts us to lose weight.  

As a result of this thinking, many people will drastically cut back on calories, hoping to shed excess weight. They will count every calorie, determined not to go over a specific number, say 1000 -1500 calories per day.  

This sounds great in theory, but once the body sees calories are being restricted, it will go into starvation, or survival mode. Instead of burning those calories, it will hold onto every calorie received. In other words, instead of losing weight, a person may even start gaining weight.  

Even on fewer calories. 

This is where intermittent fasting comes into play. 

INTERMITTENT FASTING AND WEIGHT LOSS

By not eating for 16 hours or more, the body has no choice but to use stored fat for energy. Using this fat for energy is natural, but many people never do because they are eating 5-6 times per day. In other words, the body has zero incentive to use this fat if you’re always eating. 

Because you’re not eating most of the day, many confuse intermittent fasting with restricted calorie diets.  This is understandable, because it appears as though you’re starving yourself, but you’re not.  

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There are two distinct differences between the two eating plans: 

• When on a restricted calorie diet, a person limits their portions and how much they consume. As a result, many people on restricted calorie diets are always hungry.  
• With intermittent fasting, you don’t count calories. When you eat, you eat until full. 

By eating until full, this lets the body know it’s not starving, and is free to burn fat to function. Also, by eating less often, a person will end up eating less calories per day, thus further increasing the probability of weight loss.  

INTERMITTENT FASTING TIPS

There are several things to remember when intermittent fasting: 

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Water helps keep the body hydrated, which can also keep you feeling full. Water, coffee and tea are great options. 

CHOOSE HEALTHY FOOD

When breaking the fast, the body needs to be replenished, which means eating nutrient dense foods. Make the meal count by eating plenty fruits, veggies, and lean meats.

Avoid fried, processed, and fast foods as they are unhealthy and high in calories. By not eating junk foods and snacks, this can you help lose weight as well.  

CREATE A SCHEDULE

Eat during certain times of the day. A popular way to intermittent fast is to fast for 16 hours and eat for 8.  

Please note: If you’re taking any type of medication, contact your doctor before trying an intermittent fast. Many medicines must be taken at regular intervals with food.

Do not stop taking your medication or altering your diet without your doctor’s consent. 

If a person is looking to lose weight and not having much success, intermittent fasting may be worth looking too. Is intermittent fasting good for weight loss? Give it a try, your body might thank you!  

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