How to Get Started with Intermittent Fasting

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In the health and weight-loss sectors, intermittent fasting (IF) is becoming increasingly popular. But why? Simply told, it is effective. Many people, including those who are not aiming to lose weight, are discovering the numerous health benefits of this type of fasting, which includes weight loss.

While it is true that one of the most significant health benefits of intermittent fasting is weight loss, there are numerous additional advantages to adopting this lifestyle.

Intermittent Fasting is a Simpler Way to Lose Weight

Yo-yo dieting is not only ineffective at achieving long-term weight loss, but it can also be hazardous to your health. Changing your diet too frequently in a short amount of time can cause a variety of digestive problems, including weight gain and abdominal pain, so you should stick to one strategy and stick with it.

A major reason why so many individuals are finding success with intermittent fasting is because the method is so straightforward. All you have to do is choose one way of intermittent fasting and stick with it, eating healthfully and modestly during the meal intervals and fasting during the other hours of the day, as described above. Really, it doesn’t get any simpler than that.

Related: The Types of Intermittent Fasting and How to Use it to Get Into Ketosis

Intermittent Fasting Can Help With Blood Sugar Control

Extending beyond its ability to aid in weight loss and fat burning, intermittent fasting is also effective at controlling blood sugar levels. When you practice intermittent fasting over a long length of time and in the proper manner, you can begin to naturally increase your insulin resistance while simultaneously lowering your blood glucose levels.

If you follow these steps, you may be able to help cure your type 2 diabetes or perhaps prevent diabetes if you were in the high-risk category previously.

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You Can Increase Cognitive Function

The benefits of intermittent fasting for your cognitive health have been studied in animals, and they have shown that it can aid to boost brain and memory functioning. You can really lower your risk for brain-related illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by following a balanced diet as well as including diets such as intermittent fasting into your routine.

Studies were performed at the Laboratory of Neurosciences at the National Institute of Aging on this very subject.

Related: How to Get into Ketosis Quickly

IF Promotes Healthy Eating

Because intermittent fasting eliminates overeating and forces you to eat with complete awareness when you do eat, it can have a significant positive impact on your general well-being. Nutritious foods have a plethora of health benefits, including those for your weight, heart health, cholesterol levels, and even your bones.

When you practice intermittent fasting, you make an effort to consume nutrient-dense foods during feeding phases, which can assist you in learning to eat more healthfully in general.

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Tips on Transitioning to Intermittent Fasting

In order to get started with intermittent fasting, it is beneficial to have a greater understanding of how it works and what you should and should not do while doing so. The following list contains some do’s and don’ts that will assist you in avoiding some of the more typical mistakes that individuals make when using the internet.

Transition Slowly

Make certain that you do not go on an intermittent fasting regimen without first planning ahead of time and thoroughly researching the various varieties of IF. You may wish to ease into it gradually, for as by completing the 16/8 style of intermittent fasting a few of days a week instead of every day, or by starting with a 12-hour fast and gradually increasing it to 16 hours.

Listen to Your Body

After a while, intermittent fasting can be taxing on your body, especially if you are accustomed to eating six to eight small meals throughout the day. Another reason why you would do better moving to eating fewer meals throughout the day, then switching up the hours until you are following an intermittent fasting routine.

If you are experiencing dizziness or nausea as a result of not eating for an extended period of time, it may be time to reconsider the type of IF you are following.

You may wish to experiment with an IF type that is simply not working for you; nevertheless, this should not be pushed upon you. While you should give each protocol a reasonable amount of time to determine whether or not it is a suitable fit for you, you should avoid spending months feeling uncomfortable and miserable while following a particular IF type. It’s possible that you’ll just have to accept the truth that it’s not a good fit for you.

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Don’t Start Binge Eating

One of the most common mistakes people make when they first begin intermittent fasting is to overindulge in carbohydrates. When you have a brief window of opportunity to eat, you may find yourself wanting to binge eat and eat anything and everything you can get your hands on. This is the very worst approach to go about your business.

Intermittent fasting is not intended to encourage individuals to engage in bad eating habits. You should consume the same nutritious items that you would typically consume, but throughout a shorter time period.

Do Stay Hydrated While Fasting

Check to see that you are staying hydrated while on your fast. People frequently forget to drink water simply because they are fasting and are unable to ingest any food or beverages that contain calories.

You should also avoid consuming any beverages that may lead you to get dehydrated, such as diet sodas and energy drinks. Despite the fact that they are technically permitted, they are not advised.

Related: 12 Tips for Starting the Keto Diet Today!

Stay Busy and Try Not to Watch the Clock

Despite the fact that you want to make certain that you are waiting for the appropriate period of time when fasting, you should avoid allowing it to take over your life. Instead of setting a timer on your phone to remind you when it is time to eat again, consider setting a timer on your phone to remind you when it is time to eat again.

Take Your Schedule Into Consideration

This is useful when you are still in the planning stage and attempting to figure out which sort of intermittent fasting is the best fit for your lifestyle and requirements. Choosing an IF type solely because your friends are doing it or because you want to attempt the most extreme version of it is not a good idea. When you take a look at your existing schedule, you have little choice but to be practical about it.

A 16:8 intermittent fasting diet is not recommended if you have an unpredictable schedule that prevents you from eating all of your meals in just 8 hours each day. On the other hand, if you know you won’t be able to go 24 hours without eating, it might not be the best option for you.

When selecting which one is going to be the greatest fit for you, consider your tastes, your schedule, and whether or not it will have an impact on the people you live with. This makes the change far less difficult to deal with.

Don’t Start it During a New Diet

This is really essential since it can make or destroy your attempt to shift to intermittent fasting. If you are combining intermittent fasting with a new style of eating, such as Keto or a low-calorie diet, you must first experiment with the diet.

It takes time for your body to acclimate to new foods and meals, whether you are following a vegetarian diet or drastically limiting your carbohydrate intake. Try to stick to your new diet for 1-2 weeks before incorporating intermittent fasting into your routine. This will make the move much easier and less stressful.

Intermittent fasting can be beneficial in a variety of ways, particularly when it comes to burning more fat and decreasing weight, but you shouldn’t dive in headfirst. Many people find it difficult to get started straight away and do better with a more gradual shift. For long-term success, consider following these suggestions for easing into intermittent fasting at a more gradual pace.

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