What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is a cyclical style of eating that involves restricting eating (calories) for a period of time or a window. There are many variations of fasting, and not one way is the right way to dot it. However, ‘fasting mimicking diets’ (which isn’t actual fasting) has health benefits that are similar to fasting, but it is not to the exact extent as what true fasting is at a cellular level. Fasting encourages humans to use upon glucose stores, ketone bodies and fat stores and research suggest health benefits can ensue from this style of eating.

What are the benefits of fasting?

It can benefit your waistline and body composition goals, can help with damage control following a blow out with your diet goals, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. Prolonged fasts do activate autophagy pathways (natural regeneration process) and allows for the clearing away of damaged cells. Metabolic pathway works best when in a circadian rhythm, meaning consuming food when your metabolism is most active is a great idea. Following time-restricting supports this notion. Fasting isn’t for everyone, if you’re unsure touch base with your Nutritionist or health professional.

What are the different types of fasting:

  • Intermittent fasting (fasting for up to 24 hours)
  • Prolonged fasting (when you start fasting for 2 days or longer)
  • Time-restricted eating (popular method! Involves eating when your metabolism is optimal. Fasting might involve 16 hours, and eating all your food for the day in an 8 hour period. For example, eating all meals between 9am-5pm. 

Best way to break the fast:

Eat some protein to raise your IGF-1 levels (think of growth), as well as some carbs (carbs allow for IGF-1 to be more bioavailable).