Intermittent feeding or fasting – when and why it is used

Content:

  • Definition of the concept of intermittent feeding
  • Principle of action of the diet
  • How Intermittent Fasting Works
  • Basic tips during intermittent fasting

Healthy eating is well known and fashionable in the modern world. But for most people, the concept of intermittent eating is completely unknown. What does this way of eating mean and when is it applied?

Definition of the concept of intermittent feeding

Intermittent fasting is also found as a concept under the name periodic fasting , and also as temporary fasting, by which names it is better known. It is a dietary regime in which food is taken only in certain time windows. The goal of this nutritional diet is to more easily control the amount of calories taken in and dull the feeling of hunger.

The intermittent diet also has other benefits – it speeds up the metabolism and stimulates the growth hormone. The diet is suitable not only for losing weight, but also for getting rid of the many subcutaneous fats.

Principle of action of the diet

It is known that the body uses stored fat for energy and thus burns excess fat. The idea of ​​the intermittent fasting diet is based on this principle of body work . However, it should be clarified that intermittent fasting is a diet that must be handled very carefully, because it can have unexpectedly harmful consequences.

When the body is deprived of food for a long time, it is forced to store up fat. Also, going without food for a long time can lead to low blood or low blood sugar and feeling tired.

How Intermittent Fasting Works

Intermittent fasting goes into two time cycles – of hunger and of taking food. During the first, nothing is consumed. Only liquids can be taken – water, soda, coffee or tea, but only without sugar.

It is desirable that the window during which feeding is stopped is a minimum of 12 hours, but 16 hours is the best option. This means that there are 8 hours of time left during which food can be taken calmly.

The dietitian decides himself how to distribute these hours. 2 main meals can be made in 8 hours – lunch and dinner. In addition, it is good to start fasting immediately after dinner, because sleep time also enters the fasting cycle, and this will ease the regime. It is recommended that the diet be followed 2 to 3 times a week for a period of 2 months to have an effect.

There is another option – fasting for a day, during which only liquids are allowed. It is done once a week, and the rest of the time the diet is normal. Again, it is recommended that the fast start after dinner and end the next day in the evening.

Basic tips during intermittent fasting

– Combining intermittent eating with another diet – a low-carbohydrate diet for example – has better results.

– It is recommended to drink a lot of water during the fasting period – this dulls the feeling of hunger.

– The main meal should not consist only of salad. Strong food is needed, based on products that charge the body with energy and vitamins. Foods with empty calories should be avoided.

– Starving should not become an end in itself, because if you overdo it, you get a yo-yo effect .

 

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