Does Intermittent Fasting Actually Work?
Intermittent fasting, when used correctly for the right person in the right time frame, can be fantastic when weight loss is the goal BUT the key phrases in that sentence are “right person” and “right time frame.”
Many health experts emphasise eating frequent small meals throughout the day, but this approach isn’t right for everyone. Intermittent Fasting (IF), which involves cycling between fasting and eating (different methods split the day or week into eating and fasting periods), can also be a powerful tool in the weight-loss toolkit.
Many studies show the benefits of Intermittent Fasting especially those struggling with obesity. Evidence also shows that alternate day fasting can be cardio-protective.
Who should not use Intermittent Fasting?
- Anyone with big swings in blood-sugar levels
- Anyone with hormone imbalances
- Anyone with thyroid issues
- Pregnant women
- Children
- Orthorexics
- Anyone with a history of eating disorders
Remember calorie restriction can put a lot of stress on the delicate endocrine system which looks after our hormones.
Although Intermittent Fasting can be a useful tool for both men and women, gender can play a role to how successful it is. Men tend to respond better to it as a weight-loss intervention as fasting is more likely to trigger hormonal imbalance in women.
It’s equally important to remember that fasting and intermittent fasting are not meant to be practiced in the long term. Long-term fasting should never be done without a qualified professional. Executed by the wrong person, long-term fasting can do more harm than good.
What is Time-restricted eating?
This means avoiding food for a 12 hour window, say from 8 p.m. until 8 or 9 a.m. the next day. It is generally considered safe and is a fairly common pattern for many people already. But don’t undertake a serious fasting regime without consulting a qualified professional. If your blood-sugar levels fluctuate dramatically or you have a history of hormone imbalance, make sure you have your thyroid function checked before starting.
If you continue using intermittent-fasting for more than a month or two, it would be advisable to have a blood test with your nutritional therapist / GP to ensure that you’re not triggering a stress response or imbalance.
Finally, don’t let the fasting mentality be an excuse to eat whatever you want during your eating hours. Focus on high-quality, nutrient-dense whole foods that support your health.
If you would like to some support in achieving your optimum weight then please click here for a free chat.
What you need to know about testing vitamin D
Did you know, that during the winter, however much the sun shines, you are simply not going to absorb any vitamin D. So it’s really
Everything you need to know about my transformational weight loss programme
Transformational weight loss programme – 12 weeks You can’t just embark on a new diet plan without also taking care of your relationship with food,
What does ‘gut health’ actually mean?
Did you know that 90% of disease can be linked back to gut health? Over the years I have seen numerous clients for all different
Once you pop, you can’t stop – why Pringles are so addictive
Why is it? Once you pop, you can’t stop! Remember this advertising slogan? Can you relate to it? Why is it when we start to
How can I manage a metabolic condition?
How can I manage, and improve my metabolic condition? Whether you have had an official diagnosis or not, you could be on your way to
What is metabolic syndrome and how can it be treated
What is Metabolic Syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is a combination of metabolic dysfunctions in the body which can be; obesity, fat around the middle, type 2
