“Every inch I’ve lost made is difference in the way I feel.” That quote originally came from my neighbor (and partner in this venture) over a year ago when I got to talking about IF.
Dennis had some experience with fasting all the way back in the 1980s. He was a cyclist and martial artist in his early 30s who used fasting for fitness. Now in his 60s, he was clinically obese even though he was still working out.
He no longer ate with purpose. Athletes learned how to consume calories for specific objectives. Dennis was no different during his athletic period. Now, after raising two boys to adulthood, leading a sedentary life as a publisher and author, he lost most of the reasons for strategic feeding.
When Dennis “got his groove back,” feeding with purpose reignited his desire to cut out snacking, eating late and using his workouts as an excuse to avoid watching his caloric intake.
“Burning off 4 inches from my waistline is such an amazing feeling.”
Intermittent fasting is a popular diet that involves alternating periods of fasting and eating. While it may seem like a difficult lifestyle change, it has many benefits that make it worth considering. In this article, we will explore 7 surprising benefits of intermittent fasting that you may not have heard of before.
1. Weight Loss
One of the most well-known benefits of intermittent fasting is weight loss. By reducing the amount of time you spend eating, you naturally eat fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss [1]. In fact, studies have shown that intermittent fasting can be just as effective for weight loss as traditional calorie-restricted diets [3].
2. Improved Metabolism
Intermittent fasting can also boost your metabolism slightly, which can help with weight loss and weight maintenance. When you fast, your body has to burn fat for energy instead of relying on the glucose from the food you eat. This can help improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health [1].
3. Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation is linked to many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help reduce the risk of these diseases [1].
4. Improved Brain Function
Intermittent fasting has also been shown to improve brain function. When you fast, your body produces more brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a protein that helps with the growth and protection of neurons. This can help improve memory, learning, and overall cognitive function [1].
5. Increased Longevity
Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can increase longevity in animals. While more research is needed to confirm this in humans, some studies have shown that intermittent fasting can improve various health markers associated with aging, such as insulin sensitivity and inflammation.
6. Boosted Immune System
Intermittent fasting has also been shown to boost the immune system. When you fast, your body increases the production of white blood cells, which can help fight off infections and diseases.
7. Improved Sleep
Many people who practice intermittent fasting say that it can improve your sleep quality. When you eat less frequently, your body has more time to digest food and repair itself, which can lead to better sleep quality.
The consistent practice of intermittent fasting has many benefits that go beyond just weight loss. From improved metabolism to increased longevity, there are many reasons to consider trying intermittent fasting. However, it is important to consult with your doctor before starting any new diet or lifestyle change.
Is Intermittent Fasting Safe for Everyone?
While intermittent fasting can be safe for most healthy adults, it may not be right for certain groups or certain health conditions. IF is simply choosing to delay eating for a period of time. But certain health conditions may require a structured feeding plan.
Intermittent fasting has many surprising benefits beyond just weight loss. It can improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, improve brain function, and even increase longevity.
While more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of intermittent fasting on human health, the evidence so far suggests that it can be a valuable tool for promoting overall health and wellness
If you’re interested in learning more about intermittent fasting and how it can benefit your health, there are many resources available. Here are three books on Amazon that provide valuable insights into fasting and nutrition:
- “The Complete Guide to Intermittent Fasting: Learn Everything You Need to Know About Fasting to Improve Your Health, Lose Weight, and Boost Your Mental Clarity” by Jason Brad Stephens
- “The Fasting Handbook: Intermittent Fasting for Health and Longevity” by Dr. Jason Fung
- “The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss” by Dr. Jason Fung
Don’t miss out on the potential benefits of intermittent fasting. Start learning more about this powerful tool for improving your health today!
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