Making Weight Loss Easier
Intermittent fasting can change the function of hormones, cells and genes, Sawyer says. “Changes in hormone levels makes stored body fat more accessible and initiates important cellular repair processes. When you fast, insulin levels drop, and human growth hormone increases. Your cells also initiate important cellular repair processes and change which genes they express.”
Why Its Hard For Women To Get A Six
We know low-energy diets can reduce fertility in women. So can being super lean. 3 4 5
When you think about it, it makes good evolutionary sense that the body might want a little emergency padding on the abdomen.
Human females are unique in the mammalian world. Get this: Nearly all other mammals can terminate or pause a pregnancy when conditions arent right.
If it doesnt seem like a good time to raise young, embryonic development is paused until conditions improve .6
Youve known this since middle school health class: Female humans cant pause pregnancies.
In humans, the placenta breaches the maternal blood vessels, and the fetus is in complete control.
The baby can block the action of insulin in order to hoard more glucose for itself. It can even make the mothers blood vessels dilate, adjusting blood pressure to get more nutrients.
That baby is determined to survive no matter what the cost to the mother. This phenomenon, which scientists actually compare to the host-virus relationship, is whats known as maternal-fetal conflict.7 8
Once a woman becomes pregnant, she cant sweet-talk the fetus to stop growing. The result: Fertility at the wrong timelike, during a famine could be fatal.
Hence, a little calorie-storage pooch is reproductively protective in case times get tough.
What You Can Eat And What You Can’t
You can eat mostly what you want on days when you donât fast. But to lose weight and get the nutrients you need, you should stick to healthy foods and limit treats like dessert and processed foods.
On fasting days, youâll eat very little food or none at all.
For example, the Every Other Day Diet says to eat no more than 500 calories during each fast day.
Another program called the 5:2 Fast Diet involves eating 5 days a week and fasting for the other 2 days, when women can get no more than 500 calories and men no more than 600. Thatâs a quarter of the amount you likely eat on the days when you donât fast. Whether you eat those calories in one sitting or spread them across micro-meals throughout the day is up to you.
Read Also: How Long Should You Fast With Intermittent Fasting
Science Of Intermittent Fasting For Weight Loss
To understand the science of intermittent fasting, we need to look into the basics of nutrition.
And it is quite straight-forward: the food we eat gets broken down to molecules and ends up in our blood, which feeds the cells in our bodies.
Part of those molecules are net carbohydrates and our body turns them into sugar so our cells could use it for energy.
To be able to use sugar for the energy we need insulin, which is produced in our pancreas and spikes each time we throw in some food with carbohydrates.
Any excess sugars that we dont utilize get stored in the form of fat with the idea that we will use that fat for energy later, once we have no sugar left.
The best way to NOT end up having huge fat reserves is to spend the same amount of energy you get from food.
However, life is not perfect and many of us have lifestyles that limit our chances to move throughout the day. In fact, office workers tend to spend 75% of their waking hours sitting.
So, what can we do to lose or not gain weight?
One way to do it is to focus on increasing your energy expenditure through increased physical activity or in laymans terms exercising and doing sports. But you knew this one already, didnt you?
Another way though is to focus on consuming less food than you need for the energy that day and as a result, creating a caloric deficit.
And thats where intermittent fasting comes in.
Fasting And Weight Loss
The idea behind fasting for weight loss is that when we eat after an extended fast, we dont fully compensate for the food weve gone without. That creates an energy deficit and results in weight loss.
There have been many human weight-loss trials comparing intermittent fasting against traditional energy restricted diets. Most studies find minor differences in weight loss between approaches.
Intermittent fasting works for weight loss simply because you eat less food. Not everyone gets the same results. That means intermittent fasting doesnt appear to be any better or worse than any other type of energy restrictive diet if weight loss is the goal.
Most behavioural weight loss methods, including intermittent fasting, result in short-term weight loss followed by weight regain. Remember that a healthy lifestyle has benefits regardless of weight. This is where an Accredited Practising Dietitian can help to ensure you’re eating well no matter what your nutrition goals.
You May Like: What Foods To Eat While Intermittent Fasting
What Can You Eat Or Drink During Your Fasting Window
Technically, a fast breaks the moment your liver triggers the release of digestive enzymes. Any supplements/ medicines/ coffee etc will break your fast.
But drinking fresh water and some zero calorie drinks like herbal tea’s are allowed during your fasting window. I would avoid coffee, sugar loaded beverages and supplements though.
It is essential that you only eat healthy, unprocessed nutritional food when you are ready to eat. Especially in the beginning, it is easy to give in to junk food after the fast ends, so planning ahead is essential.
Some foods will be more advantageous for you to consume when you are ready to break your fast.
The most vital food products to focus on are real whole food and plant-based products.
- Ideally, go for the best quality, organic proteins like beans, lentils, seeds, tofu.
- Crucial healthy fats for building healthy hormones and satiety like nuts, seeds.
- Unprocessed carbohydrates like rice, wheat, oats, quinoa, sweet potatoes.
- Lots of green leafy vegetables.
How To Get Started
Getting started is simple.
In fact, chances are youve already done many intermittent fasts before. Many people instinctively eat this way, skipping morning or evening meals.
The easiest way to get started is to choose one of the intermittent fasting methods above and give it a go.
However, you dont need to necessarily follow a structured plan.
An alternative is to fast whenever it suits you. Skipping meals from time to time when you dont feel hungry or dont have time to cook can work for some people.
At the end of the day, it doesnt matter which type of fast you choose. The most important thing is to find a method that works best for you and your lifestyle.
Summary
The easy way to get started is to choose one of the methods above and give it a go. Stop immediately if you experience any adverse effects.
Recommended Reading: How Long Fasting To Get Into Ketosis
Too Much Stress On The Body
Find a way to reduce stress, whether we are talking about meditation techniques or just finding activities that give you a sense of relaxation. But we may also be causing ourselves dietary stress, an unknown but very important aspect.
Dietary stress can be caused by irregular meals or eating too much processed food, sugar, gluten, or other inflammatory foods. Otherwise, we will experience all sorts of inflammation within our bodies that may hit different parts.
For example, many people complain about leaky gut, meaning the lining of the intestines is damaged. This will cause bacteria or other harmful substances to penetrate more into our system.
Recommended Reading: How To Start The Fasting Diet
Intermittent Fasting May Affect Men And Women Differently
There is some evidence that intermittent fasting may not be as beneficial for some women as it is for men.
One study showed that blood sugar control actually worsened in women after three weeks of intermittent fasting, which was not the case in men .
There are also many anecdotal stories of women who have experienced changes to their menstrual cycles after starting intermittent fasting.
Such shifts occur because female bodies are extremely sensitive to calorie restriction.
When calorie intake is low such as from fasting for too long or too frequently a small part of the brain called the hypothalamus is affected.
This can disrupt the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone , a hormone that helps release two reproductive hormones: luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone (
10 ).
For these reasons, women should consider a modified approach to intermittent fasting, such as shorter fasting periods and fewer fasting days.
Summary
Intermittent fasting may not be as beneficial for women as it is for men. To reduce any adverse effects, women should take a mild approach to fasting: shorter fasts and fewer fasting days.
Intermittent fasting not only benefits your waistline but may also lower your risk of developing a number of chronic diseases.
Read Also: What Is Alternate Day Fasting
Intermittent Fasting For Weight Loss
When we eat, our body gets energy from food. When the body takes in more food than it needs for energy, it will store the excess in the liver or muscles as glycogen. The liver converts excess glycogen into fats and sends it off to fat-storing sites. During fasting, glycogen becomes a source of energy. If food is still not consumed, the body starts using stored fats for energy.
If you’re eating too frequently, the body never needs to use up its stores of glycogen and fats. Intermittent fasting forces your body to use its stores and reduce the stored fat. By following a controlled eating plan, intermittent fasting creates a 25% calorie deficit every week, enough to lose weight slowly and steadily.
Intermittent Fastingit Really Works
Chiropractic Thought for the Week: Its flu and virus season. Virus germs are all around us. We are constantly exposed to viral germs all day and every day. Most of the time this exposure does not lead to illness. Why? Our immune systems are designed to kill these viral and bacterial germs as they enter our body, keeping us healthy. If your immune system is not working at a peak performance and optimal level, the germs win and you get sick. Immune system performance is maintained by proper nutrition and supplementation . In addition, regular chiropractic care helps the immune systems performance levels. Research shows that chiropractic care enhances the rate at which the bodys DNA repairs itself . In addition, spinal adjustments to the thoracic spine cause an increase in infection fighting white blood cell production and patients under regular chiropractic care show a higher level of resistance enzymes in the body. So, not only does chiropractic care help you with your aches and pains, it is a boost to your immune system.
Chiropractor and pregnancy care: Pregnancy care from the chiropractor involve balancing the pelvis and eliminating spinal nerve stress to the reproductive system. Gentle, low force, light pressure adjustments help the pregnant patient be more comfortable during pregnancy and help with overall pregnancy health.
You Might Also Enjoy
Read Also: Is Intermittent Fasting Good To Lose Weight
Read Also: How To Do Keto And Intermittent Fasting
Hormonal Changes And Menstrual Cycles
Some animal research suggests that intermittent fasting may lead to hormonal changes and undereating. In people with ovaries, these changes may negatively affect menstrual cycles and fertility .
However, most studies are old and have been conducted in animals. Human studies are needed to fully understand how intermittent fasting may affect reproductive health.
Furthermore, postmenopausal individuals may experience different effects from intermittent fasting. Menopause causes changes that can decrease insulin sensitivity and lead to weight gain, and intermittent fasting may help improve these outcomes .
Summary
Restricting daily food intake to a particular time window may cause increased food intake and weight gain, as well as short-term hunger and weakness. Older animal studies indicate that intermittent fasting may interfere with fertility.
Simple Weekly Meal Plan For Intermittent Fasting
The intermittent fasting diet plan is a nutritional system that involves regular refusal to eat food for a certain period. One of the more popular intervals is the 16/8 schedule no food intake for 16 hours followed by 8 hours of healthy eating.
This kind of diet rule implies no breakfast, a hearty lunch, an afternoon snack, and an early dinner. Food is allowed only from noon to 8 pm. However, you can pick any eating window you like, following your daily routine.
The advantage of intermittent fasting is the normalization of metabolism and stable weight loss. If you need some tips to get started, then this article is for you. Lets dive into details together!
Don’t Miss: What Is Intermittent Fasting For Women
Fasting For A Week: Detailed Plan
Intermittent fasting refers to an interval that is comfortable for you. Many people find it easier and more habitual to skip breakfast but difficult to refuse dinner after a hard day. Below is an example of an intermittent fasting menu for weight loss. There is no breakfast in this example, but you can easily pick snacks by adding cheese, eggs, or porridge to your taste.
Monday
- Lunch: baked eggplant, grilled meat
- Snack: yogurt, 1-2 fruits
- Lunch: chicken with brown rice
- Snack: granola, yogurt, 2 dark chocolate pieces
- Dinner: baked turkey with vegetables
Saturday
- Lunch: vegetable salad with chicken and mushrooms
- Snack: fruit, yogurt, a handful of nuts
- Dinner: fish baked with vegetables
Sunday
- Lunch: whole grain pasta with beef stew
- Snack: yogurt, granola and berries
- Dinner: grilled seafood and fresh vegetables
What Can I Eat While Intermittent Fasting
During the times when youre not eating, water and zero-calorie beverages such as black coffee and tea are permitted.
And during your eating periods, eating normally does not mean going crazy. Youre not likely to lose weight or get healthier if you pack your feeding times with high-calorie junk food, super-sized fried items and treats.
But what Williams likes about intermittent fasting is that it allows for a range of different foods to be eaten and enjoyed. We want people to be mindful and take pleasure in eating good, nutritious food, she says. She adds that eating with others and sharing the mealtime experience adds satisfaction and supports good health.
Williams, like most nutrition experts, regards the Mediterranean diet as a good blueprint of what to eat, whether youre trying intermittent fasting or not. You can hardly go wrong when you pick complex, unrefined carbohydrates such as whole grains, leafy greens, healthy fats and lean protein.
Recommended Reading: How To Do Intermittent Fasting Free
Is 16/8 Intermittent Fasting Right For You
Its true that 16/8 intermittent fasting can be a sustainable, safe, and easy way to improve your health when paired with a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle.
However, it shouldnt be viewed as a substitute for a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Plus, you can still be perfectly healthy if you dont follow intermittent fasting.
Though 16/8 intermittent fasting is generally considered safe for healthy adults, you should talk with your doctor if you have any underlying health conditions. This is key if youre taking any medications or have diabetes, low blood pressure, or a history of disordered eating.
Intermittent fasting is likewise discouraged if youre trying to conceive, pregnant, or nursing.
If you have any concerns or experience any side effects while fasting, be sure to consult your doctor.
Pork Chops With Bloody Mary Tomato Salad
Total time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 small head green-leaf lettuce, leaves torn
Directions:
Per serving: 400 calories, 39 g protein, 8 g carbs , 23 g fat
Read Also: What To Do While Fasting For God
What Can I Do To Speed Up The Process
To help your body burn fat faster, you need to move around and exercise. You should take at least a 30-minute walk or do weight training.
Last but not least, to help the body get accustomed to fasting, you need to start slowly. A sudden change in fasting or diet pattern can lead your body into shock and cause it to retain water, which may cause you to gain weight.
What To Eat On Intermittent Fasting
There are no specifications or restrictions about what type or how much food to eat while following intermittent fasting, says Lauren Harris-Pincus, RDN, author of The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club.
But Mary Purdy, RDN, chair of Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine, counters by advising that the benefits are not likely to accompany consistent meals of Big Macs.
Pincus and Purdy agree that a well-balanced diet is the key to losing weight, maintaining energy levels, and sticking with the diet.
Anyone attempting to lose weight should focus on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, beans, seeds, as well as dairy and lean proteins, suggests Pincus.
Purdy adds, My recommendations wouldnt be very different from the foods I might normally suggest for improved health high fiber, unprocessed, whole foods that offer variety and flavor.
In other words, eat plenty of the below foods and you wont end up in a hangry rage while fasting.
Don’t Miss: How Long Is Fasting Blood Sugar
