As we age, our metabolism slows down, and it becomes onerous to maintain our ideal bodyweight. Fat accumulation becomes easy, but burning fat becomes difficult. Intermittent fasting is a great way to boost your metabolism and degenerate fats.
Research shows that intermittent fasting can help you lose weight, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and improve insulin sensitivity. There are many benefits of intermittent fasting for women of all ages, especially those over 40.
From fitness enthusiasts to busy moms, intermittent fasting can help you improve your health and increase your energy levels. Let us discuss how it can help you reach your health and fitness goals.
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. It can be used for weight loss, improving insulin sensitivity, or simply as a way of eating that works best for you.
There are many different ways to do periodic fasting, but the most common one is the 16–by–8 method. This involves fasting for 16 hours and eating regularly for 8 hours. For example, you would eat your last meal at 8p.m. and then fast until noon the next day.
Why is Intermittent Fasting Better than Other Diets?
Intermittent fasting is not a diet; it is an eating pattern. This means that you can eat the meals you love without restrictions. There are no foods that are off-limits with intermittent fasting.
Intermittent energy restriction is easy to do. You do not have to meal prep or count calories. You simply eat when you are supposed to eat and fast when you are supposed to fast. A recent study showed that periodic fasting participants lost more weight than those who followed a traditional diet.
In contrast, you may have to give up certain foods or eat specific meals at specific times with other diet plans. This can be difficult to stick to for the long–term. Intermittent fasting is a more flexible approach that can be easier to maintain until you reach your goals.
If you are considering trying this energy restriction pattern, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- This type of fasting is not for everyone. If you have any medical conditions, talk to your doctor first.
- Intermittent fasting can be challenging at first. It is normal to feel hungry and have cravings when you are first getting used to the eating pattern. But this usually goes away after a few weeks.
- Make sure you are getting enough nutrients. Fasting for long periods can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Make sure you eat a healthy diet and take a multivitamin to avoid this.
History of Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is not new. It has been around for centuries. Early humans did not have the luxury of refrigerators and supermarkets. They could not go to the store and buy food whenever they wanted. They had to hunt for their food, which automatically cause breaks in eating patterns.
Intermittent fasting was also a common religious practice. Many religions, such as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, require fasting.
It has also been used for medical purposes. In the early 1990’s, doctors used it to treat patients with epilepsy. They found that fasting could help to reduce the frequency of seizures. Intermittent fasting is now gaining popularity as a weight–loss tool.
Nutritional Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
When it comes to intermittent fasting, there was only one listed potential benefit, especially for women over 40: weight loss.
Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight by increasing your body’s metabolism. When you fast, your body is forced to use stored fat for energy, leading to weight loss.