People have come across many diets and fitness fads throughout the years with some gaining popularity over others. Here’s a closer look at intermittent fasting.
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Image source: healthline.com
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Contrary to popular belief, intermittent fasting is more of an eating schedule rather than a diet. It simply creates a distinct time for feasting and for fasting. This comes in a variety of schedules such as 8/16, 6/18, or sometimes 2/7. 8/16 and 6/18 means one should only eat within 8 or 6 hours a day and avoid eating for the remaining 16 or 18 hours. The 2/7 schedule means eating only 500 – 600 calories per day twice a week.
The logic behind this eating schedule mimics a time when food wasn’t readily available. Fasting has been present long ago and is even part of major religions like Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism.
The science behind intermittent fasting is solid. When the body is in a fasting state, human growth hormones skyrocket up to 5 times as much compared to a regular three times a day feasting pattern. This improves fat loss and muscle gain.
Insulin levels also drop significantly, making it possible for the body to burn stored fats. This increases the body’s metabolic rate up to 14 percent.
According to studies, people have shown 3 to 8 percent weight loss in a period of 3 to 24 weeks. People also lost 4 to 7 percent of their waist circumference, indicating that intermittent fasting helps do away with harmful belly fat.
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George Ammar is a fitness practitioner and resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Learn more about health and fitness by visiting this blog.
