Fasting

When it comes to intermitted fasting, most people don’t realise they’re already doing it.

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. It can be as simple as fasting overnight whilst you sleep, to extending this “fast” for a longer period of time.  Fasting is not as much about what you eat but when you eat it. 

Many studies show that fasting can aid weight loss, improve metabolic health, protect against disease and perhaps help you live longer. People may also fast for religious reasons including Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. During the time of fasting, no food is to be consumed, but you can drink water, black coffee or herbal tea and other non-caloric beverages. Fasting has been shown to reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, and have a significant effect on human growth hormones.

Many people do intermittent fasting in order to lose weight, as it is a very simple and effective way to restrict calories - but it’s not that easy.

Whilst fasting may work for some; if can be quite destructive for others. If not done correctly, fasting can be restrictive and unhealthy.

There are multiple types of fasting that can be adjusted into ones lifestyle to try and make it as sustainable as possible.

Some of the most popular types of intermitted fasting are:

· The 16/8 Fast- Fast for 16 hours each day, with an 8 hour feeding window.

· The 5:2 Diet- For a select two days of the week, you only eat about 500 calories.

· 12:12- Natural fast of a 12 hours window of eating and fasting.

In my professional opinion, do not try intermitted fasting if you:

-       Have diabetes, hypertension or other medical conditions

-       Have a history of disordered eating or restrictive dieting (Binge eating or restrictive eating)

-       Are cutting out a large food group for food sensitivities or have gut issues

-       Have sleep troubles

Fasting is not the key to weightloss and isn’t going to solve any short or long term health issue you might have. Overall, everyone is different. Fasting might work for ones lifestyle but not another. I would recommend talking to a Nutritionist or Dietitian before considering fasting, or just have a discussing about your eating habits.