In March of 2020, when the world shut down for COVID my husband said he was starting intermittent fasting.  I had never heard of it.  He had done some research, listened to several pod casts, and was ready to start.  It was not just a fad for him. His motto was intermittent fasting as a way of life. 

There are many books, podcasts, articles, and blogs about intermittent fasting (IF). In the past 2 plus years, I have read, listened, and learn a great deal about it.  I trust Gin Stephens as one of my sources.  She was an educator, lost 80 pounds with IF, and has kept if off for several years. She now teaches others about the concept. 

What Is IF

Intermittent fasting is waiting to eat within a window of time.  The concept is that there are 24 hours in the day. The 24 hours are divided in to eating and non-eating windows.  (Remember, everyone’s body is different, and everyone’s Dr. gives different advice.)  Different number combinations are used.  If a person follows 12:12, that means they fast for 12 hours and eat during a 12-hour window.  Other numbers you might hear are 16:8, or 18:6, etc.  They fast for 16 or 18 hours and eat during an 8- or 6-hour time frame. 

Let’s look at that fasting window.  One eats dinner and is finished by 7pm.  They do not eat or drink anything besides water or black coffee until 7am. That gives them a 12-hour window of fasting.  They can extend the morning eating time to 11 and they are now at 16:8. They did not eat from 7pm to 11am (16 hours) and then eat meals between 11-7 (8 hours). 

Many people skip breakfast. Others, end their eating window early in the day.  Whatever works best for you is the right choice to make. (Always check with your doctor and medications to develop your plan).

IF Benefits

There are many benefits of intermittent fasting..  These are some I hear and read about most often:

• Mentally sharper
• Easy to follow and implement
• Feel better
• Food tastes better
• Look forward to eating
• Eating with a purpose, not just a habit
• More selective on the foods chosen to eat
• Increased energy-less lethargic
• Weight loss
• Burn body fat
• Fix fewer meals

There is a great deal of research and science about what happens internally with the body.  Dr. Jason Fung is one of the leading experts on time restricted eating. 

IF is not a quick fix or fad. It is a way to reach and maintain a level of health.  Many people follow intermittent fasting as a way of life.  Feel free to connect if you want to talk about IF and your needs.