Intermittent Fasting

It’s something most have heard but dismissed as another health fad or as something old-fashioned.

But it’s not. It works. It has many health benefits. Like everything else, it has to be done mindfully, moderately, and by being conscious of our bodies.

Intermittent fasting, by definition, means not consuming anything (sugary, or anything with calories, so as to give rest to our gut and digestive enzymes) for 14 to 16 hours, every day. It can be done 5-6 days a week also.

It may sound harsh. But it need not be. You can fast at any time of the day. Any 14-16 hours of your choice. I prefer it at night, from 3 pm to 5 am (my day starts at 3 am, and I prefer to eat before my gym time, i.e 6 am.

My personal experience:

It really makes me feel good. I’m more energetic and fresh. My digestion is improved. I sleep sound. It also makes you shed weight.

The best part is it depletes body fat stores and not the muscle mass.

Week 1: It was tricky. I have the self-control not to give in and eat. But felt very hungry.

Week 2: I started eating healthy fatty food at 7 pm so that I feel full till morning. There was definitely noticeable weight loss, up to 1.5 kg.

In the next couple of weeks, I started eating some unhealthy foods or overeating to compensate for 14 hours loss. I put on a few grams of weight. I took me some time to discipline my diet and some time adjustments.

After 4 months of commencement, I finally mastered the art.

I have been doing this for 2 years to date and am already feeling good. I just know that now it’s one of those obsessive habits of mine which I’m going to stick with forever.

Initially, during my trial and error phase, I used to fast between 8 pm to 10 am. Also, I tended to consume more during the ‘eating period’, because I would be off eating for 14 hours anyway. That backfired by me gaining weight. Then I started counting calories and eating more protein and healthy food. That kept me full. Now I have settled comfortably in the system and it has become my routine.

Since I have only 10 hours to eat during the day, I tend to eat healthily and avoid junk foods. I consume enough calories required for my body and there is no time to stray.

Even if I need to go out with friends, I inform them beforehand about my inflexible diet plan. And they love me enough to respect it.

Yes, some people sneer or criticize, or give me a look, ‘Why do I need to do this?’ I have learned to ignore those people.

Though I follow it religiously, I do break it on my cheat day or before my marathon/fitness competitions, because I do need more strength the next day.

What to consume during fasting?

Water is allowed. Some non-sugar drinks and green tea is allowed. But I avoid everything and consume only water. Must drink water to stay hydrated. Avoid drinking fruit juices or any source of sugar or calories.

How it works:

It gives rest to the digestive process which normally begins as soon as you eat something. That way body gets a chance to heal itself by removing toxins from the body. It can happen only when the body is not busy digesting food. Some food takes 8-12 hours just to reach the large intestine.

In today’s world most people continuously eat something or other, even past midnight. We never give rest to our digestive system. The waste and toxins accumulate in body organs leading to various diseases & digestive problems like acidity and heartburn, and obesity.

What to eat in the remaining 10 hours of the day?

You can have your normal diet. Preferably avoid junk food or eat very occasionally. Don’t forget to eat the protein of your choice.

I normally have my protein diet since I work out every day.

So, I really recommend trying it to see the benefits. If it seems too much, then start slow. Start from 10 hours, and gradually increase to 14-16 hours.

P.S. Do give it a try. Don’t follow textbook rules. Try what works for you by the trial-and-error method.

DO NOT USE IT AS A WEIGHT-LOSS TOOL. IT IS NOT.