A Primer On Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting has become a fast-growing fitness trend. While a lot of people initially try intermittent fasting for weight loss, it is not a diet plan. It is actually an eating pattern.

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Unlike being on a diet, intermittent fasting does not dictate which foods to eat or avoid. It is more about when a person should eat. Here are common intermittent fasting patterns beginners may want to try out:

16/8 Method. The 16/8 Method is also known as the Leangains protocol. There is a set 8-hour eating period, which usually means the person has to skip breakfast. For example, a person can eat anything from 1 pm to 9 pm (8 hours), but they have to fast for 16 hours.

Eat-Stop-Eat. This method involves 24-hour fasts, twice or once a week.

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5:2 Method. In the 5:2 method, a person eats only 500 to 600 calories in two non-consecutive days in a week. They are allowed to eat normally on other days.

These eating methods do not really assure people of weight loss, especially if they eat much on their allowed eating time. However, reducing calorie intake while doing intermittent fasting can be really effective. Other advantages of intermittent fasting include normalization of bodily hormones like the HGH (human growth hormone) and insulin. It also aids in cellular repair and gene expression.

Todd Benderson is a clean-eater and fitness enthusiast. Learn more about him and his fitness journey by following him on Twitter.

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