So, you’ve probably given intermittent fasting a go or at least heard a bud talking about it. This whole weight-loss craze is catching fire, and folks are all in for shedding those extra pounds. Melinda Gong, a top-notch dietitian from UC Davis Health, is here to break down intermittent fasting, spill the beans on how it works, and dish out the pros and cons.
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Where does fasting come from?
First off, let’s get the lingo straight. Fasting means deliberately skipping the grub, while starvation is when you can’t chow down because life’s throwing curveballs, like not having enough food.
The roots of fasting go way back, ancient-style.
People back then fasted to kickstart their body’s healing game. It’s also tied to religion, like during Ramadan, where fasting from sunrise to sunset is the name of the game.
How does intermittent fasting roll?
Here’s the lowdown: intermittent fasting is all about holding back on the eats to make your body dive into its fat stash for energy. Carbs usually fuel us up, but when they’re not around, fat takes the spotlight. And when you’re not munching, fat burn hits turbo mode. The ways to do this fasting thing vary. There’s no golden rule – it’s about finding what floats your boat.
One way is the daily fast, where you chill on the eating for at least 12 hours. If you don’t munch post-dinner, voila! You’re in on the fat-burning party. Night owls who love snacking after hours, take note!
Then there’s the alternate-day fasting gig.
You feast like a king for 5 or 6 days, and on the other 1 or 2 days, you give eating a timeout. Keep the water and broth flowing, though, so you don’t end up a dried-up prune. Perfect for the workaholic with a wacky schedule.
And, hey, when you do eat, pick the good stuff – fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, plant power, and low-fat dairy. Keep it clean, people.
Is intermittent fasting your jam?
Now, the million-dollar question: should you jump on the intermittent fasting bandwagon? It’s a tough nut to crack. Ask yourself why you’re doing it and what you’re aiming for. Is this a lifelong commitment?
Sure, people dive into fasting to ditch the pounds, but if you can’t stick to it forever, and it’s not a long-term thing, those lost pounds might just find their way back. Intermittent fasting can help because it might put the brakes on your overall eating. Especially if you keep it real with sensible portions and balanced meals outside the fasting hours.
Look in the mirror of your eating habits.
If late-night snacking is your thing, intermittent fasting can slam the door on that and cut your intake. If your dinner’s a fashionably late affair, maybe shuffle it up, so your body hits the fasting switch earlier.
Any other perks in the intermittent fasting game? The jury’s still out on whether it’s a champ at tackling chronic issues. If you’re eyeing intermittent fasting, do a pit stop at your healthcare team’s office first. Fasting with certain meds or conditions could be a no-go. Your health history needs a once-over, and your doc can steer you right.
Do what makes you happy and keep your mind and body in check. If sticking to a mealtime rulebook feels like a headache, maybe intermittent fasting isn’t your gig. Keep it real and keep it safe.
