By Natalie Guess
Intermittent fasting is not about restricting WHAT you eat, but instead about restricting WHEN you eat. This practice has many evidence-based health benefits, and there are many theories on how to do it. The one I’d like to discuss is the 16/8 method. This is where you fast for 16 hours of the day and eat for eight. For example, if your last meal is at 7 p.m., then you would wait until 11 a.m. to eat your next meal.
Simple enough, right? When you are fasting, you may have water, tea, coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages. This helps ward off hunger and keep you hydrated. Now, let’s talk about a few benefits of intermittent fasting.
When you fast, it changes the function of cells and hormones by dropping your insulin levels and increasing your production of human growth hormone. It also initiates important cellular repair. It’s almost like an internal cellular exfoliation, shedding the old cells and allowing your body to produce new, healthy cells.
Intermittent fasting also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This supports the body against aging and disease.
Intermittent fasting also supports brain health because it supports the growth of new nerve cells, which benefits brain function overall. You will think more clearly and be more energized.
These are just a few of the advantages; we’re only scratching the surface. We didn’t even get to the weight loss aspect. This information may help you in determining whether you’d like to incorporate intermittent fasting into your lifestyle.
Now, I mentioned intermittent fasting doesn’t mean restricting what you eat, just when, but I do recommend feeding your body real food that’s not highly processed. For starters, instead of removing anything from your diet, I suggest trying to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat. Your body, and mind, will thank you!
Guess is the executive director of Unmanned Coast and the Enterprise for Innovative Geospatial Solutions under the Magnolia Business Alliance. She is also a certified health and wellness coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Contact her at (985) 445-7270.