Does Fasting Accelerate Weight Loss?

Everyone is different. You may find the perfect exercise routine to help you get fitter, while it does little good for a friend or is too difficult. The same is true for weight loss. For some people, fasting can accelerate weight loss. For others, there’s only a temporary weight loss or even a weight gain when the fast ends. The type of fasting you do makes a difference, too.

Intermittent fasting is one type of fasting.

You can do a juice fast that lasts several days or a water fast where you only drink black coffee, tea, or water for a day. Many of the fad fasts you read about online are unhealthy to do for more than a few days. One that is healthy and works is the intermittent fast. There are several ways to do this fast, but the most popular is to limit your food intake to eight to ten hours daily. You might start eating at 10:00 a.m. and quit eating at 6:00 p.m. for an eight-hour intermittent fast. You eat normally, except the window of time is shorter. Studies show that people who ate in an eight-hour window and fasted the other sixteen hours ate 20% fewer calories without even dieting.

Long-term fasting triggers a few issues.

You may lose weight when you do a traditional fast that limits your calories to extremely low levels, but you also may sabotage any future weight loss or regain the weight you lost. Using a long-term extreme low-calorie fast sends your body into starvation mode. It slows your metabolism to ensure you have adequate calories for vital functions. You’ll burn fewer calories 24/7. That makes it easier to regain weight and more difficult to lose it.

Fasts can help jump-start your weight loss program.

Some people alternate their weight loss program between fasting and eating regular meals. Starting your efforts at weight loss with a fast may also help you stick with a program. The quicker weight loss provides motivation. Intermittent fasting is easier for some people and also improves success. In most cases, people don’t diet. They eat healthily and limit the hours they can eat. It reduces hunger pangs and the feeling of deprivation..

• Intermittent fasting improves insulin sensitivity and increases human growth hormone. It improves your metabolic rate and reduces inflammation. Animal studies show intermittent fasting slowed aging and boosted weight loss.
• If you fast for 24 hours, it can aid cell repair and improve waste removal. The process is called autophagy. The body removes damaged cells and creates new ones. It takes 24 hours to do. It lowers the risk of cancer and improves brain health.
• If you have diabetes, hypoglycemia, digestive issues, or insomnia, fasting isn’t the best way to lose weight. It can compromise the immune system. Pregnant or lactating women should never fast.
• Always check with your healthcare professional before starting a fast or any diet or exercise program. Even if you use a form of fasting, when you eat, it should be healthy food.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness