Everywhere people are talking about a different approach to dieting known as intermittent fasting (IF). When you think of fasting you may imagine being hungry for days without food, but modified fasting isn’t nearly that stringent. In fact, it may sound too easy to be true.
IF simply means that you restrict eating to a certain time frame. Most of the time this means that people will eat during an 8-hour window in the day, for example from noon to 8 PM, and then fast during the remaining 16 hours. As long as you eat a normal, healthy diet during that time, the results can be astonishing.
Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Fasting causes changes in the body by stimulating cellular processes that clean and revitalize the cells, and by lowering insulin levels. This seems to lead to a cascade of effects, including weight loss, metabolism repair, reducing insulin resistance, and quenching inflammation.
However, it’s important to know that none of these benefits have been proven. Studies have mostly been done on rats, not humans. People claim they have seen these results for themselves, but this anecdotal evidence is not proof.
Risks of Intermittent Fasting
This way of eating comes with its own potential problems too. It can be a difficult eating style to sustain, especially if it means you have to skip meals when everyone around you is eating. If you don’t eat enough of the right kinds of foods, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Ignoring hunger when it isn’t time to eat or forcing yourself to eat enough while you can even if you’re full can lead to a disconnect between your mind and body. This may lead to or worsen eating disorders.
If you want to try a modified fasting diet plan, it’s important to have medical guidance. A professional who understands how nutrition affects the body and the potential pitfalls of IF can help you find the best plan. Losing weight shouldn’t be the only factor to consider, after all. A food plan should be good for your health or it’s not worth the effort.
At 100% Chiropractic, we love to help our patients discover their healthiest lives. We are committed to supporting the health of the whole body with comprehensive care including lifestyle choices including diet plans. For more information, contact your local chiropractor today.