Discover the magic of Intermittent Fasting (IF) 🌟

I'm a big fan of the Intermittent Fasting (IF) lifestyle and for me, it became to me, like my new way of how I prepare and eat my meals. I could recommend it to anyone that would like to bring and feel all the benefits to your health, besides being part of your new eating habits. I've started with IF around the last quarter of year 2022, and continuing on embracing it and it's part of my current lifestyle.

What is Intermittent Fasting? 🕒

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. The most common methods include:

• 16/8 Method: Fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window. (This is the normal method I use, but I can always adapt it, depending of the situation, events, social gatherings, etc. And, if you're new, you can start slowly, and once you feel more comfortable without the 'hunger-cravings' , then you will just feel it right, and all of the sudden, you'll start extending your 'fast and eating windows')

• 5:2 Method: Eat normally for 5 days and restrict calories (500-600) on 2 non-consecutive days.

• Eat-Stop-Eat: Fast for 24 hours once or twice a week.

  
  

The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting 🌟

• Weight Loss and Fat Loss: IF can help you shed kilos by reducing your calorie intake and boosting your metabolism.

• Improved Insulin Sensitivity*: Fasting can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

• Heart Health: IF can reduce risk factors like bad cholesterol, blood triglycerides, and inflammation.

• Brain Health: Fasting increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain health.

• Longevity: Some studies suggest that IF can extend your lifespan by promoting cellular repair and reducing oxidative stress.

Incorporating Intermittent Fasting into Your Lifestyle 🌿

• Start Slow: Begin with a shorter fasting window (e.g., 12 hours) and gradually increase it.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and black coffee during fasting periods.

• Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats during eating periods.

• Limit Sugar Intake: Excessive sugar can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and various health issues. Reducing sugar consumption can enhance the benefits of IF and support overall health.

• Listen to Your Body: If you're feeling overly hungry or fatigued, it's okay to adjust your fasting schedule.

How IF Can Change Your Eating Habits and Lifestyle ✨

• Mindful Eating: By having specific eating windows, you become more mindful of your food choices and portion sizes.

• Consistent Eating Patterns: IF can help regulate your eating schedule, reducing late-night snacking and impulsive eating.

• Improved Energy Levels: Many people find they have more energy and mental clarity during fasting periods.

• Simplified Meal Planning: With fewer meals to plan, you can focus on making healthier choices and enjoying your food.

Well, as you have read before, there are other terms and concepts that I will explain later in another post, but I just wanted to share with you, how I became a big fan of IF and how I have been aware of what the food we consume can change us overall, of course, when intaking wholesome foods, preparing meals at home and knowing exactly which products are used on them. Also, some other reasons that made me a continuously a follower of IF, are:

• First of all, I was not overweight, but there were a couple of kilos that I wanted to lose...and when I started with IF, I've lost those 'stubborn' ones, even considering that I was very active with physical activities, and watching out for my food intake, I was not able to lose them...and 'magically'...they got shredded :)!!

• I feel super energized, with lots of power, I have an awesome sleep pattern, a clear mind-setting and brain health. Too many to count :-)

• I've also improved my lipid profile values, my heart rate and blood pressure, not that I was 'bad', but I've definitely have improved them tremendously.

• Considering that, I've turned 50 years old in 2024, my goal is to continue on having a healthy lifestyle with my new motto is 'Aging gracefully'.

Thanks for reading my post, and if you have any questions, comments or any other inspirational stories, please leave your comments and we can continue with this exchange of good vibes and insightful tips!

Let's embark together on our "Aging gracefully" and wishing you all a wonderful day!

Kind regards,

Raquel