Fasting

Fasting has been a part of human history for as long as we have existed. When were hunter-gatherers moving from place to place in search of food, we were forced to fast when we could not find food. Fasting occurred during times of famine and drought. Fasting is also regularly practiced by many religions throughout the world to this day.

In today’s day and age, intermittent fasting is a growing trend in the health and wellness world, touted for its benefits for losing weight. But what is it actually?
Intermittent Fasting is when you restrict the time during the day that you eat to a smaller window, usually 8 hours or so. This can be a valuable asset during a weight loss journey. It will provide ample time in between your last meal one day, and your first of the next, giving your insulin levels time to lower. It will encourage fat burning, as the prolonged time in between meals will require you to burn fat for the energy required for daily bodily needs.

It can also help boost a person’s fat loss if they have hit a plateau, a time when on a program they have lost weight but hit a time when the weight loss stops.

Prolonged fasting is generally a fast of 24 hours or greater. These fasts are often much more difficult. Generally speaking, beginning with intermittent fasting of 16 hours and mastering that is the best way to prepare for a prolonged fast. The benefits of prolonged fasting are superior to intermittent fasting for a number of reasons. Research has shown that prolonged fasting enacts a process called “autophagy”, in which your body will recycle and break down old and damaged cells, prompting your body to grow new cells to replace them. In fact, some believe that fasting is an essential part of a longevity-aimed lifestyle. Research has also shown that fasting can have a positive impact on muscle mass, with some studies showing an INCREASE in lean body mass (muscle mass) after a prolonged fast.

Fasting is difficult for some people and requires willpower and determination. But once mastered, it is an excellent strategy you can employ to get lean, stay lean, and feel young!