01/5Reasons why intermittent fasting may not work for you
Diet trends are ever-changing and currently, Intermittent Fasting is all the rage. The fasting method that has been a part of myriad cultures for several years has now become a popular means to shed kilos and get in shape. The credit for the immense popularity of the diet among fitness enthusiasts goes to no restriction of food groups and a flexible eating window. It can be easily followed with a diet like low-carb and keto to expedite the weight loss process. Even though the fasting method is safe to follow, it might not be beneficial for all, that’s what Lifestyle and Wellness coach Luke Coutinho suggests.
02/5Understanding Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent Fasting is just a modified version of the traditional way of fasting. It involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. The eating period is mostly 6 to 8 hours followed by the fasting window of 16 to 14 hours. A person following the diet trend has to consume all calories of the day within the eating window and fast for the rest of the period. There are several types of Intermittent Fasting like 16/8, 14/10, alternate days fasting and others. It all depends on your physical fitness and end goal. Mostly those trying to shed kilos go for intermittent fasting, but it can also help to improve blood sugar levels, decrease cholesterol, and boost longevity.
03/5Why may it not be good for all?
Most people who go for intermittent fasting, just skip their breakfast and eat early dinner to fit their daily calorie intake within their eating window. But Luke says that skipping breakfast might not be an ideal thing to do for all. Some may benefit from it while others may not gain anything from missing out on the first meal of their day.
Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. Having a hearty breakfast first thing in the morning can help to boost metabolism, energise you and help burn calories all day long. While some people can do well by skipping this important meal, others may just make their journey to lose weight even more complex. Luke suggests listening to your body and acting as per its need.
04/5What does Luke suggest?
“I have healthy people who eat breakfast and healthy people who don’t. Get out of the box and start listening to your body,” he wrote in his Instagram post. “People in boxes rarely hit their goals and in fact get more frustrated because it doesn’t work for them in the long run,” he added.
He said that some people feel hungry in the morning and this makes them frustrated. In such a case it is alright to eat, rather than ruining your day. If you ate last night, you may have breakfast after 10 am as you might not feel that hungry in the morning. But the previous day’s dinner was before sunset, so you will certainly feel famished in the morning.
As per Luke, it depends on how you feel and how you plan your day. If you feel hungry eat, else wait.
05/5The takeaway
Intermittent fasting is a safe and effective diet plan. There is no doubt that it works for losing weight and helps to improve your health, but it does not work the same way for all. Remember every individual is different. Their health condition, body’s requirements are all unique. What works for others might not work for you. So listen to your body and do what works for you.
The above first appeared in Times of India, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/weight-loss-try-this-jaggery-lemon-concoction-to-lose-weight/photostory/87367016.cms?picid=87367030