Healthy Aging with Intermittent Fasting
I started Intermittent Fasting 18 months ago. My main reason was to rid myself of that last 10 to 15 pounds. What I found was so much more than weight loss. I'm down only 10 lbs, but my body recomposition makes the weightloss feel like so much more. Between less inflamation and bloating to more accentuated muscle tone, I'll never turn back. Every diet removes weight, but if you don't continue that diet or begin another, it will come back (and usually with more unwanted weight gain). And this is free. You eat what you want in your eating window. Know, though, it is very important, during your fasting, not to consume anything besides water (no lemon), black coffee or plain tea so not to break your fast which will not allow your body to go to fat stores for energy. Once you begin fasting, it can take up to 28 days (usually less though) to become fat adapted (meaning your liver stores of glycogen are now depleted. I began my IF journey by reading Gin Stephens Delay Don't Deny, and then Fast Feast Repeat and never looked back. I would recommend starting with reading those books. She recently updated both of them. To be honest it's the only expense for Intermittent Fasting (if you do choose to read them, they are very well written). I also listened to all Intermittent Fasting Stories (Gin Stephens Podcasts) and now also listen to her Fast Feast Repeat podcasts. She is so motivating and has a story of her own. Some of the health benefits for me was improved thyroid function (I have hypothyroidism) and no more heart burn, less arthritic pain, healthier skin and nails and alot more focus throughout my day. I have more energy, and do not have that afternoon slump period that I started to believe was normal. My favorite way to workout is fasted. Yes, I can even lift heavy weights 18 hours into my fast. I also have learned to listen to my body's cravings. I crave mostly healthy foods. It's amazing how your body will tell you what it needs when it's not digesting food non stop. During the time you are fasting, your body is healing inside and out. If I do get sick, it either does not affect me (fades before it actually hits), or it lasts days less than before.