How to Practice Intermittent Fasting
January 22nd, 2010Intermittent fasting is a type of eating pattern which switches between periods of fasting; where in just consumption of water is done, and non-fasting. A very discrete form of Intermittent fasting is the alternate day fasting which lasts for 48 hours where in a cycle of 24 hours of fasting is followed by a cycle of 24 hours non-fasting. It is also sometimes referred to as the EOD Fasting, which means every other day fasting, or EOD feeding.
Researchers have shown certain evidence to prove that this type of fasting, i.e. intermittent fasting actually has positive effect on human beings as well as animals. This is quite similar the what effect caloric restriction has on humans.
A few common ways of intermittent fasting include:
Skipping meals: Skipping a certain portion of a meal on an unplanned basis or even planning to miss some can be a good form of this fasting. Once in a while, if you are not all that hungry during meal time, you can always skip 1/3rd portion, or plan a meal according to your convenience.
Balancing between early and late meals: In this form, you can indulge in an early breakfast comprising of nutrients, and then can have your lunch very late, almost at the time of evening snacks.
The common twenty four hour fast: Most people tend to eat a normal regular dinner, and then avoid eating anything until the following evening; while on the other hand, some people stretch it even further to the next morning. Whatever is suitable for you, you can always opt for that.
Alternating day fast for a whole week: During this time, you can indulge in just water, fruit juices, or small amounts of tea. People who do it generally do it just once or maximum twice a year.
Advantages of intermittent fasting:
Research has shown that intermittent fasting has led to a decrease in the insulin levels and increase in the body’s resistance to fight diseases and also increased strength of neurons to fight against excitotoxic levels in the brain due to mental tensions.
So, just give this fasting a try too, if you are interested.