The Intermittent Fasting (IF) method is a popular diet that switches between cycles of eating and fasting. What makes IF diets so appealing is they are an easy to keep up lifestyle choice. Positively impacting both the mind and body. IF diets allow for an opportunity to break-away from unhealthy eating patterns and foods and allow a re-set to ensure that you are nourishing your body with nutritious and wholesome foods.
Not only a sustainable approach to weight loss, IF can also help to reduce inflammation and damage to your body’s cells caused by free radicals. IF can also increase sensitivity to hormones such as leptin and insulin. Helping to reduce hunger cravings and allowing blood glucose levels to remain stable.
IF diets can positively impact heart health, by helping to naturally lower blood pressure. Additionally, it can also reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, as well as help to create healthy eating habits and reduce binge eating behaviours.
It is important to note that women are more susceptible to large fluctuations in hormone levels, when compared to men. These fluctuations can interfere with a woman’s menstrual cycle. Because of this, women should follow shorter fasting periods such as the 12 hour fast per day or 16:8 method.
Here are 5 of the most popular methods for intermittent fasting:
12 Hour Fast Per Day
This method allows for a 12-hour eating window. For example, this means you could eat between 7am-7pm, and fast from 7pm-7am.
The 5:2 Diet
This diet works by following a normal diet for 5 days of the week and then restricting your calories to 500 for women and 600 for men for the 2 remaining days.
Alternate Day Fasting
This diet suggests you fast every other day of the week. Fasting days or ‘light days’ have a maximum of 500 calories.
The Warrior Diet
This diet allows you to eat a small number of raw fruits and vegetables during the day and one large meal at night during a 4-hour eating timeframe.
The 16:8 Method
This diet recommends fasting for 16 hours of the day and having an eating time frame of 8 hours.
It’s important to take care of your digestive health, no matter which style of diet you choose to follow. Enjoying our own “Gut Greens” is the best way to break your fast. It has been created to assist with digestion, to ensure you get the most nutrients out of your meals. As well as support your immune system and overall health. To enjoy it, simply mix with water or add to your favourite smoothie with some fruits and veggies for a filling and nourishing post fast meal.
