Intermittent Fasting: The Latest Fad in the Weight Loss Industry

An eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule is what is termed Intermittent fasting. Research shows that this practice helps to control your weight and avert - or even reverse - some forms of the disease.

Wondering how you do it? Doubting is it safe.

This write-up intends to explain what Intermittent fasting is, how you do it, if this is a safe practice and so on.

Intermittent fasting: What is it?

It refers to an eating outline where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. The process does not say much about which foods to eat, but rather when you should eat them. There are numerous different intermittent fasting approaches, all of which split the day or week into eating periods and fasting timing. To put it in simple words, the method involves periods of completely or partially abstaining from eating. You only eat during a specific time while following intermittent fasting.

How does intermittent fasting work?

There are quite a few different ways to do intermittent fasting. However, they are all based on picking regular periods to eat and fast. For example, you might try eating only for eight hours each day and fast for the rest. Otherwise, you might select to eat only one meal a day two days a week. There are, actually various intermittent fasting plans. This method works by extending the period when your body has burned through the consumed calories during your last meal and starts burning fat.

Intermittent Fasting Plans

1. The 16/8 Method

This process takes in eating for 8 hours and fasting for 16. The most usual way of planning this is by having an open eating window from 12 pm to 8 pm. This implies that you’re expected to skip breakfast and take care to not snack after dinner.

2. Impulsive Meal Skipping

You’ve possibly experienced this form of intermittent fasting at some point in your life. The primary concept is to skip meals whenever suitable with a responsiveness that your body possibly does not need a full 3 meals every day. Being mindful of when you’re really hungry is always a great place to start, particularly for beginner fasters.

3. The 5:2 Method

In this process, you consume only 500–600 calories on 2 non-consecutive days of the week and eat usually on the other 5 days.

4. On and Off Fasting

While this plan is not suggested for beginners, it poses obliging advantages for experienced fasters. This practice includes eating normally one day and then eating very few calories, or nothing the next.

5. OMAD (One Meal A Day)

The OMAD diet involves fasting basically for 23 hours of the day and eating one large meal during a restricted 1-hour period.

Health benefits of intermittent fasting

There are numerous health benefits of intermittent fasting. It can help losing weight and belly fat without having to intentionally restrict your calories. The process can also cut insulin resistance which leads to the dropping of blood sugar which in turn can prevent the risk of Type 2 diabetes. This method may also stop the risk of heart diseases by cutting bad cholesterol (LDL), blood sugar and insulin resistance and blood triglycerides. Intermittent fasting also boosts brain health and averts the danger of Alzheimer’s disease.

How to Eat Healthier During Intermittent Fasting

• Grazing
• Getting Proper Nutrients
• Staying Clear of Processed Foods

Tips for maintaining intermittent fasting

• Staying hydrated
• Resting and relaxing
• Eating high-volume foods
• Avoiding thinking about food
• Making every calorie count
• Increasing the taste without the calories
• Choosing nutrient-dense foods after the fasting period

Is intermittent fasting safe?

Intermittent fasting is safe for many people. However, it's not recommended for everyone. Hopping meals may not be the ideal way to control your weight if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. In case, you have kidney stones, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux, or other medical issues, discuss with your doctor before starting this fasting process.

Wrapping up

Intermittent fasting can be an outstanding approach to lift your overall health without much extreme change to your lifestyle. If you are looking to enjoy the best results, it is important to eat a nourishing and balanced diet on non-fasting days. It is recommended to look for professional help to personalize an intermittent fasting plan and sidestep pitfalls.

You may choose to reach out to a registered dietitian. The professional would help you choose the best intermediate fasting that fits your lifestyle.

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Understanding Birth Control

Unintended pregnancies are a situation that many women face in their life. Pregnancy to the coming of a new member of the family is a wonderful experience. However, at times medical contraindications to giving birth, or simply the reluctance of the woman to have a baby, career, financial issues, or unwillingness of the parents to take responsibility for the child force a couple to choose to delay or prevent pregnancy. If you are a couple not ready for a child using birth control works as a way out.

This write-up intends to educate people and refute any misapprehensions they might have.

Understanding Birth Control:

The voluntary deterrence of pregnancy is what is termed contraception or birth control. The appropriate use of birth control is by far the most potent way for those having sexual intercourse but willing to avoid getting pregnant. Using various forms of birth control is even better.

To put it in simple words, not every form of birth control is best for everyone. Hence, people must speak with their doctor about the best ways to avoid unplanned pregnancies in their sex life. 

A Few Forms of Birth Control to Consider:

1. Condoms: 

If you are looking for something inexpensive and widely available, look no further than condoms. A latex sheath when used properly prevents unplanned pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted infections. Make certain that you use condoms properly to maximize their inhibition of unplanned pregnancy and STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

2. Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon): 

The birth control implant is a small rod implanted into a woman’s arm that averts ovulation and congeals the mucus on her cervix for up to four years to prevent pregnancy. This must be implanted by a doctor.

3. Hormonal Birth Control Pills: 

Women may choose to take birth control pills to stop ovulation and pregnancy. This method, however, does not prevent STIs. You will need to take your daily pill at the same time every day to enjoy effective results. A prescription is needed for this contraceptive.

4. IUD: 

An IUD (intrauterine device) is an alternative inserted way of birth control. It’s a small device implanted into a woman’s uterus to block the movement of a sperm cell to an egg. This prevents ovulation. There are hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs. These may last for years. 

Choosing the Best Birth Control: Things to Consider

• If you are eager to get pregnant in the future
• Are STIs something you need to guard against
• If you are looking for a method you use every time or something that lasts longer
• If you can use that method correctly every time
• If you or your partner have any health issues or allergies that might disturb the method you select

Wrapping up:

There are many types of birth control available for women. Each comes with its pros and cons. Women need to discuss their birth control possibilities with a healthcare provider to decide the best method for their individual needs. Eventually, the best birth control choice will depend on individual preferences and needs.  Factors to take into consideration take in effectiveness, convenience, side effects, and price besides your personal health history.