With intermittent fasting on the rise, almost anyone would want to try. Celebrities and influencers have tried it out and have garnered positive results. It’s not only easy and cost-effective, but you’ll see results in no time at all.
However, before you start this diet, here are some things you need to know first.
Figure out your goals
There are many potential benefits to intermittent fasting, so there’s no reason not to try it. However, you must set your goals first before trying this diet. Are you trying to reach a healthier weight? Are you looking to curb your cravings? Different goals lead to different plans; therefore, knowing what you hope to get from fasting will help you select the right strategy.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution
There are at least five major types of intermittent fasting, and those are intended to work with almost any routine. It is important to note that what may work for your friends or colleague may not work for you.
While some people can fast the whole day, others are more successful in the 16/8 fasting method.
Expect to fail, so try again.
Even if you’ve done your research, you might find that the one you have selected may not work for you. Don’t worry. You can try it again using a different method. Choose a method that will work for your daily routine. Going for a more aggressive 24-hour fasting may leave you irritable, and it may not work for your lifestyle. The method you choose must align with your routine.
Work your way up
You may have heard someone saying the warrior diet is the best alternate fasting method, but you do not need to jump to that immediately. The warrior diet involves only a 4-hour eating window and a very aggressive plan bound to fail, particularly for beginners.
Start with a shorter fasting plan and work your way up to the program if you succeed.
Listen to your body
There will be times where you want to eat, particularly in more aggressive plans. When you feel that you want to eat or feel very weak, listen to what your body says and eat. It’s not a rule that you have to follow all the time, and your health is the most crucial aspect of this type of diet.
Coffee and tea are allowed during the fasting period
It is OK to drink coffee or tea during the fasting window as these types of beverages contain only a small amount of calories. Coffee and tea suppresses your appetite and makes it easier to stick to your fast for the long term.
However, drink only tea and coffee without creamer, sugar, etc., as you’re likely to consume more calories, thus negating your goal to lose weight.
Fasting isn’t your “cure-all.”
While there are many benefits to adopting intermittent fasting, it is important to remember that it cannot magically solve all your health concerns. Like most of the diet methods, use it as a tool and expect to see benefits the longer you use it.