Last month I discussed nutrition and weight loss. I would like to continue with this topic regarding intermittent fasting (IF). I’m sure many people have heard about this dieting trend that people are using to lose weight. Intermittent fasting is a plan that is designed to eat and fast on a time schedule that switches between the two. Research has shown that IF is a way to lose or manage weight and also has the benefits of reversing or preventing some forms of disease. Most diets focus on what you eat but IF is all about when you eat.

Let’s look at our daily approach to starting intermittent fasting. We start off by eating between a six- to eight-hour timeframe every day and then fasting for 16 hours. An example of this diet is to eat during the window from noon to 8 p.m. and fast from 8 p.m. all the way up to noon the next day. This is a 16/8 diet plan: eat during the 8 hours and fast for 16 hours.

During your eating time, you should eat normal to smaller size portions of healthy food such as protein, complex carbs and good fats. We can’t go crazy with junk food or fried items and treats. With intermittent fasting you can enjoy a range of different healthy foods during the 8-hour time frame and in return you aren’t starving yourself like other diets. Many people agree that the Mediterranean diet is a good menu source because it allows all the healthy choices from protein, leafy greens, olive oils, and unrefined carbs. When you’re fasting for 16 hours, water and zero-calorie beverages such as black coffee and green tea (no sugar) are permitted.

The benefits of IF are not only to burn fat, but also obtain healthy end goals, such as longer life, leaner body composition, and sharper mind because of the metabolic switch that happens.

Remember, intermittent fasting isn’t for everyone, but can be a life changer with benefits. IF may have different effects on different people, so always be sure to check in with your primary physician, especially if you start feeling light-headed, have nausea, or headaches etc.

As always, STAY ACTIVE AND BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR MIND, BODY & SOUL

Paul Passino holds a B.S. in Human Performance & Sport with a minor in Health, Education, and Coaching, complemented by 45 hours in Sports Administration. He brings over two decades of experience teaching P.E., weight training, and coaching.