You’ve probably heard of intermittent fasting through your local Instagram fit inspo or you may have absolutely no idea what it is. Regardless, intermittent fasting is here and it is IN. The name may give it away, or you can be like most of us that failed their verbal section in the SAT and are having trouble with the word “intermittent”. BUT FEAR NO MORE, we are here to give you the easiest and most basic rundown of what it is, how to do it, and how to let it help you get summer ready.

 

Intermittent fasting is an interesting cycle consisting of periods of fasting and eating, it is shown to improve metabolism, lose weight, and even better health overall. There are several ways to fast, but the two most popular are the 16:8 method and the 20:4 method. For beginners, it is recommended to do the 16:8, which involves daily fasting for 16 hours and then having all of your meals within an 8 hour period. The 20:4 method is a bit tougher as it allows only a 4-hour eating window after a 20 hour fast.

 

The good thing about all of this is that it’s not so much about what you can and can’t eat, but of when to eat it. When you choose when to start your fast and when to break it, you create a daily eating pattern that will help you reach your fitness goals quicker. You may choose to fast from 6 pm until 10 am and then eat from 10 am to 6 pm if you’re a breakfast person OR fast from 10 pm until 2 pm if you love dinner– or just choose the 16:8 hours that work best for you. It may take a while but as soon as your body gets used to it, you will begin to see changes with your health long term.

 

IF leads to lower daily calorie intake, positive changes in hormone levels, an increase in metabolic rates, it reduces insulin resistance, lowers blood sugar, reduces bad cholesterol, increases brain health, and has even shown to slow the aging process. (BOTOX WHO?)

 

Let’s get this health, gorl!! Intermittent fasting, COME TO ME.