Should I Try Intermittent Fasting?

Did you know? As research repeatedly shows that many people who diet regain the weight they lose, a new eating trend has come into fashion: intermittent fasting.

In intermittent fasting, instead of counting calories or nutrients, you simply block out some hours or days not to eat at all. Intermittent fasting is thought to have positive metabolic effects, and in lab animals, it can increase lifespan.

Intermittent fasting has become quite popular. But how does it work? And is it right for you? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah would like to share some insight.

How Does Intermittent Fasting Work?

Intermittent fasts vary from hours long to days long. During the “fast” cycle, you do not eat, and you only drink water or unsweetened tea. Popular patterns include 16⁄8 (16 hours a day with no food, eight hours with regular meals) and whole-day fasting, when you pick one or two days a week to fast completely.

During the fasting periods, you soon stop burning glucose for energy. Instead, you burn fat. Intermittent fasting leads to more fat loss, compared to muscle loss, than many diets.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

  • Improved blood sugar control
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Lower triglycerides

Is Intermittent Fasting Right for Me?

The best eating plans are healthy and sustainable, not extreme or rebound-prone. If you think intermittent fasting will be easier than monitoring food intake, go for it! But if you tend to nibble all day, intermittent fasting may be a struggle for you.

However, intermittent fasting isn’t right for people with certain health conditions. Before you try intermittent fasting or any new diet or eating plan, consult with a doctor.

Who Shouldn’t Use Intermittent Fasting

  • People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • People with diabetes (though they may be able to do hours-long fasts, such as 16⁄8, with medical supervision)
  • People with present or past eating disorders

Want to talk with someone about your eating habits? Make an AFC TeleCare appointment with our AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah team or stop by today to get the care you need.