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Intermittent Fasting is one of the most powerfully effective methods of weight loss and has experienced a burst in popularity across America.
While fasts have long been a feature of some of the world's largest religions, fasting has been recognized for its ability to improve Hormone Balance and encourage weight loss.
There is also evidence that Intermittent fasting can slow down many processes associated with aging, and can also protect the health of the heart. There are various methods of Intermittent Fasting, but 16 and 24-hour fasts are very popular.
How Does Fasting Affect Insulin Levels?
Insulin is how our bodies take energy from blood glucose and deliver it to our muscles, liver, and fat cells. The body produces a surge of insulin after meals and caloric consumption as a mechanism to control blood sugar and glucose where it needs to go.
Because Insulin facilitates the movement of glucose to fat cells, the body cannot extract lipids from these cells while Insulin activity is elevated which can encourage weight gain.
Fasting, exercise, and diet all have a suppressive effect upon Insulin Levels, facilitating weight loss.
How Does Intermittent Fasting Encourage Weight Loss?
Intermittent Fasting is highly effective at encouraging Lipolysis, or the extraction of energy from adipose fat cells. Of course, on the other hand, we also require natural nutrition to maintain good health, even when we're trying to lose weight.
To maximize weight loss and still get the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that we require, it's essential to select an Intermittent Fasting Schedule that takes that into account.
Clinical studies have shown that fasting for 16-24 hours appears to be ideal, depending on whether your goal is maintaining your current weight or to encourage weight loss. Insulin Levels drop to a point which promotes significant Lipolysis at around 16-18 hours of fasting.
If you're merely attempting to shed a few pounds or want to improve hormone balance and maintain your current weight, a 16-hour fasting schedule will likely provide the results that you're looking for.
Also, if you engage in an active exercise schedule, you'll want to go with a shorter fast. Many people opt for a 16-hour fast in which they skip breakfast and hold off until lunch for their first meal of the day. This leaves lots of time for exercise and keeps the body running smoothly.
Don't be afraid to push your 16-hour fast for a couple of extra hours if you can handle it.
On the other hand, if you're interested in losing weight more quickly, a 24-hour Intermittent Fasting Program can provide results without putting excessive strain on your health. Unlike 16-hour fasts, which can be done daily, 24-hour fasts are every other day or a few times per week.
