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If there is one buzz word that is doing the rounds in the fitness world, then that is intermittent fasting. There are several people with varied takes on this topic and most of them consider intermittent fasting to be a good, healthy and safe method to lose weight and remain fit. But then again, there are several myths associated with the same and everyone seems to have a different take on those. Of course, it is inevitable that if we have a method to lose weight that works for so many people, everyone will have their own unique take on it. But it is important that we streamline the information we have on intermittent fasting and separate the myths from the facts.
So, let us look at some of the common misconceptions related to intermittent fasting. Along with that, we will also have a look at some of the facts and information related to it, so that you can make an informed choice before opting in or out of this lifestyle. But let us first see what intermittent fasting is.
Intermittent fasting is a diet that works on creating cycles of eating and fasting periods. Intermittent fasting does not function on telling us what to eat, how much to eat, rather it tells us when to eat. People who fast intermittently prepare a schedule of when they consume food and when they are on a fast. There are 2 different types of schedules that are followed -the 16/8 method, where there is a daily fasting schedule and the eat-stop-eat method, which is a weekly fasting schedule. Both of these are equally effective and it depends on your requirements and what your body gets better adapted to.
Myths
It is a magical method for weight loss – To be very true, there is no magic to lose weight, it takes a lot of hard work. Intermittent fasting helps maintain a disciplined lifestyle, but diet and exercising are other important facets too.
Skipping breakfast is intermittent fasting – Absolutely not! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and a lethargic lifestyle that involves no breakfast cannot be termed as intermittent fasting. If it is pre-scheduled, or if the other meals of the day are balanced, then it can be termed as the same.
Balanced diet is important during the eating window | Unsplash
You can eat anything you want during the eating window – The only key to losing weight is eating in a calorie deficit. So, it is important that you acknowledge that eating anything and everything just because you think intermittent fasting compensates for it is not healthy.
Facts
It helps in weight loss by controlling cholesterol levels in the body - Intermittent fasting has the potential to reduce total cholesterol, especially “bad” cholesterol, and increase HDL cholesterol or “good” cholesterol. This helps in weight loss as well as cuts down risks of a heart attack.
You can have beverages during the fasting period – While some may suggest that it is blasphemous to drink anything but water during the fasting window, you can actually continue to have your regular beverages as long as it does not have too much sugar in it.
Improves metabolism – Contrary to popular belief, intermittent fasting actually helps in I proving metabolism. It also helps in cases of bloating and inflammation.
So, now that we have debunked some intermittent fasting myths and laid before you some facts, it is on you to decide if you want to adopt this lifestyle or not. Listen to your body and choose wisely.
