Intermittent fasting is the new buzzword, and everyone wants to join the bandwagon today. But is it really for you? And what should you really believe in? We already know that fasting is all about abstaining from food, but is it a one-size-fits-all approach? There are so many questions in our minds, especially because there are so many myths and misconceptions around this approach.
Dimple Jangda, a prominent health coach and influencer on Instagram, shared an Instagram post talking about intermittent fasting.
Check it out here:
What are the myths around intermittent fasting?
1. Jangda says that intermittent fasting doesn’t mean that one has a 7-course meal for dinner at 9 or 10 pm, and fasts until 2 pm the next afternoon. As per Ayurveda, the right way to go about it is to stop eating at sunset and break it after sunrise with 200 ml warm water.
2. If you are an endomorph, you must practice intermittent fasting for 16-18 hours. Typically, people with this body type can easily put on muscle mass, but their metabolism is a little slow. Their body composition is also on the higher side, and they struggle with weight loss.
3. Mesomorphs gain and lose weight easily, and have a high muscle-to-fat ratio. Jangda says that they can benefit by practicing intermittent fasting for 12-14 hours.
4. Lastly, ectomorphs are thin, tall, and lanky. They generally have a hard time gaining weight; they have long limbs and small muscles. For this body type, fasting for 12 hours, say from 6 pm to 6 am is good enough.
Whatever may be your body type, Jangda advises breaking the fast with 200 ml warm water with ghee, lemon, cinnamon, ginger, or even spices.
Benefits of intermittent fasting:
Some of the benefits of intermittent fasting are as follows:
Weight loss: It is said to be linked with weight loss, as there is a restriction on the number of calories being eaten.
Improves memory: Some studies reveal that intermittent fasting promotes memory, and improves concentration.
Heart health: It is linked with lower blood pressure levels; moreover, it helps to improve overall heart health.
Physical performance: This type of fasting has been shown to promote fat loss, without causing any muscle damage.
Diabetes and obesity: People who are at risk of diabetes, or/and obesity, have been seen to improve their health with intermittent fasting, primarily due to weight loss.