Why is intermittent fasting gaining popularity? Here's all you need to know

These days intermittent fasting is gaining popularity with Bollywood celebrities like Varun Dhawan, Bharti Singh, Malaika Arora Khan, Alia Bhatt, etc., following the trend.

Intermittent fasting (IF) is what people are following these days to improve their health, lose weight and make their lifestyle simple.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is when people change their eating patterns and the timings between fasting and eating. This type of fasting does not tell you what to eat but rather when and to eat.

How is intermittent fasting done?

People who follow intermittent fasting extend their fast for a little longer. They usually fast for 16-hours every day while eating for 8-hours. This can be by skipping breakfast, having lunch at noon, and dinner by 8 PM.

Its effects on hormones and cells: 

Repeatedly, the levels of growth hormone increases which benefits one in losing fats and muscle gain.

Due to intermittent fasting, the levels of insulin drop, and insulin sensitivity improves. While fasting, the cells start the cellular repair process, following which cells digest and remove old and dysfunctional proteins which are built up inside the cells.

How does intermittent fasting benefit weight loss?

This is one of the most common reasons why people choose intermittent fasting. Since one consumes fewer meals each day, the calorie intake reduces, resulting in weight loss. It also helps in increasing the metabolic rate.

However, if one eats a massive amount of food during the eating period, it does not help in losing weight. The reason why intermittent fasting is successful is that it makes you eat fewer calories.

Dos of intermittent fasting:

• Determine a proper fasting period and your eating period. Stick to that period.
• There is a 16/8 period. It is when an individual fasts for 16 hours and eats for 8 hours.
• Follow the regular fasting method.
• Listen to your body and if you notice any negative effects or feel lethargic listen to it and act accordingly.
• Eating fibrous and fatty foods will keep your body fuller for a longer time.
• Follow a proper diet plan recommended to you.

Don'ts of intermittent fasting:

• Don't restrict calories during the eating process as you will crave more food, and it will break your fast.
• During the eating period, don't binge on food since it will increase your calorie number, and fasting will not prove beneficial.
• Don't overexert your body to the point of exhaustion while working out since it will reduce your energy.

Who should avoid intermittent fasting: 

• If you are underweight, avoid this type of fasting, as intermittent fasting increases your metabolic rate.
• If you have a history of eating disorders don't follow this fasting until you are advised by professionals or doctors.

One must take care of the side effects and follow this fasting under proper guidance. Hunger is the main side effect of this type of fasting. Few people also start feeling weak which can also be temporary since the body takes time to adapt to new eating patterns.If you have any medical condition such as diabetes, problems in blood regulation, underweight, under any other medications, etc. should follow after talking to your doctor.

Well, we hope this helps you in intermittent fasting, and you are successful in following this trend!