Intermittent Fasting- For Beginners
Curious about fasting but not sure where to start?
I get it!
There is a wealth of information available about fasting on the interwebs, and it can be overwhelming.
While fasting may seem to have gained popularity recently, it goes all the way back to biblical times.
There are so many health advantages associated with fasting, as well as the spiritual benefits.
Three years ago, I decided to delve into the fasting world.
After conducting my own research on different fasts, I decided to give Intermittent Fasting a try.
I settled on the 16/8 method.
What is the 16/8 fasting method, you ask?
(Great question, by the way.)
The 16/8 method consists of fasting for 16 hours of your day while eating during the other eight.
What does that look like in real life?
In this method, you typically skip breakfast and then begin eating around lunch time.
For example, you would eat from 1 pm to 9 pm. Your fast period is the 16 hours in between.
Here’s what my 16/8 looks like in a day:
a cup of coffee in the morning
a shake, a sandwich, or salad at 12:00 pm for lunch
a piece of fruit and protein for a snack around 3:00
regular supper around 6:00
a small snack before 8:30 at night if I’m still hungry
My fasting period is from 9:00 pm to 12:00 pm/lunch time.
You might be wondering if this method is practical for the busy mom who has to consider breakfast, lunch, and supper for her family.
Well, I have good news for you. It actually works well!
5 Ways to Implement Intermittent Fasting into Your Day
Intermittent Fasting Tip 1: Take inventory
Look through the fridge and pantry to see what foods you have on hand. Decide on the food items for your lunch-snack-supper-snack each day of the week. Make a list of any items you need to pick up from the store.
Intermittent Fasting Tip 2: Map it
Get your calendar out and pencil in what you plan to eat for the week. It's much easier to stick to fasting when you have a solid plan in place.
Intermittent Fasting Tip 3: Coordinate your family’s eating times with your eating times.
While it’s great if everyone eats what you’re eating for dinner, let’s be real… that’s not always the case. It’s okay if your family is eating something different; remember, the key for you is restricted periods of eating. The good news is that you are still together for supper.
And a possible added bonus?
Since you’ve taken yourself out of the breakfast equation, you have more time to focus on the family during those crazy mornings when everyone is bumping into one another trying to get out the door on time.
Intermittent Fasting Tip 4: Experiment
It’s important to remember that what works for one may not work for another. Do your homework. Talk with a physician or dietician to see what best fits your lifestyle and nutritional needs.
Intermittent Fasting Tip 5: Strength in numbers
Consider also joining forces with a friend or neighbor. There is strength in numbers. Motivate each other. Keep each other in check. Celebrate your decision to improve your eating habits.
I’ve stuck to intermittent fasting for three years now. This eating pattern has become a lifestyle for me because I find it to be the right balance of rigid and flexible.
Guest Post by Courtney