You’ve probably come across many articles in 2019 outlining the benefits of
IF – Intermittent Fasting. Having tried it myself & seeing a significant change in my weight & health, I can say that it really does work.
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Now Ramadan is upon us, everyone is wondering if they can benefit, not just spiritually, but physically from the long days of fasting.
The answer is yes of course! Fasting not only brings us closer to Allah SWT but also helps us concentrate on what’s more important. Your brain becomes more concise, mental focus achieved during fasting increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which helps produce more brain cells, improving brain function.
So what are the key benefits of fasting?
- Weight loss
- Improved heart health
- Reduced risk of chronic health conditions
- Improved brain health
- Slows down aging
What is intermittent Fasting & how is it different?
16/8 intermittent fasting involves eating only during an eight-hour window during the day & fasting for the remaining 16 hours.
I tried the 16/8 fasting plan & it is one of the most popular styles of fasting. There are other plans you can try, but I stuck to this one because, It’s an easy, convenient way to lose weight & improve overall health.
I chose to fast from 7pm-11am as this is what best suits my lifestyle, in terms of family commitments. I love the flexibility of this “diet” because you can choose the hours which best suit you.
The major difference with this way of fasting, is that it is encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, unlike fasting for Ramadan which is abstaining from all foods & drinks (yes not even water) 😛 Doctors say it’s important you drink fluids whilst doing intermittent fasting, so it’s best to choose non-calorific clear fluids, ideally water. Tea & coffee is allowed, but should ideally be black. If you add milk, 1-2 tea spoons is okay, but no sweeteners or sugar, of course.
Can fasting at Ramadan have the same health benefits?
Yes! In fact, even more so! Because it’s like training your body to eventually lower your overall appetite. Fasting at Ramadan is a full body, mind & soul cleanse. As well as being great for spiritually cleansing yourself, Ramadan acts as a fantastic detox. Your body will begin to detoxify your digestive system. When your body starts eating into it’s fat reserves to create energy, it will also burn away any harmful toxins that might be present in fat deposits.
The reduction in food consumed throughout fasting at Ramadan causes your stomach to gradually shrink, meaning you’ll need to eat less food to feel full. Your appetite will be lower than it was before, & you’ll be far less likely to overindulge. Giving you the perfect stepping stone to an overall healthier lifestyle.
Is fasting for you? Who should try this?
If you feel like your body is constantly letting you down & needs a boost then fasting is for you because it’s an easy way to improve your health! Fasting can help those –
- Wanting to improve their blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity & resistance.
- Who want to lower their risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Who want to bounce back quicker after exercise.
- Wanting to reduce pain & inflammation.
- Wanting to give their body a break from all the processing it does.
Bottom line
Fasting is hands down, the quickest way to lose weight & it does not require much effort. I find it easier than any fad diets, because you’re abstaining from eating in general. So it’s a sure fire way to lose weight & keep it off.
Hey you! Have you ever tried fasting? How did your body react? Let me know in the comments below & don’t forget to share!
This is super interesting but I don’t know how the fasting thing happens. I’d be obsessing over my next meal the entire time! I have a problem
Ha! I am the same, but you really lose the weight very quickly so you can learn to control yourself – with a little bit of luck! 🙂