Craving answers to your intermittent fasting questions? Let’s dig in and scoop out the answers to 15 burning FAQ’s about fasting!
In January of 2021, I discovered and began living an intermittent fasting lifestyle. Within 4 months, I lost 46 pounds and have maintained my weight loss for over two years now.
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Intermittent fasting is totally my jam and I’m guessing, since you’re here, it just might be yours too. So, let’s dive in and snag some answers to 15 of the most common intermittent fasting questions.
15 Common Intermittent Fasting Questions
#1 What is Intermittent Fasting?
You might be wondering what is intermittent fasting, and how does intermittent fasting work? INTERMITTENT FASTING is an eating pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting (calorie restriction). During the fasting periods, you abstain from consuming calories, while during the eating periods, you consume your meals and calories as usual.
The idea of intermittent fasting is to give your body a break during hours of fasting from calorie intake and constant digestion. During the fasting period, your body doesn’t get new food to use for energy, so it starts using the stored energy from your body, like fat, to keep you going.
Let’s pretend you’re on a food adventure where you get to choose when to eat and when to take a break. That’s intermittent fasting for you! It’s like a little game with your hunger. You have periods of ‘feasting’ when you enjoy delicious meals, and then you have periods of fasting where you give your tummy a timeout. It’s absolutely NOT about starving yourself.
Instead, the primary goal is about mindful eating and teaching your body to use its fat stores for fuel. It’s like a magic trick, but for real! Plus, it comes with a bunch of amazing long term health and weight loss benefits.
#2 What are the Benefits of Intermittent Fasting?
Let’s talk about the awesome benefits of this trendy eating pattern. First off, intermittent fasting is like a secret fat burning weapon. When you give your body time between meals, it taps into those reserved fat stores for energy and helps you shed those stubborn pounds. It can also boost your metabolism and help with fat loss while preserving muscle mass.
But wait, there’s more! It’s like a superhero for your blood sugar levels, keeping them steady and reducing your risk of diabetes. Plus, it’s got anti-aging powers. Intermittent fasting as been shown to support brain health and reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to many chronic diseases like heart disease.
Additionally, fasting has been shown to improve blood pressure, insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity, increase energy levels and the best part? You can still enjoy your favorite foods (within reason) during your eating window! So, intermittent fasting isn’t just a trendy diet plan; it’s a lifestyle that can supercharge your health and make you feel fantastic!
#3 Does Intermittent Fasting Really Work?
Yes, intermittent fasting can work for many people. It’s not a magic wand, but it’s pretty close! When done correctly and consistently, it can help many people lose body weight fairly quickly, improve their metabolism, and experience a variety of awesome health benefits.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for one person might not work the same way for another. It’s essential to find a fasting routine that suits your unique lifestyle. So, whether you’re a breakfast skipper or a nighttime nibbler, intermittent fasting fasting can definitely lead you down the path to better health and a slimmer waistline. Additionally, it’s very important to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions.
#4 Can I Eat Whatever I Want While Intermittent Fasting and Still Lose Weight?
While intermittent fasting gives you a bit of flexibility, it’s not an all-access pass to an endless buffet. You can’t just devour everything in sight during your eating window and expect magic results. Even though intermittent fasting doesn’t specify what foods to eat, it’s crucial to prioritize nutritious, balanced meals during your eating window. Eating junky fast foods or excessive calories can undermine the benefits of fasting and may not support your weight loss or health goals.
Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, can help you get the most from intermittent fasting while maintaining a balanced diet. So, kale chips over potato chips, most of the time, please, because quality matters as much as timing when it comes to what you eat. Cheers to mindful munching!
#5 Can You Chew Gum While Intermittent Fasting?
Chewing gum might seem harmless, but it can surprisingly break your fast due to its impact on digestion and metabolism. While gum itself might not have a significant amount of calories, the act of chewing stimulates digestive enzymes and signals to your body that food is incoming. This can affect insulin levels, even in the absence of calories from gum. Additionally, some chewing gums contain artificial sweeteners that can raise blood sugar levels, further disrupting the fasted state. So, when in doubt, SPIT IT OUT!
CLICK HERE to learn about 15 SHOCKING Things That Will TOTALLY Break Your Fast!
#6 Can You Do Intermittent Fasting While Breastfeeding?
Intermittent fasting for pregnant women or while breastfeeding is generally not recommended. When you’re breastfeeding, your body needs extra nutrients and calories to produce milk for your baby. Intermittent fasting can restrict calorie intake during fasting periods, potentially reducing the nutrients and energy available for milk production. It’s crucial to prioritize your baby’s health and ensure they receive adequate nutrition.
If you’re interested in intermittent fasting after breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help create a plan that meets your needs without compromising your baby’s nutrition.
#7 What are the Best Intermittent Fasting Books?
Some popular books about intermittent fasting that you might find helpful are “The Obesity Code” by Dr. Jason Fung, “Delay, Don’t Deny” by Gin Stephens, and “The Complete Guide to Fasting” by Dr. Jason Fung and Jimmy Moore.
These books explain the concepts, methods, and potential benefits of intermittent fasting in easy-to-understand ways, making them great choices if you want to learn more about this eating approach.
#8 What are the Best Foods to Eat While Intermittent Fasting?
During intermittent fasting, choosing the right foods is key to fueling your body effectively. Focus on nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods, that keep you full and energized during your eating window. Think fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and more. And don’t forget hydration – water is your trusty ally throughout the fast.
CLICK HERE to discover the BEST INTERMITTENT FASTING WEIGHT LOSS SECRET, as well as the exact foods I ate to lose 46 pounds in 4 months.
#9 What are the Best Foods to Break My Fast With?
After several hours of fasting, your gut is very sensitive and it needs foods that are easy to digest. It is extremely important to break your intermittent fast slowly, and with foods that are safe and help you to feel your absolute best! When you break your fast, chose that first meal wisely. Opt for nutritious foods like avocados, nuts, lean proteins, and smoothies packed with fruits and veggies. The goal is to nourish your body while reaping the benefits of intermittent fasting, so make every bite count!
CLICK HERE learn about 8 BEST FOODS to BREAK YOUR INTERMITTENT FAST WITH!
#10 Can I Drink Electrolytes While Fasting?
The answer to this question is YES and NO! Flavored electrolyte drinks, despite their intended rehydration benefits, can potentially hinder your fasting progress. These beverages often contain added sugars, flavorings, and sometimes even calories, which can trigger an insulin spike when consumed. This insulin release, in response to the presence of sugars or sweeteners, can disrupt your fasting state.
On the other hand, electrolytes are important for maintaining hydration while fasting. Your best bet is to consume raw, unflavored electrolytes during your fasting window and save the flavored electrolytes for your eating window.
CLICK HERE to learn about the BEST ELECTROLYTE (that WON’T BREAK YOUR FAST) for intermittent fasting!
#11 Can I Have Cream in My Coffee While Intermittent Fasting?
Creamers, even in small amounts, typically contain fats and some calories. When you consume these calories, your body responds by releasing insulin to process the incoming nutrients. This insulin release can break your fasting state by signaling your body to shift from a fasting mode to an active metabolic state.
Additionally, fats can delay the absorption of other nutrients, potentially affecting the overall fasting benefits. To ensure the effectiveness of your fasting efforts, it’s recommended to forgo creamers during fasting periods and stick to plain black coffee.
My absolute favorite, can’t live without black coffee, is STARBUCKS Medium Roast Breakfast Blend. Check it out HERE!
TIP: If you are struggling to drink your coffee black, you should try the ALTON BROWN TRICK and sprinkle your coffee with a little bit of salt.
#12 What Exactly Can I Have During My Fast?
During intermittent fasting, food intake must be completely avoided, however, you can consume a few drinks without breaking your fast. Most importantly, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the fasting period. Black coffee and plain herbal teas are also allowed. Remember that the key to successful intermittent fasting is to keep your calorie intake very low or nonexistent during fasting hours to allow your body to tap into stored fat for energy.
CLICK HERE to learn about the 4 BEST DRINKS to have during intermittent fasting!
#13 What are the Different Methods of Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting offers a variety of different schedules and methods, allowing flexibility to suit different preferences and schedules. One popular approach is the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window each day. The 5:2 method involves eating regularly for five days and restricting calorie intake to about 500-600 calories on the other two non-consecutive days.
Alternatively, the Eat-Stop-Eat method includes 24-hour fasts once or twice a week. The alternate day fasting method has also proven to be a very good option for many fasters. For those seeking simplicity, the Warrior Diet or OMAD (One Meal A Day) approach condenses all daily eating into a 2-4 hour eating window. Ultimately, the best method varies from person to person based on lifestyle, goals, and individual preferences.
CLICK HERE to learn about the fasting method I used to lose 46 Pounds in 4 months.
#14 What is the Best Intermittent Fasting Method for Weight Loss?
The best intermittent fasting method for weight loss can vary from person to person. It’s a good idea to learn about and familiarize yourself with a variety of fasting methods. But remember, the best method is one that you can stick to and that suits your lifestyle and health needs.
#15 Does Using an Intermittent Fasting App Really Work?
Yes, using an intermittent fasting app throughout your intermittent fasting journey can be an extremely effective weight loss tool for many. These apps help by setting fasting schedules, sending reminders, and tracking progress, making it easier to stick to your fasting routine. They also provide valuable information and resources to understand the fasting process better.
However, the app’s effectiveness depends on your commitment and consistency in following the fasting schedule and making healthy food choices during eating windows. While these apps can be a helpful tool, they are not a magic solution, and individual results may vary.
CLICK HERE to check out the incredible fasting app that I use and love. This awesome app has helped me effortlessly maintain my 46 pound weight loss.
CONCLUSION
And there you have it! We’ve tackled 15 of the most common intermittent fasting questions.
Intermittent fasting isn’t rocket science. It is, however, a flexible, time-restricted eating approach that can be tailored to suit your lifestyle. Go forth, feast wisely during your eating windows, and FAST like a CHAMP!
And… if you’re ready to go ALL IN and finally lose weight and get healthy FOR GOOD, I’m totally here for YOU! In my INTERMITTENT FASTING and WEIGHT LOSS MASTERCLASS: 6 Weeks to Sexy, I will teach you step-by-step, week-by-week, exactly HOW I lost 46 Pounds in 4 Months with Intermittent Fasting! I’ll share with you every single TIP, TRICK, RECIPE & STRATEGY that I used to reach my goal weight and maintain for over two years now! CLICK HERE if you’re ready to do this TOGETHER!