Intermittent fasting is a growing topic in the health and weight loss communities, but why? Simply put – it works. Many people are discovering the long list of benefits to this form of fasting, and not just those looking to lose weight. While that is definitely one of the top advantages, you will find many other health benefits as well.
It is a Simpler Way to Lose Weight
Yo-yo dieting is not only not conducive to successful weight loss, but it can actually be harmful to your body. Too many changes in short periods of time can lead to many issues with digestion, weight gain, and abdominal pain, so you want to stick to one method and keep with it. The reason why so many people are having success with intermittent fasting is because of how simple it is. You just have to pick one method of intermittent fasting and stick with it, eating healthy and moderately during the eating periods, and fasting during the other hours of the day. It really doesn’t get much easier than that.
It Can Help With Blood Sugar Control
Moving beyond helping you to lose weight or burn fat, intermittent fasting it also efficient at controlling your blood sugar levels. When you do intermittent fasting over a prolonged period of time and do it the right way, you can start increasing your insulin resistance and lowering your blood glucose levels naturally. When you do this, you just might help to treat your type 2 diabetes or avoid diabetes if you were in the high-risk category.
You Can Increase Cognitive Function
There have been animal studies on intermittent fasting and how it can have a positive effect on your cognitive health, which helps to promote brain and memory health. You can actually reduce your risk for brain-related illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with both a healthy diet and diets like intermittent fasting. Studies were performed at the Laboratory of Neurosciences at the National Institute of Aging on this very subject.
It Promotes Healthy Eating
Since intermittent fasting takes away overeating and requires you to really be conscious when you do eat, it can help tremendously with your overall health. Nutritious foods provide so many amazing health benefits, for your weight, heart health, cholesterol, even your bones. With intermittent fasting, you try to have nutrient-dense foods during eating phases, so it can help you to learn to eat better overall.
[RECIPE] SWEET POTATO BREAKFAST BOWL
Serves 2
- 2 sweet potatoes*
- 1 cup vanilla dairy-free yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 pear, chopped
- ½ cup raisins
*To save time, roast the sweet potatoes the night before, then serve them at room temperature the following day.
PREHEAT OVEN. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
ROAST SWEET POTATOES. Place sweet potatoes on a baking pan. Pierce with a fork and place in the oven for 40 minutes. When sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. Pierce the center of sweet potatoes with a fork. If they pierce easily, they are done. If the fork is resisting, then put the sweet potatoes back in the oven for another 10 minutes.
TOP SWEET POTATOES. Mix the yogurt, protein powder, and chia seeds together. Slit the sweet potatoes lengthwise and top with the yogurt mixture, chopped pear, and raisins.
To Your Health,
Patti
