A diet loosely restricted and open to being adjusted to your own time – here’s why you should most definitely give intermittent fasting a go in quarantine.

As Luke Countinho says, “What happens is your body gets rest, it detoxifies, you lose a little weight, your skin starts getting better.”

Intermittent fasting has always existed in religion and cultures, and today it’s as relevant as ever with people striving to maintain health and wellness. Now that we are at home, intermittent fasting might be the easiest option!

As Luke Countinho says, “What happens is your body gets rest, it detoxifies, you lose a little weight, your skin starts getting better.” With more time at hand and less energy to be utilized, fasting could bring some very positive benefits not just to your body but your diet and skin as well.

WHY GO INTERMITTENT?

Weight loss and reduced belly fat are definitely the most common benefits of practicing this fast, however studies over the years have laid down many other concrete benefits that prove beneficial to the body:

1. Increases cellular repair in the body.
2. Reduces insulin resistance and blood sugar levels.
3. Decreases inflammation in the body.
4. Proves beneficial for heart health with reduced blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
5. May help prevent cancer due to positive effects on metabolism.
6. Boosts gut health.

HOW TO INTERMITTENT FAST?

There are various proven ways you can practice intermittent fasting:

1. 16/8 Method: This method involves eating between 8-10 hours and fasting for the rest of 16-14 hours. It’s the most widely practiced form of intermittent fasting.
2. 5/2 Method: The 5:2 diet involves eating normally 5 days of the week while restricting your calorie intake to 500–600 for 2 days of the week.
3. Alternative Days: During this fasting, you fast every alternate day. A calorie window of about 500 is suggested for days you’re fasting on.

FOODS SUITED BEST FOR YOUR EATING WINDOW

Its inevitable hunger will strike even when you’re fasting, that’s why it’s essential to eat wholesome and healthy foods during your eating window. Here are some of the best items:

1. High fiber food such as nuts, beans, fruits, green vegetables, and meat.
2. Black coffee or black tea.
3. Probiotics such as yoghurt, kefir and kombucha.
4. Berries, preferably cranberries and blueberries
5. Whole grain foods

Make sure to avoid excess sugar, salt, or junk food since they beat the whole purpose of the diet.
Stay safe, stay healthy!

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