Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting has become popular for the many health benefits it offers.

Published: May 6, 2019 12:50 PM IST

By India.com Lifestyle Staff | Edited by Upneet Pansare

intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting could help you in many ways (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Intermittent fasting for weight loss has become quite popular with fitness enthusiasts across the world. Intermittent fasting essentially involves periods of fasting and eating during specific times. This means that you can eat whatever type of food during the ‘eating’ period but, during the ‘fasting’ period, you must refrain from eating anything. There are many types of intermittent fasting: 5:2 diet where you eat just 600 calories or less on two days of the week, 16/8 diet where you eat for 8 hours in a day and fast for the remaining 16 and the eat-stop-eat diet which involves fasting one day of the week. Here are some benefits of intermittent fasting:

Weight loss: One of the most important goals of intermittent fasting is weight loss. This is because you tend to eat fewer calories when on intermittent fasting.

Detoxification: Fasting helps keep our body free of toxins. Your organs don’t have to work overtime getting rid of toxins when you consume food. This has a positive impact on everything from weight loss to efficient digestion and from keeping illnesses away to ensuring overall good health. Did you know that a detox can also help clear your mind and benefit your mental health?

More energy: Contrary to what many might believe, fasting can actually help you feel more energetic, say several research studies. When you don’t tax your body with unnecessary calories, your body feels lighter and fresher.

It is very important to note that while there are no specific dietary guidelines on what you can and cannot eat during intermittent fasting, you need to follow a healthy diet comprising wholegrain foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, pulses and other healthy foods. Going on an intermittent doesn’t mean you can eat unhealthy fast food during your eating period.  Do not follow the intermittent diet without consultation with a doctor especially if you are a diabetic, pregnant or have heart and other problems.

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