Intermittent fasting has become super popular for weight loss lately. But is it right for everyone? Let's chat about how intermittent fasting works and if you should try incorporating it into a medical weight loss program.
Basically, intermittent fasting means intentionally going extended periods without eating, outside of your regular meal times. For example:
Fasting for 16 hours each day, eating only during an 8-hour window
Fasting completely 2 days a week
Fasting every other day
So it's not about what you eat per se, but rather when you eat. Your eating is intermittent!
This lets your body tap into fat stores for energy during the fasts. Research shows it can be an effective approach for weight loss and health.
But is it right for you? Let's go over some key considerations.
Why try it? Some benefits include:
Helps reduce calorie intake since eating time is limited
Triggers fat burning, helps shed pounds
May support better blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Can be simple to follow once you get the hang of it
Flexible plans fit different lifestyles
For many folks, it's an approach that feels doable long-term for weight management.
However, there are some potential downsides to know about:
Can leave you feeling hungry, low energy on fasting days
Requires careful scheduling of eating/fasting periods
Must be careful to stay hydrated and nourished on fasting days
May be hard to maintain with certain health conditions or medications
Not suitable for those with history of eating disorders
It takes some trial and error to find the best schedule for your needs. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting.
If you want to experiment with intermittent fasting, here are some tips:
Start gradual - try 12-hour fasts, build up from there
Stay hydrated - water, herbal tea, black coffee are OK
Listen to your body - adjust plan if you feel unwell
Try apps - track fasting periods and get reminders
Allow treats - work in occasional fast-breaking treats
Keep active - light exercise can help manage hunger
Ramp up slowly and tweak the plan until you find a routine that's comfortable and effective.
If you decide intermittent fasting could work for you, discuss it with your medical weight loss provider. They can help incorporate it into an overall customized plan.
Here's how it can work:
Get assessed - review health status, medications, history to ensure safety
Set schedule - determine optimal daily eating period based on needs and lifestyle
Establish fast-breaking foods - plan nourishing foods to break fast without overdoing calories
Address challenges - troubleshoot side effects, provide support
Monitor progress - track results, adjust plan as needed
With proper medical guidance, you can try intermittent fasting in a way that enhances other weight loss techniques.
Intermittent fasting presents some promising benefits for weight loss, but also has some key caveats. It requires planning and patience to succeed. Working with a knowledgeable medical team can help maximize results while minimizing discomfort.
If you're curious about intermittent fasting, the medical weight loss experts at PrimeHealthMD, here in the Atlanta area, can guide you. We create fully customized plans tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Most major insurance plans accepted. Contact us to learn more and get started on your weight loss path today!
