In today’s world of crazy fad diet’s, I often get asked what’s intermittent fasting? And does it works? Like many other fad diet’s, little is known about the true significance of intermittent fasting. The reason this type of fasting has received so much attention lately is because of books like Dr. Michael Mosley’s “The Fast Diet” and Dr. Caroline Apovian’s “The Overnight Diet.” These books tout scientific research that shows how calorie restriction from partial fasts could help maintain a healthy weight. In part people who want to loose a significant amount of weight should consider the risk of such drastic calorie restrictions.
The first question you want to ask with a diet is: Is this dangerous?” says Dr. Aaron Cypess, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard and staff physician at Joslin Diabetes Center. “And the second question is: Can you do this for more than a few months? It seems to me that it is not dangerous and that for some people, it may be easier than a global calorie restriction.
That said, fasting can be considered dangerous for those with underlying conditions, but can also be used to one’s advantage if done in moderation. Intermittent fasting consist of two cycles; fasting and eating. In the fasting cycle the body uses energy that mainly stored within fat cells, while in the eating cycle the body uses nutrients as fuel to burn off excess fat.
While most intermittent fasting consist of the same cycles, it’s always good to consult with a physician to ensure you are getting enough nutrients and or taking the necessary steps supplement such key part of fasting. In the end intermittent fasting is a great tool for getting to those stubborn areas where fat tend to linger.
