Intermittent fasting is not something that is specifically keto related, it can be incorporated into any eating plan (even if you don’t follow an eating plan at all). When you do it while being in ketosis though, it’s very powerful.
Here is what Jimmy Moore and Dr. Jason Fung say in their book "The Complete Guide to Fasting":
What is intermittent fasting?
“The term intermittent fasting simply means that periods of fasting occur regularly between periods of normal eating [or keto eating]. There are many different fasting regimens, and there’s no ‘best’ one. They all work to different degrees for different people.”
What happens when we fast?
“The process of using and storing food energy that occurs when we eat goes in reverse when we fast. Insulin levels drop, signaling the body to start burning stored energy. Glycogen (the glucose that’s stored in the liver) is the most easily accessible energy source, and the liver stores enough to provide energy for twenty-four hours or so. After that, the body starts to break down stored body fat for energy.”
This does not mean you need to fast for over 24 hours to get the benefits of intermittent fasting. There are many types of intermittent fasting, 16:8, 20:4, 24:0, etc. The first number is the number of hours you fast, the second number is your ‘eating window’.
Research Dr. Jason Fung or Jimmy Moore and you will find a ton of information on intermittent fasting, ways to do it, and why it’s so healthy. I personally have felt amazing doing intermittent fasting in combination with my keto lifestyle. I usually do a 20:4, two times per week. I time it so that when I go to the gym, I am at the end of my fast. After my workout, I have a fatty coffee made with butter and MCT Oil (US | Canada) to break my fast.
It’s important to break your fast properly; you should consume a lot of fat after fasting. You can have protein and carbs within that eating window, but start with fat (think of fat as your appetizer before your main meal).
Intermittent fasting has helped me with my weight loss goals; it’s a detox and I have higher energy when I do it. I am never hungry when I am fasting.
I first experimented with intermittent fasting when I hit a plateau in my weight loss. This broke the plateau nicely, and after reading about all of the health benefits to it, I decided to incorporate it into my lifestyle.
Give it a try and see what it can do for you!
Need more tips for intermittent fasting? Come on by my Facebook group and share your questions!
You got this!
Leta ~ Intentionally Bare
DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. The content in here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard here.
