Intermittent fasting has become one of the biggest diet trends we have seen in 2017! If you are new to the term intermittent fasting is basically not eating any where from  14 - 36 hours. Throughout fasting periods, you eat little to no calories.

Alternatively, it sets a routine of eating that helps people manage their calorie consumption without starving themselves.

Several studies have demonstrated that if done properly,intermittent fasting (IF) can help with longevity, manage blood sugar, manage body weight, and much more.

The science behind IF isn’t new. Medical professionals know that lowering calorie consumption by 30 or 40 percent can contribute to weight loss and a prolonged lifespan.

Listed below are a few of the top benefits of intermittent fasting:

It Changes the Way Your Whole Body Functions

There are actually many things that happen whenever you go a certain amount of time with no eating.

• Your levels of blood insulin drop, which promotes fat burning.
• Your body will increase cellular repair all over your body.
• Growth hormone can boost by up to five percent, which stimulates fat burning and muscle gain.
• Changes take place in a number of genes that are linked with longevity.

Boosts Your Metabolism

When your stomach is empty, your body has much more time to control your digestive tract and encourage healthy bowel movements.

This, consequently, boosts your metabolism, and therefore, helps you get rid of fat even though you're not doing any strenuous activities.

Slows Down Aging

Caloric restriction is the most reliable way proven to maximize lifespan, and intermittent fasting makes an ideal condition for this to happen. Fasting enables your cells to detox, restore, and recycle, so it not only slows down aging but additionally heads off age-associated health conditions.

Controls Cancer

Cancer takes place when cells start to grow uncontrolled, potentially spreading out and invading other parts of the body.

Intermittent fasting can also work to prevent normal cells from being destroyed by chemotherapy.
In another study, chemotherapy patients noted a reduction in fatigue, weakness, and gastrointestinal adverse reactions when fasting.

Minimizes Inflammation

Intermittent fasting is proven to considerably cut down inflammation. Excessive inflammation is the cause of several chronic diseases that we face today such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, dementia, obesity, and more. There are several methods for how intermittent fasting minimizes inflammation.

Increases Willpower And Decreases Decision Fatigue

Fasting is the best stoic exercise to evaluate your discipline and willpower.
The mental discipline and willpower associated with fasting for an extended period of time is empowering.

Burns Up Fat for Fuel In Place of Sugar

Fat is basically a much better and cleaner source of fuel than carbs. Not only does fat deliver more energy per gram than carbs do, but it actually provides less free radicals, which bring about inflammation.

When your cells use fat (ketones) or carbs to make energy, there is waste that gets produced as free radicals.

Free radicals result in oxidative stress to the body and are regarded as the main cause of several chronic diseases, which includes many neurodegenerative disorders.

Intermittent fasting triggers your brain to use ketones, instead of sugar, which is better and more effective fuel for your brain.

Who Shouldn't Fast

As incredible as the benefits are of fasting, it is not for everyone. If you are pregnant or breast feeding it is not recommended. If you suffer with hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism or adrenal fatigue I recommend speaking to a health care practitioner before incorporating fasting.

Bullet Proof Fasting

Coined by the well known bio hacker Dave Asprey from Bullet Proof Coffee,Bullet Proof Fasting is an effective way to intermittent fast. Bullet Proof Fasting incorporates a cup of coffee in the morning with 1 tablespoonMCT oil and 1 tablespoon grass fed butter blended into your coffee. This high fat, delicious beverage helps to sustain hunger and essentially makes fasting easier. You can read more about Bullet Proof Fastinghere.

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to start an intermittent fasting protocol, give it a try for 2-4 weeks and see for yourself how you may be able to improve your body, mind and energy level with just changing when you eat your meals!

I’d recommend trying it 3 days a week Monday, Wednesday and Friday's.

Stop eating after dinner and do not eat for 14- 20 hours. Another way to look at it is, eat in an 8 hour window example 11am-7pm.

Have you tried intermittent fasting? If so comment below and let me know what you think!