Intermittent Fasting Explained

So many people regularly ask me if intermittent fasting is good or bad for you. In the 7-day plan, I originally included it in order to reduce one’s appetite over a short period and give the digestive system a break for a week. Some people had fantastic results with it over six months or so (generally, from my observation, the positive effects do not seem to last longer, but again, I could be mistaken). Some people feel TERRIBLE on it and GAIN WEIGHT. I have a friend who gained 4 kilos (about 8 pounds) doing it! These conflicting results got me to research it extensively. I haven’t found anybody online or offline (I asked many experienced doctors and other nutritionists) who could explain this. As you might have noticed by now, I am a problem fixer, and I decided to get to the bottom of this phenomenon. So, here is it for you, my dot-connecting analysis on the effects of intermittent fasting!

What Happens When We Fast?

• We produce Human Growth Hormone which has many benefits. HGH helps build and repair muscle, boost metabolism, repair skin, slow down aging, and burn fat.
• We also produce cortisol which has harmful effects on the body and mind. Cortisol is the stress hormone (the one released in a flight or fight situation). Elevated cortisol levels lead to weight gain(mainly in the face and abdomen) and anxiety; it can lower our metabolism and immune system, increase inflammation, increase blood pressure, etc.

Two things happen simultaneously, one positive and one negative, regarding weight loss.   In some people, the weight-loss element (HGH) is probably more pronounced, while the weight-gain element (cortisol) is more accentuated in others. This is the reason why results differ depending on the individual! However, I have noticed that intermittent fasting is generally more beneficial for men than women. My take on it is that ancestrally, men would go hunting and would be exposed to a longer fasting period than women who would look after children and probably have some food to eat. Also, women have much more going on hormonally than men, and playing with our hormones, like intermittent fasting, can be more disruptive to us! Indeed, fasting can greatly affect hormones, especially for people with PCOS, thyroid issues, endometriosis, and diabetes. As a result, I have not included intermittent fasting in the Eat Burn Sleep lifestyle, and I cover all you need to know about what you need to eat and at what time of the day in order to maximize weight loss, gut health, and hormonal health! Add to favorites