How to do 18/6 intermittent fasting and what are the benefits

Are you interested in trying the 18/6 intermittent fasting method but not sure where to start? In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to do 18/6 intermittent fasting and the benefits it can offer.

First, let’s define what 18/6 intermittent fasting is. This approach to eating involves eating during a 6-hour window and fasting for the remaining 18 hours of the day. This means that during your 6-hour eating window, you can have your three main meals and possibly a couple of snacks, depending on your caloric needs. It’s important to note that during the fasting period, you should only have water, black coffee, and other non-caloric beverages.

One of the main mechanisms by which intermittent fasting works is by reducing your overall calorie intake. When you fast for 18 hours, you are naturally eating fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss. Additionally, intermittent fasting has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Now that you have a basic understanding of what 18/6 intermittent fasting is, let’s dive into the steps you can follow to get started:

1. Choose your eating window: The first step is to decide when you will eat during your 6-hour window. Some people prefer to eat their meals earlier in the day, while others prefer to eat later. It’s important to choose a time that works best for you and your schedule.
2. Plan your meals: During your 6-hour eating window, it’s important to focus on nourishing, whole foods that will provide your body with the nutrients it needs. This can include things like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
3. Stick to your schedule: It’s important to be consistent with your eating and fasting schedule to get the most benefits from intermittent fasting. Try to eat at the same times every day and avoid snacking outside of your eating window.
4. Be flexible: It’s okay to make adjustments to your intermittent fasting schedule as needed. If you have a special occasion or event coming up, it’s okay to take a break from your fasting routine. Just be sure to get back on track as soon as possible.

There are many potential benefits to intermittent fasting, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation.

Here are a few specific benefits of the 18/6 method:

• Weight loss: Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight by reducing your overall calorie intake. When you fast for 18 hours, you are naturally eating fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss.
• Improved insulin sensitivity: Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Reduced inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response in the body, but chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of many diseases. Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which may help lower your risk of certain health conditions.
• Increased mental clarity: Some people report feeling more focused and alert while practicing intermittent fasting. This may be due to the fact that fasting can help improve brain function by increasing the production of certain brain chemicals.

There is no specific age group that is preferred for practicing 18/6 intermittent fasting. However, it’s important to note that this eating pattern may not be suitable for everyone. It’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or registered dietitian, before starting any new eating plan, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Additionally, it’s important to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. If you feel excessively hungry or tired while fasting, it may not be the right approach for you.

While 18/6 intermittent fasting may offer some potential health benefits, it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for everyone and may carry some risks.

Here are a few potential health risks associated with 18/6 intermittent fasting:

• Nutrient deficiencies: Intermittent fasting may make it more challenging to get all the nutrients your body needs, particularly if you’re not careful about the types of foods you eat during your eating window. It’s important to focus on nourishing, whole foods that will provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
• Increased hunger: Some people may find it difficult to stick to the 18/6 fasting schedule due to increased hunger during the fasting period. If you feel excessively hungry while fasting, it may not be the right approach for you.
• Disruptions in sleep patterns: Intermittent fasting may disrupt your sleep patterns if you have your last meal too close to bedtime. It’s generally recommended to finish your last meal at least a few hours before you go to bed to allow your body time to digest.
• Risk of overeating: It’s important to be mindful of portion sizes during your eating window and not overdo it. Some people may be tempted to eat more than they normally would during their eating window, which could negate the benefits of intermittent fasting.

In summary, 18/6 intermittent fasting involves eating during a 6-hour window and fasting for the remaining 18 hours of the day. It can be a useful tool for weight loss and improving overall health, but it’s important to approach it in a way that works best for you and to be mindful of your body’s needs.

 

If you want try fasting (but want a easier way to start), check out the new Pruvit i-Fast 5 Day Intermittent Fasting system, or the 60 hour Keto Reboot kit. 2 great ways to get started with coaching and support included.