The Controversial Diet Everyone's Talking About
As we've already mentioned, there's the improved insulin sensitivity that comes with fasting, especially when paired with exercise. Additionally, fasting has other hormonal benefits including (but not limited to) an increase in the secretion of growth hormone (GH).
Growth hormone has a myriad of benefits (a discussion of which in full is beyond the scope of this writing), but for our purposes it's enough to say that the more GH your produce, the faster you can lose fat and gain muscle. Additionally, GH tends to offset the effects of cortisol, which is (in part) related to belly fat storage. So, it seems likely that fasting can help you lose belly fat, at least indirectly.
Still not satisfied? If you need another benefit, fasting reduces inflammation as well, which can have implications for
improved immunity as well as increased fat loss.
Wrapping UpThe most important thing to remember about Intermittent fasting is that it isn't a diet, it's a way of eating — a nutritional lifestyle — that will allow you to reach your goals in an efficient and convenient manner and then hold onto your physique once you achieve your desired weight.
While IF isn't for everyone, nor is it a perfect system, it's certainly an effective way to lose weight.
In addition to the hormonal benefits inherent in the practice, you'll also feel more satisfied from your food, feel hungry less often and probably save some money on meals.
Moreover, you may also live longer if, you know, you're into that.
Even if you never try IF you can at least appreciate that it's forced the industry at large to reevaluate the "truths" we tend to cling to.
Perhaps it's for this reason that intermittent fasting is being generally received with appreciation and acceptance while low-carb diets, Paleo eating and the "Twinkie diet" all have people on both sides of the line either praising or lambasting them. Intermittent fasting is well received once people see the research, and there's a simple reason: it works.
Next time, we'll discuss the various methods of intermittent fasting, touching on the theories and reasoning behind each protocol, as well as the fitness professionals popularizing each plan.