Intermittent fasting concept – empty plate on blue background, copy space

Intermittent fasting offers many benefits such as prompting weight loss, lowering the risk of diabetes, and improving heart health. This type of fasting can be difficult for those who have never fasted before. Nonetheless, the benefits should outweigh any hesitations you may have. 

What Is Intermittent Fasting 

While many may think that intermittent fasting is a type of diet, it is actually more of a different approach to taking in calories. This method of weight loss requires that you switch between periods of eating and fasting. Intermittent fasting does not have any food requirements; when you are allowed to eat, you can eat whatever you want.

Some may hesitate about intermittent fasting because most plans involve skipping breakfast, but, in all actuality, skipping breakfast is completely harmless. Intermittent fasting is beneficial in a variety of ways. Starting with heart health and type 2 diabetes, this method of weight loss can help alleviate the symptoms of chronic conditions or prevent them altogether. 

Losing Weight 

Many of those who fast intermittently do so to lose weight. It lowers caloric intake and can enhance hormone function to encourage weight loss while lowering the Insulin. When combined with other benefits, lowered insulin and higher hormone levels can increase your metabolic rate by 3 to 14%. This type of fasting has also caused people to lose 4-7% of belly fat. 

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the inability to regulate blood sugar levels and can completely change a person’s life. Intermittent fasting will help safely lower blood sugar levels and can help alleviate symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes. It has also displayed major benefits for people living with insulin resistance. One study showed that sticking to this eating schedule reduced insulin levels by 20-30%.

Heart Health 

In this day and age of processed foods, heart disease is a huge risk. Fasting can positively affect blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol, inflammatory markers, blood sugar levels, and blood triglycerides. These are all risk factors for heart disease, making this lifestyle change a viable option for those looking to reduce their risks. 

Cancer

Animal studies have shown that intermittent fasting could prevent cancer. How? Fasting greatly benefits the metabolism, meaning that the body systems are working optimally to expel toxins. It causes cells to conduct autophagy, otherwise known as waste removal. This means that cells will break down and metabolize broken proteins. An increase of autophagy does not only protect the body from cancer but Alzheimer’s. 

Brain Health

Fasting can increase new nerve cell growth, which greatly helps with overall brain function. It also can help release more of those feel-good hormones, alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. 

Quick, Easy Healthy Meals 

Fasting could be challenging, but changing the way you eat can be even more difficult. Many of us do not have the time to prepare healthy meals and succumb to fast food. With Z.E.N Foods, all you have to do is heat and eat! Our meals are delivered to your doorstep fresh daily. We offer a variety of programs, including Weight Loss, Healthy Lifestyle and Vegetarian Plans. We also have plan options that are designed to work with intermittent fasting. Choose what works for you today on our website.