Intermittent fasting is a highly effective way to lose weight, but it can also be very difficult if you do not know how to fast. Luckily, there are a variety of methods to follow when sticking to this eating plan. This form of fasting is not a diet, but rather a schedule. The schedule you follow is up to you. If you do not know how to fast or have never done fasting before, these methods will prove to be helpful. 

What Is Intermittent Fasting? 

This is not exactly a diet, but instead a timed approach to eating. When following this method of weight loss, you will switch between periods of fasting and eating. Intermittent fasting does not suggest or condemn certain foods but instead limits the amount of time one can have food. It can be difficult for those who do not know how to fast. 

Intermittent Fasting Benefits 

Intermittent fasting helps you more than just lose overall weight and belly fat. It can help lower insulin levels, thus reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes. Your heart’s health is greatly improved along with reducing your risks for heart disease. This will also induce cellular repair and protect the body against disease. Oxidative stress, a known cause for aging and many chronic diseases, is reduced during intermittent fasting. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can prevent cancer, as it has beneficial effects on metabolism. It also has positive effects on brain health and can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. 

Intermittent Fasting 16/8 Plan 

The 16/8 plan is one of the most common plans for those who do not know how to do fasting. Following this plan, a person will fast for 16 hours and then eat within an 8-hour timeframe. People following this plan will most commonly choose to eat in between noon to 8 PM. Obviously, this means that you will be skipping breakfast. While many say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it is actually just the same as any other meal. 

Intermittent Fasting 24 Hour Plan 

This plan involves skipping two meals on one day of the week, where you fast for 24 hours. For example, you go ahead with skipping breakfast and lunch. You then fast from 3 PM that day to 3 PM the next day. You do this once a week. If you do not know how to do fasting,  it can be very hard to jump right into intermittent fasting with a 24 hour fast. Instead of a 24 hour fast, you can lower the amount of time you fast to 18 hours. 

Intermittent Fasting 5:2 Plan

With this method of intermittent fasting, you will eat 500 to 600 calories two days a week. For the other five days, you will eat normally. Some will choose to fast on these two days. Sometimes, they will fast three days a week and eat the number of calories they’ve burned the rest of the week. 

Deliciously Healthy Meals for You

If you are considering intermittently fasting, you will want to have the best nutrition on standby. Z.E.N Foods’ Weight Loss Program offers Intermittent Fasting options and delivers ready-made, delicious meals right to your door on the days you need them. The most you will have to do is heat the meal in a microwave or oven. Interested? Joining our program is as simple as placing your order on our website!