Fasting: Embracing the Power of Metabolic Reset

Note: As always, please seek professional advice before initiating any of these steps, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or concerns.

Intermittent fasting, a practice of cycling between periods of eating and fasting, has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits. Evidence suggests that fasting activates cellular repair processes, improves insulin sensitivity, promotes autophagy (the body’s natural process of cellular cleanup), and may even extend lifespan.

Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can aid in weight loss, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Recommendations: Start with shorter fasting windows and gradually increase fasting duration as tolerated. Stay hydrated and focus on nutrient-dense foods during eating windows to ensure adequate nutrition whilst not jamming 3 meals into a 2 meal period.

Personally, I like to drink black coffee (stimulant and appetite suppressant) and take a range of supplements such as multi-vitamins, leucine (specifically supporting muscle growth in a fasted period of lower protein) and magnesium alongside a 16-18 hour fasted period.

As with all health insights and behaviour change, it’s about what works for you and some elements of the above may not fit. Make sure you give yourself time for trial and error and don’t be disheartened as you figure out what works for you.