Can I rave a little more about intermittent fasting? Yes? Okay, let’s go! Last year I wrote this article on what intermittent fasting is and why I like it so much. I suggest you read that first before you watch this video or read this article, because it explains a lot. In this article I want to tell you how I use intermittent fasting. I get a lot of questions about it and I really want to answer them. Mostly because this way of eating really works for me and it might also work for you, so let’s go!
What is intermittent fasting?
In short, intermittent fasting is a way of eating. It isn’t a diet, meaning it doesn’t tell you what to eat. It does give you a timeline and a window to eat in. There are a few styles of intermittent fasting, but my favorite one is the 16/8 (leangains) method. Intermittent fasting is meant to help you lose stored fat on your body. There are people that use it for other reasons, like creating a better eating pattern or a healthier lifestyle in general. There are also a lot of people on the Keto diet who use Intermittent fasting to speed up the weight loss process.
It’s up to you how you use it. This way of eating is often used for weight loss, because it actually works without having too many restrictions. Intermittent fasting usually means you skip breakfast, while you still do whatever it is you need to do. This forces your body to fuel itself with the energy, also known as the fat already stored on your body. Not getting fuel from food in the morning will make your body find other ways, which can help you lose fat.
Why I use the 16/8 method
The 16/8 method is very popular. I guess it’s because it is the most sustainable for many people. For me it means I start eating at 12.00 or 01.00 in the afternoon, and I stop eating at 19.00 or 20.00. This comes down to an eating window of eight hours and sixteen hours of not eating. I’m able to do this because I skip breakfast and eat my first meal at 12.00 or 13.00 p.m. I like this method because I dislike eating breakfast. I’ve never been a breakfast person and I’ve had trouble eating early ever since I was a child.
The 16/8 method comes very natural to me and that’s why it’s my favorite version of intermittent fasting. Skipping breakfast isn’t a problem for me, in fact I really love it! It takes away the stress of coming up with something I can eat in the mornings. It also keeps me very clear minded and actually hungry when I do eat in the afternoon. I usually go to the gym at 20.00 in the evening, which is perfect for this method. I’ve already had all my meals, therefor I have enough fuel in my system to work out really well. And I don’t have cravings after my training.
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How I use intermittent fasting
I use this method for three to five days per week. During the weekends I don’t follow any food pattern, I just eat what I like and when I want it. I do this because I think I should still be able to enjoy my life and tasty food. For me balance is key, just like a healthy mindset towards food. I also want to make sure my body doesn’t see intermittent fasting as the new normal. I really want to use it to shock my system and enjoy all the benefits. If my body were to see intermittent fasting as the normal, I think it wouldn’t work that well anymore.
On the days I use intermittent fasting, I usually eat two big meals a day. I spent a bit longer in the kitchen to prepare something really tasty. I try to break my fast with something very low carb, as I’m also following the Keto style of eating. Whenever I break my fast with a lot of unhealthy carbs, I usually feel really sluggish after. I also get cravings I really don’t want, so I stay away from ‘bad’ carbs. I do have snacks in between to hold me over. I like eating dark chocolate, cheese cubes, beef sticks, cheese wavers and small cookies.
What I eat for lunch and dinner
As mention before I eat two big meals a day, lunch and dinner. I tend to make salads, a stir fry or oven dishes. I also keep things really simple because I’m busy. I also make simple meals like scrambled eggs with some chicken or sausages. I like adding in some avocado or yoghurt for healthy fats. Since I only eat two meals, the meals are bigger so I can fill myself up really well. I try to make sure I get a lot of vegetables, healthy fats and protein.
I log everything in the My fitness pall app to make sure I get enough calories and macronutrients. During the weekends I tend to eat a little earlier and I often eat a croissant or a white bun with deli meat. I also eat something sweet, like my favorite chocolate cake. This helps me keep my sanity and a healthy outlook on food. I’ve also noticed that eating a bit more fiber during the weekend helps me poop better. Yeah, I know… Not very sexy to chat about, but still very important, haha!
I hope showing you how I use intermittent fasting helps you kickstart your own fast. Let me know what you think and share your tips with me. Because I’m always looking for better ways to a healthier life.
Love,
Kaya-Quintana
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These t-shirts are too funny!