The benefits of daytime or intermittent fasting

We have all heard of fasting, whether it is the so-called “Lent” fast among Catholics or “Ramadan” among Muslims. These fasts, although they are quite different, are similar in a common idea: to stop eating within a day.

What is daytime or intermittent fasting?

Daytime fasting is the process of not consuming food from dawn until sunset.

I compare it here to intermittent fasting because intermittent fasting is not consuming anything for a period of time chosen by the person, it is not exactly the same as day fasting, because intermittent fasting is “adaptable”.

In fact, intermittent fasting is quoted as follows: “The methods of organizing this fast are diverse, but the fasting periods can range from 4 p.m. to 36 p.m., depending on the practice adopted. ”

Most people doing intermittent fasting choose the 8/16 method and therefore decide to eat, for example, between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. and not eat anything the other 16 hours.

The benefits of daytime fasting

• Le jeûne pour prévenir le diabète

Why? Because by stopping food during the day the body significantly improves its sensitivity to insulin. It will then draw its energy from the body’s fat resources and the less fat the body has, the more sensitive it will be to insulin.

Fasting is all the more useful in the case of pre-type 2 diabetes since it reduces blood sugar levels and following a good diet, day fasting will be of great benefit to you and you. will make it easier to control your blood sugar.

• Fasting to maintain good cardiovascular health

Why? Because by fasting the body will detoxify and will reduce its triglyceride level. Triglycerides come mostly from “processed foods” (Sugar, jams, jellies, chocolate and hazelnut spread (Nutella), caramel, chocolatine, pastries, chocolate, sweet cereals, cereal bars (granola), donuts, muffins, cookies, sweets, barbecue sauce, ketchup, sweet marinades, chocolate milk, iced milk ..)

If too much triglyceride is present in the blood, it greatly increases the risk of a heart attack, so fasting is a great asset if you are having poor cardiovascular health.

• Le jeûne pour perdre du poids

Why? By stopping eating, the body will then draw on fatty resources and will then lead to weight loss. Obviously, fasting is not THE solution to losing weight, you have to combine this with a healthy diet and avoid processed foods as much as possible.

• Fasting: producer of growth hormones

Why? Human growth hormone is produced naturally by the body but remains active in the bloodstream for a few minutes. According to a study carried out in the United States in the state of Utah, the hunger caused by “fasting promoted the burning of fat and led to a spectacular increase in the rate of growth hormones, at a rate of 2000% in humans. and 1300% in women. This hormone helps preserve muscle mass and regulate blood glucose levels.

• Fasting: reducer of bad cholesterol

Why? Intermittent fasting is a great prescription for heart health, because of its ability to decrease the production of cholesterol in the liver. Studies have shown that around 70 days of alternative fasting can lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) by more than 25%.

• Fasting: a natural detoxifier

This last point comes from my personal experience. Every year, after practicing Ramadan (and therefore daytime fasting) for a full month, I notice that my skin is much prettier than before. The pimples go away over the weeks, it’s no secret apart from hormones, diet and liver saturation is a major cause of acne.

The need to adapt your diet

When we fast, the body detoxifies and eliminates a lot. In return, he needs to receive compensation that will allow him to function normally. It is, therefore, necessary to adapt your diet and especially not to overdo it.

Ideally in the morning before starting to fast:

• A broth or a soup.
• Cottage cheese, preferably vegetable.
• Substantial fruits: dates, bananas, kiwis …
• Oatmeal in all its forms (porridge, oatmeal, or flakes)
• Unlimited sugar-free drinks, water, and herbal teas!
• Ideal in the evening to break the fast:

A broth or a soup. My favorite thing is barley soup!

• Fish or white meat, avoiding red meat that is difficult to digest.
• Vegetables, such as spinach, beans, potatoes, peas, carrots …
• Unlimited water and fruit juices with no added sugars.
• Fruits, we can make vegetable milk smoothies for more pleasure!
• And after that, I still drink herbal teas until bedtime.

The prescriptions

Obviously, not everyone can fast, and that for safety reasons. People for whom fasting is not recommended are:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, for the good health of the mother and her baby.
• Old people.
• Diabetics, unfortunately, fasting prevents diabetes, but once the disease is present it is forbidden to practice it at the risk of having complications.
• The chronically ill who have compulsory treatment to take.