People have talked about intermittent fasting (IF) as an effective way to lose weight for some time now. If you eat less, it should follow that you will shed some pounds. It makes sense. However, you might not be aware that there are different types of intermittent fasting. Some IF methods might be more practical than others.
A recent study found that these three forms of IF were particularly effective at helping those with obesity lose weight.
Alternate Day Fasting
Participants of this method switch back and forth between one day of feasting and another of fasting. On the days they eat, food intake is restricted to 500 calories. Ingesting too many calories will create an imbalance of insulin and the hormone responsible for hunger. What follows is that the body will then store glycogen instead of burning it.
5:2 Diet
This diet allows participants to eat whatever they want for five days of the week. They then fast for the remaining two days. The IF method effectively promotes weight loss but comes with a word of warning. Sticking to the 5:2 diet can be challenging.
Time-Restricted Feeding
Time-restricted fasting has no dietary limitation. However, participants are only allowed to eat within a daily window of four to ten hours. Time-restricted feeding is the most popular amongst IF dieters. They find it easier to stick to this method long-term when done correctly.
Abstaining from food can be difficult. However, there are ways to go about it that have proven effective in the journey to weight loss.
