Overview
Fasting is an ancient practice followed by humans. Intermittent Fasting (IF) is an eating pattern where one fast one or two days in a week or practice the 16:8 method. It means eating all the meal requirements of the day within 8 hours and fasting for the next 16 hours. IF helps to cut unwanted calorie intake and improves metabolism and weight loss. It can help reduce age-induced health disorders and guards against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The experience of practicing IF is as follows:

There Will Be Hunger Pains (And That’s OK)
Starting with IF is not easy initially. There will be hunger pains and the urge to eat and drop out of the IF regime. However, with some self-restraint and will power it can be overcome. It is suggested to practice few days in a week before starting the IF. This will help reduce the immediate side-effects of IF.

Organization Is Necessary
It is important to organize the meals and eating habits while practicing IF. The meals can be heavier in order to last until the next meal. Also, eating the right food at the right time is important. The mind has to be trained not to eat the food which one does not want is also important while following IF.

I Looked At Food Differently
IF places people in a situation where they have to wait for their next meal. People have to plan their meals-specifically when and what they will be eating. This planning also helps them become conscious of what they are eating and induces positive eating habits. People also look at food as a reward when it comes after some time. Since the body doesn’t know when the next meal is coming, the food is stored as fat to survive in periods where the body gets no food. The body thinks that it is starving and it shuts down the functions which are not important for survival.

It Didn’t Affect My Workouts
Working out on empty stomach is beneficial for burning fat. IF is ideal for morning workouts. However, people working out in the evenings need to find an appropriate time to eat before the workout and squeeze in another meal after the workout before the eating window closes.

It Gets Easier
The IF seems difficult and strenuous initially. However, as the body gets used to the eating regime and schedule it gets easier. Once the body adjusts to the new eating schedule the hunger pangs and the initial uneasiness disappear. The body has to be disciplined to the new eating schedule and a person’s lifestyle practicing IF needs to be based around it.

I Didn’t Lose Any Weight
IF when planned effectively does not result in weight loss. It helps get rid of the midnight snack cravings and consuming unwanted calories though.

IF has a high dropout rate as people give up in between. People do not like starving and forcing themselves not to eat. However, proper organization and planning go a long way in ensuring its success.