Intermittent Fasting doesn’t go as planned for everyone. Here, an online personal trainer shares her experience with it!
If you don’t know already, intermittent fasting is what I do to on a daily basis. I learned the concept from a friend. He said it’s great for making your abs “pop”, especially when you do photoshoots and shows (I model for fun). I’ve been doing intermittent fasting since September 2017 and have seen great results with it (check out my Instagram to see the progress).
So not only does fasting cut up my abs, I also lose fat in stubborn places, like my arms. When I first started doing intermittent fasting, I noticed that I was losing fat in my butt – which I’m not a fan of. I work hard to grow and maintain these glutes. To do so, I had to up my protein and carbs intake. Intermittent fasting makes me not have a big appetite which is also a plus. But enough about me, let’s get to the nitty gritty.
How intermittent fasting works
For females, intermittent fasting can throw off your cycle because it does play with your hormones a bit. Intermittent fasting can be done from 12-16 hours or a full 24 hours and sleep is definitely included. Usually I push myself to fast for the whole 16, but if my body is telling me I need to eat then 12 or 13 hours is good enough for me. That also depends on how active I am during that fasting period.
I finally fasted for a full 24 hours (7 months into intermittent fasting), 8 pm- 8pm and it was so unintentional. But it’s doable, I promise. Intermittent fasting gives your digestive system a break. When you finally break your fast, you want to make sure you’re getting all your macros: protein, carbs and fats in that allotted eating timeframe.
On a good day, I’ll fast from 8 pm to 12 pm and my eating time frame is around 12 pm – 8pm. Some people fast in the morning, it just depends on your schedule and what makes more sense to you. Do what works for you! I’m not a fan of eating small meals every 2-3 or 3-4 hours.
More interesting facts about intermittent fasting
1. Changes the function of cells, genes and hormones (Henceforth ladies, your cycle may become out of wack).
2. Can help you lose weight and belly fat (cut those abs right up).
3. Can reduce insulin resistance, which lowers your risk for type 2 diabetes (health is wealth).
4. Can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation (and bloating!).
5. May be beneficial for heart health, which ultimately makes sense ♥️
An important thing I’ve noticed about intermittent fasting: fasting and doing heavy legs does not go together. I thought I lost strength from fasting so often, but I’m sure I didn’t have enough energy to burn off during my leg day workout. Your leg muscles are the biggest muscles in the body and they require a lot of energy.
That’s my insight on intermittent fasting. Don’t knock it until you try it!
