The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Intermittent Fasting!

I'm not embarrased to tell you that I have always been obese, until the last few years. At 23 years old, I remember seeing the scale tip 336 pounds and I wasn't quite sure how I got there. I knew one thing forsure, I did not want to stay there. I want to be honest with you, I have tried just about every diet possible and to no avail. Let me give you some numbers to think about. Over the last 23 years, I have tried over 70 diets and a whopping 126 different types of fat burners or pain pills. At the ripe age of 42 I am finally at my goal weight and have managed this lifestyle consistently for the last 5 years. In fact, this June will be my 6th year of managing someting I could never manage for the first 37 years of my life. My weight.

Everybody is different and we all have a story to tell about our weight journey. I am here to tell you peresonally that this works! YES IT WORKS. I live by this and have lost a 159 pounds follwoing what I am about to present to you. Yes today I wieght 177 pounds and at 6'1 I must say I am the perfect body size. I never ever dreamed I would be the "hot" guy in the room. The guy who gets free food at the drive thru window when I pull up in my sports car. Please note, I'm not bragging here. Just letting you know it's possible to go from the fat kid to the hot guy before it's too late.

A couple of things to share before I present this new lifestyle becuase that is exactly what this is. This is NOT a diet or a weight plan. Those clearly do not work and are not sustainable. So let's start here, everything you have been taught about a standard healthy diet is more than likely incorrect. We do not need 3 meals spread out all day for a healthy diet. In fact, the timing of when you eat is more important that what you eat. I personally don't have my first meal each day until about 2pm. I wrap up my final meal no later than 9pm as I have always been a late night snacker. Now I can do it and not feel bad.

Intermittent fasting will transform your health, your body, and your life. In this ultimate beginner's guide to intermittent fasting, we're going to tell you everything you need to know to get started with this revolutionary approach to eating.

First things first, what exactly is intermittent fasting? Simply put, it's an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. It's not a diet in the traditional sense; instead, it's a way of eating that focuses on when you eat, rather than what you eat. The most popular approach to intermittent fasting is the 16/8 method, which involves fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window. For example, you might eat your first meal at noon and your last meal at 8 pm, and then fast until noon the following day.

Now, we know what you're thinking. "No breakfast?! That's sacrilege!" But hear us out. When you fast, your body switches from using glucose for energy to using stored fat. This process is called ketosis, and it's the reason why intermittent fasting has become so popular for weight loss. By eating during a smaller window of time, you'll naturally consume fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss over time. Plus, fasting has a ton of other health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and even increasing longevity.

So, how do you get started with intermittent fasting? First, it's important to choose a method that works for your lifestyle. The 16/8 method is a great place to start, but there are other options, such as the 5:2 method, which involves eating normally for five days a week and reducing calorie intake to 500-600 on two non-consecutive days. You could also try alternate-day fasting, where you eat normally one day and then fast the next day. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to intermittent fasting, so it's important to find what works best for you.

Once you've chosen a method, it's time to start your fasting journey. The first few days can be tough, but remember that it takes time for your body to adjust to a new eating pattern. During your eating window, it's important to focus on whole foods that will keep you full and nourished. Think lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It's also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: hunger. We get it. When you're used to eating three meals a day (plus snacks), it can be tough to go without food for several hours. But the good news is that hunger comes in waves, and it's usually temporary. Plus, when you're fasting, your body produces a hormone called ghrelin, which can actually help you feel more energized and focused. So, if you feel hungry during your fast, try drinking water or black coffee, which can help suppress your appetite. And if all else fails, distract yourself by going for a walk, calling a friend, or starting a new hobby.

One thing to keep in mind is that intermittent fasting isn't for everyone. If you have a history of disordered eating or you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a fasting routine. And if you have any medical conditions that require regular meals or medication, such as diabetes, it's important to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

In conclusion, Intermittent fasting is a powerful tool for improving your health and well-being, but it's important to approach it with caution and listen to your body. With the right mindset, approach, and lifestyle changes, it can lead to significant health improvements, a leaner body, and a better overall quality of life.

So, what are you waiting for? Give intermittent fasting a try and see how it can transform your health and your life. Just remember, the journey to a healthier you is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, dedication, and commitment to make meaningful changes that will last a lifetime. But with the right mindset, a supportive community, and the power of intermittent fasting, you can achieve your goals and unlock your full potential.

As with any lifestyle change, it's essential to approach intermittent fasting with humor, flexibility, and a willingness to learn. It's not about perfection or depriving yourself of the foods you love. It's about creating a healthy, sustainable way of eating that works for you and your unique needs. So, be kind to yourself, keep an open mind, and embrace the power of intermittent fasting.

In summary, intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. It's a lifestyle change that could transform your health, your body, and your life. By fasting, your body switches from using glucose for energy to using stored fat, leading to weight loss and other health benefits. Choose a method that works for your lifestyle, focus on whole foods during your eating window, and stay hydrated. Approach it with humor, flexibility, and a willingness to learn. Give intermittent fasting a try and see how it can transform your health and your life