INTERMITTED FASTING AS A METHOD FOR HEALTHY LIVING AND WEIGHT LOSS
I saw a programme on BBC a few years ago where certain philosophies of healthy living were put to the test by the presenter of the programme. He looked into various studies related to diet, exercise and fasting.
The conclusion reached at the end of the programme was a 2 day fast per week which did not mean you eat nothing for two days. The fast meant that you eat substantially less for two days (around 600 calories for men and 500 calories for women) and during the other five days of the week you eat as you normally did. The findings according to this study was that your blood MSG levels, cholesterol, sugar etc. was at better than normal levels. Another benefit was that the presenter, who had tried this for a month, had lost a substantial amount of weight as well.
As a person suffering from migraines and obesity, I was very intrigued by this and it seemed like something I could attempt. At the time I weighed approximately 106kg (234lbs).
I decided to make my two fasting days Mondays and Tuesdays. This would leave me free to attend social events like birthday parties and other functions over the weekends and then fast from Monday to Tuesday which in my calendar was then most uneventful days of the week. This proved to be very easy and from the first week I could feel that there was a change in the way I felt in general. In just one month I had lost 5kg (11lbs). The weight loss continued for a few months and slowed down gradually until I reached 90kg (198lbs) and then I virtually stopped losing any more weight. The process took about 5 to 6 months. From that point onward my weight and good health stayed constant.
At that time my migraines had become much less frequent (about 80% less) and I felt great. I went for blood tests which were a regular requirement from my medical insurance in South Africa and the results were astounding. My cholesterol and sugar levels were at an all-time low.
Further to this I read up on intermittent fasting and the studies are conclusive that there are several health benefits to fasting and feasting regularly. I posted the link to the BBC programme referred to above and another few websites worth checking out are:
• http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xvdbtt_eat-fast-live-longer-hd_shortfilms
• http://www.w24.co.za/Wellness/Diet/the-ultimate-guide-to-intermittent-fasting-20170320
• http://globalnews.ca/news/2572885/fasting-for-weight-loss-heres-why-scientists-says-it-works-long-term/