Fasting is one of the best methods of weight control and has been used for thousands of years whether we wanted to fast or not. Long ago, we, as a species would go at times with less food due to scarcity of food. Our bodies were designed to be able to adjust for that and that is why we hold onto fat storage to equip us for extended times of food shortages even though, now, for the most part we do not have to worry about a food shortage. These automatic processes our bodies use for survival are deeply embedded and we have to adjust to keep our fat storage to a minimum. How do we do that?
First of all we have to understand what is going on. Food is easily and readily accessible to most of us and what we eat is processed to a point that we have become a society that has simple carbohydrates available at all times through chips, soft drinks, pasta, and candies. What our body does with these simple carbohydrates is use what it needs to function and stores the rest. These “empty” calories are used as fuel for the body but it isn’t really the right fuel. It is like putting ethanol gas in a small engine, yes it will run, but it really needs non-ethanol gas to run at its best and over time it will clog up the engine. That’s what processed foods do to our bodies over time, clog it up and make it sluggish. I know you know what I mean, have you ever had a carbohydrate filled meal with lots of pasta, bread and maybe even a dessert? How did you feel about an hour later? Sluggish? Sleepy? This is due to all the carbohydrates you consumed. These are easily used for fuel for the body but it isn’t the best fuel.
OK so now we understand where all these extra carbohydrates are being stored what has that got to do with fasting? After years of consuming these overly processed foods we begin to have cravings for them and our insulin is affected by the over indulgence of simple carbohydrates into the body and we become “insulin resistant”. That means that our body does not respond normally to the hormone, insulin, which helps control the amount of sugar in the blood stream. Glucose cannot enter the cells as easily and more “sugar” or glucose builds up in the blood and this will eventually turn into Type 2 diabetes. What is the best way to combat this? Intermittent Fasting along with whole foods.
Intermittent Fasting reduces the available carbohydrates for the body to hold on to by giving the body a break from them all together. Over time this will reset your insulin resistance and your cravings for carbohydrates or sweets will reduce. There have been several studies done to prove this fact where patients who consistently practice fasting for a month have reversed their Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes
is directly related to our diets. Fasting for at least 16 hours a day will over time reverse Type 2 diabetes. As with all diets, you should consult with your doctor if you have any concerns. The reduction of eating time keeps less glucose in the blood and helps our bodies feel better. If you fast 16 hours and use a low carbohydrate, protein rich diet with it you will see results in record time. Try fasting for a month and see if it helps you.
I would love to read your fasting story and I am here to help you with your health and wellness journey! Contact me by email helen@hcreeves.com.