Why you Should Try Intermittent Fasting
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Intermittent fasting isn’t just a diet trend or a quick fix for weight loss. For me, it’s a long-term strategy to support how my body functions, processes food, and recovers. I follow a simple 16:8 method—meaning I fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window—and I’ve noticed clear benefits from doing it consistently.
This isn’t about starving yourself or skipping meals to be restrictive. It’s about giving your body time to rest, repair, and operate the way it’s designed to—without constantly digesting food all day long.
Why I Wait at Least 16 Hours Between Meals
The main reason I fast is because of what happens to your body during that fasting window. Once you’ve gone several hours without food, your body stops focusing on digestion and starts switching into maintenance and repair mode.
Here are the benefits I’ve learned about—and experienced—from intermittent fasting:
1. Improved Insulin Sensitivity
One of the biggest benefits of fasting is how it helps regulate blood sugar. When you’re constantly eating, especially processed carbs, your body has to release insulin repeatedly. Fasting helps give your system a break, which can improve insulin sensitivity over time. That’s good for energy, focus, and long-term metabolic health.
2. Better Digestion
Waiting longer between meals gives your digestive system time to fully process your last meal before starting on the next. This can reduce bloating, support regularity, and improve nutrient absorption. I’ve noticed my digestion works better overall when I’m not constantly snacking throughout the day.
3. Increased Energy and Focus
Once your body adapts to fasting, you may actually feel more clear-headed and energized during the fasting window. Your body shifts to burning stored fat for energy, and you’re not using up energy on digestion. For me, that means better morning focus and fewer afternoon crashes.
4. Supports Cellular Repair
Fasting activates something called autophagy, which is the body’s process of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating new ones. It’s like an internal reset—helping your body function better at a cellular level. This is one of the biggest long-term health benefits of fasting that goes way beyond appearance.
5. Helps Regulate Appetite
Fasting has helped me get more in tune with actual hunger cues, instead of eating out of habit or boredom. After a few days of consistency, it’s easier to go longer without food and feel satisfied with real, nourishing meals—no constant snacking required.
6. Supports Hormonal Balance
Fasting can help regulate hormones related to hunger (like ghrelin and leptin), stress, and even growth hormone. While it’s not a magic fix, I’ve noticed that consistent fasting helps my body stay in a better rhythm, especially around sleep, appetite, and energy.
7. Simplifies Your Day
This one’s more practical—but still a benefit. Not having to think about food first thing in the morning saves time and mental energy. I feel more productive and intentional when I start my day with movement, hydration, or work instead of immediately eating.
How I Do It
I follow the 16:8 method—fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window. That usually means finishing dinner around 7:00 PM and eating my first meal around 11:00 AM the next day. I drink plenty of water and sometimes black coffee during the fasting window, and I break my fast with something that has protein, healthy fat, and fiber.
It’s not rigid. I listen to my body and adjust when needed. But when I stick to this schedule consistently, I feel my best—physically and mentally.