Fasting - Reap the Benefits

Now that I'm in my 24 hour fast, I figured I share some facts and news about fasting. A fast can be anything from a pure water-only fast, which I'm on for 24 hours, or add some simple, clean and organic juices. A pure water fast definitely provides the best results.
 
Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting, anywhere between 12-24 hours, may seem daunting and challenging, but undertaking  this type of fast will ensure that you reap the long-term benefits. Check out the impressive health benefits that intermittent fasting offers and you might try it out yourself:

• Promotes cellular regeneration. Intermittent fasting promotes cell regeneration by triggering autophagy, which is a natural process needed to renew damaged cells. It helps inhibit cancerous growths and chronic disease development.
• Normalizes insulin and leptin sensitivity. Insulin and leptin resistance is one of the main factors for many chronic diseases, including diabetes. Intermittent fasting shifts your body's dependence on glucose, which then stops its constant craving for sugar and normalizes insulin and leptin sensitivity.
• Shifts the body to burn fat for fuel. Limiting your food intake forces your body to switch to burning fat as a source of energy instead of depending on the constant flow of glucose. This can help in weight loss and may lead to better body processes because fat is a more efficient fuel.
• Minimizes cravings and hunger cramps. While fasting may feel like you are starving your body, this can help you avoid cravings and hunger surges  by resetting your body's glucose reliance.
• Boosts cognitive function. Intermittent fasting improves cognitive function by providing the brain with fat instead of glucose.

So Then Why Is Intermittent Fasting Effective?
Think back in time. How did our ancestors live? Researchers suggest that the reason why intermittent fasting works so well is because it's the closest diet to what our ancestors had. The crazy easy access to food nowadays has completely removed the normal "feast and famine" cycle the body needs for regeneration and cell replacement. Intermittent fasting gives the body sufficient time to clean up and remove toxins from the body, which it cannot do with an all-day grazing diet. Not only does intermittent fasting trigger the body's ability to heal and produce efficient cells, it also transitions your body into burning fat for fuel, which is a better source of energy.

Don't Forget these With Intermittent Fasting
Here a few significant factors & tips that you should think about to ensure that you successfully incorporate this strategy into your lifestyle:

• No more processed foods. Eliminate all processed foods from your diet. If you're going to go on an intermittent fast, make sure that the foods you consume during the six- to eight-hour window are real and healthy. Eating processed foods will defeat the purpose of detoxifying your body.
• Water. Drink plenty of water and liquids. During fasting, make sure that you're getting enough liquids to keep yourself feeling full and satisfied. This will help you curb cravings in the beginning of your fasting.
• Support. Get support from friends and family. Fast with your wife, husband or best friend. It is important that you have the support of your friends and family, especially the people you live with. This will provide you with enough motivation and stop you from falling off your diet path.

And don't forget, it all depends on you! It might be hard at the beginning, or the first time you try a fast. The transition period in intermittent fasting may be tough, especially in the first few days, but your commitment, will-power and drive will help you achieve and maintain better health. It's worth a try.
 
Reap the benefits.