Intermittent fasting has become such a popular term today that people use it to refer to just about anything they are doing concerning their weight. Some use it interchangeably with the term diet program as if it was something that best describes their journey to being healthy. In truth, intermittent fasting can be described as the process of cutting one's self off from any food or drinks other than water for a certain period of time within a day or so.
Some people engage in fasting for religious purposes, while others do fasting because they've heard it will help them shed off the extra pounds. However, one question remains true -- is intermittent fasting a healthy way to lose weight? This is something that people should be made aware of. After all, losing weight is something that should be done right because it concerns one's overall health. Nobody wants to lose weight while losing all the healthy things that the body needs to thrive.
"We are hearing a lot about intermittent fasting and how this seemingly voluntary abstinence of food for a period of time," says Mikel Bryant, a dietician from the Mayo Clinic.
Bryant also expressed his thoughts about how fasting can help people in their weight loss journey, but he emphasized that it is not something that could work for everyone the same way. The pacing one takes depends a lot on different factors including one's age, medical history, and nature of business.
"It is not necessarily the answer to all of the people's concerns about having extra weight. What is even more important is that people understand that the human body needs vitamins, minerals, and nutrients every day," he added.
Denying the body of all the nutrients it needs for an extended period of time that it is used to may not always work wonders. It is not recommended for pregnant women or if one is under 18 and those that have certain medical conditions to consider like diabetes.
She emphasized that if people want to limit their intake, they have to make sure that they are only taking in quality ingredients that are absolutely healthy for their bodies. "People should consider getting enough protein, a good amount of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains."
Intermittent fasting is not for everyone. But if people want to engage in it, they have to talk to their health care provider.
