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Showing posts with the label Fasting & Autophagy

How to Manage Eating Habits During Fasting: A Practical Guide

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Today, let's break down why cravings happen during fasting, and how can we stay on track, all through the lens of behavioral psychology (don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple!). Understanding Why We Crave Food During Fasting Let’s start with why you even feel hungry when you’re fasting. Did you know that there are actually four stages your body goes through when you want to eat? Cue: This is the trigger—maybe you see a delicious plate of food or smell something cooking in the kitchen. Your brain says, “Hey, it’s time to eat!” Craving: Once the cue hits, you start craving food. Your body is wired to respond to that smell or sight by making you feel hungry, thanks to a hormone called ghrelin (aka the hunger hormone). Response: This is where the battle begins. Do you reach for the food or stick to your fast? It’s the moment of decision. Reward: Eating gives your body that instant gratification—your hunger goes away, and you feel satisfied. As  James Clear explains in his book Atomic ...

Customize Your Fasting Journey: Understanding and Choosing the Right Method of Intermittent Fasting

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Intermittent fasting is a dietary pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. It has gained popularity in recent years as a way to improve overall health, weight loss, and cognitive function. There are several different methods of intermittent fasting, and which one may be the best fit for you depends on your personal goals and lifestyle. One of the most popular methods of intermittent fasting is the 16/8 method , also known as the Leangains protocol . This involves restricting eating to an 8-hour window each day and fasting for the other 16 hours. For example, you may eat between noon and 8pm and then fast from 8pm to noon the next day. This method is relatively easy to follow and can be a good starting point for those new to intermittent fasting. For example, if you usually have breakfast at 7am, you can skip breakfast and instead have your first meal at noon, followed by dinner at 8pm. Another common method is the 5:2 diet , also known as the Fast Diet. Th...

Fasting and Beverages: The Do's and Don'ts of Drinking During Intermittent Fasting

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Intermittent fasting has taken the health and wellness world by storm as a simple and effective way to improve overall health and reach weight loss goals. But, did you know that what you consume during your fasting period can also play a crucial role in your success? In this article, we'll dive into the effects of 10 different beverages on your body and how they can impact your intermittent fasting journey. Whether you're looking to boost weight loss, improve insulin resistance, or manage type 2 diabetes , we've got you covered. It's no secret that water is essential for the body, as it makes up the majority of our body's composition. Therefore, it's a neutral fluid medium, which makes it perfect for anyone, no matter what their goal is. However, it's important to make sure that the water you're drinking is clean. Tap water and water with artificial additives should be avoided. Instead, opt for a good quality home filter or bottled water. Keep in mind ...

Fasting and Menstruation: How to Adjust Your Routine for Optimal Health!

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Why Fasting Affects Women Differently   Intermittent fasting has become a popular wellness trend, but many women are unsure how it impacts their menstrual cycle . Unlike men, women experience cyclical hormonal changes — fluctuations in   estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol   — that affect metabolism, energy, and appetite. Understanding these shifts is key to making fasting work   for   your hormones, not against them.( * ) Proper timing and meal composition can help stabilize mood, support fat metabolism, and reduce inflammation during your cycle. The Menstrual Cycle and Hormones The menstrual cycle has   three main phases : Follicular Phase (Days 1–14):   Hormones and energy start low, then gradually rise. Ovulatory Phase (Days 14–15):   Estrogen peaks, and energy levels are at their highest. Luteal Phase (Days 15–28):   Hormones surge, then drop before menstruation , often increasing hunger and cravings. Each phase has its own hormonal...

Exploring the Role of Ketosis in Human Health: Is it Healthy to be in Ketosis All the Time?

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Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. It is marked by the presence of ketones in the body, which are produced when fat is broken down for energy. In recent years, ketosis has gained popularity as a weight loss and health strategy, with many people following low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets in order to enter and maintain a state of ketosis. However, the question of whether or not we are designed to be in ketosis all the time is still up for debate. In this blog, we will explore the latest research on the role of ketosis in human health and determine whether or not we should aim to be in ketosis all the time. What is ketosis and how is it produced in the body? Before we delve into the research on ketosis, it's important to understand exactly what ketosis is and how it is produced in the body. ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates . When the body does not have enough carboh...