Did you know that when you fast, your body releases ketones that work to signal your cells?
This creates a process called ketogenesis, and can help protect your body against oxidative stress, help support normal glucose levels, and potentially reduce inflammation.
By taking a break from eating constantly, you can give your body a break from digestion and allow it to level out again before eating a meal.
Whether you want to reach your weight goals, improve your glucose regulation, or simply feel less sluggish, these various forms of fasting can help you achieve this.
Keep reading to learn about 3 different ways you can fast so that your body has the time it needs to heal.
1. Smoothies and Shakes
Smoothies and shakes aren’t just a convenient way to grab a fast meal on the go. They can also relieve stress on your stomach and digestive system.
Smoothies have no large particles that your body needs to expend lots of energy to digest, so eating them works to give your body a rest.
The smoothies are easily broken down and absorbed for energy and protein.
The way this fasting method works is you have a smoothie for breakfast and for lunch. Then at dinner, you eat a well-balanced, healthy meal that satisfies you.
This is a great way for people who have never fasted before to introduce their bodies to the fasting process.
2. 6-Hour Rule
The 6-hour rule is a little more restrictive than replacing two of your meals with smoothies. It works because you’re eating your meals within a 6-hour period.
You would eat your normal healthy meals within this time period, and then after 6 hours, you stop eating for the day.
This allows your body to totally digest what you’ve eaten and utilize the food for energy more efficiently.
Even if you’re unable to fast because of health requirements, simply picking a time to stop eating for the night can help give your body the rest it needs to heal.
3. Water Fasting
This is an advanced way to fast for those who are ready for it. It involves consuming nothing but water for a period of time.
You should work up to a 5-7 day water fast that will allow your body maximum time to rest and heal.
The way you would do this is by slowly starting out with 1 or 2 days of fasting and only drinking water.
Then once your body becomes more accustomed to fasting, you can try 3 days, and then maybe move up to 5-7 days.
Remember that water fasting is meant to give your body a break and time to rest.
This isn’t a long-term diet and should be used in moderation alongside a healthy lifestyle and eating habits.
As always, if your body tells you that it’s time to stop fasting, you should listen to your body.
There’s no shame in going slow at your own pace.
Help Your Body Heal Today!
No matter what fasting method is right for you, any form of fasting will give you the benefits of ketogenesis, so don’t worry that you have to completely starve yourself in order to see good results.
Small steps towards a better lifestyle are actually giant steps toward your progress.
Activating ketogenesis in your body can help support better long-term health, a reduction in fatty tissue, and a reduction in inflammation, which helps support your immune system.
If you want to learn more about how you can incorporate fasting into your lifestyle, my book can help guide you through this process.Click here to explore more articles and recipes that can help you on your health journey.
