We are trying something new around here and bringing you a whole bunch of information on a much-requested topic around here, and that’s Intermittent Fasting (or IF). As it becomes more popular in the dieting and health industry, I think it’s a great time to dispel any rumors, let you know how I personally utilize it, and give you a step by step guide for how to intermittent fast.

I’ve decided to make this information part of a 4 part series. That means that once weekly I will release a new blog post and newsletter with additional info and tricks on Intermittent Fasting. So grab your notebooks and set your alarm clocks, let’s do this girl!

Part 1: Intermittent Fasting 101 + Myth Busting

What is IF (Intermittent Fasting)?

 Intermittent Fasting is a method of eating that manipulates your food intake to a specific eating window during a 24 hour period, and any time outside of that window is considered a “fasting window”. Intermittent fasting is not a diet, there are no required or restricted foods, it only deals with WHEN you eat your food.

How does IF work?

Intermittent Fasting works by selecting a specific “eating window” and “fasted window” during a 24 hour period and only eating during your fed window. Many regular intermittent fasters use the Lean Gains approach which is a 16 hour fast followed by an 8 hour eating window, although that is not the only IF method.

What are the benefits?

The coolest part about IF is that there are seemingly endless benefits to incorporating it in your health plan. The most common benefit and number one reason most people begin intermittent fasting is fat loss and weight loss. Giving your metabolism adequate time rest allows it to kick into a typically untapped fat-burning “mode” during the final few hours of your fasted period.

Other benefits include:

• Higher energy levels and mental clarity (say goodbye to 2 pm sleepies!)

• Increased muscle growth due to increased levels of HGH (human growth hormone)

• Cellular repair

• Decreased inflammation

• Lower blood sugar levels, therefore assisting in insulin resistance and PCOS

• So many more!

How do I get started?

Beginning IF is simpler than you think, but there are many ways to get started if you’re feeling intimidated. I got you, girl! In future parts of this series, I will be going into detail on how to successfully intermittent fast and what I do personally.

Feeling like IF is right up your alley? Next week we’ll be talking about what you can drink during your fasted period and how to properly break your fast.

As a fun little homework assignment in the meantime, I’d highly recommend checking out a few articles on the benefits of Intermittent Fasting. They go so far beyond weightloss and fat loss ( I’m talking cancer fighting far!). If you didn’t think you wanted to try it before, you will after reading about the benefits in more detail.

Use hashtag #calibettIFseries if you’re ready to get started and let’s do it together, girl!