Intermittent Fasting

Subject: Intermittent Fasting.

Preview: A Simple Way to Improve Your Health.

It’s the beginning of 2025 and as usual, some of us have written “weight loss” or “hit the gym” as one of our goals for the year.

Today, we will talk about how intermittent fasting helps you with this and why you should try it.

Over the years, intermittent fasting has become one of the most talked-about health trends, and for good reason. It’s not just some fad diet, but an approach to eating that focuses on when you eat rather than what you eat. At JEAY Healthcare, we believe in making wellness simple and achievable, and intermittent fasting is one way that many have found helpful for improving their overall health. Hence, we are sharing it with you, too.

What Exactly is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting, or IF, is an eating pattern where you alternate between periods of eating and fasting. It’s flexible and doesn’t require strict calorie counting or completely taking out your favourite foods. (Sweet, right?) The idea is to give your body a break from the constant digestion of the food(s), allowing it to focus on repairing and optimizing itself.

Different Ways to Practice Intermittent Fasting

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to IF. Here are some of the most popular methods:

1. 16/8 Method: You fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window (for example, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM).

2. 5:2 Method: You eat normally five days a week and limit your calorie intake to around 500–600 calories on the other two days.

3. Eat-Stop-Eat: This involves fasting for a full 24 hours once or twice a week.

4. Alternate-Day Fasting: You alternate between days of normal eating and fasting. 

5. The Warrior Diet: This involves eating small amounts of food during the day and one larger meal at night.

Of all five, I strongly recommend number 4.

Why do many people swear by it?

Intermittent fasting isn’t just about weight loss (though it can definitely help with that). It’s been linked to a variety of health benefits, including:

-Improved Metabolism: IF helps lower blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity.

-Better Heart Health: It may reduce cholesterol and inflammation while lowering blood pressure.

-Sharper Brain Function: Studies suggest fasting can improve focus and memory.

-Weight Management: It naturally reduces calorie intake without requiring a complicated diet.

-Potential Longevity Benefits: Fasting triggers cellular repair, which could help you age better.

Intermittent fasting is generally safe for most people, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have a history of eating disorders or are managing certain medical conditions, it’s best to check with a healthcare professional first.

Starting something new can feel overwhelming, but these tips can help you with intermittent fasting:

-Ease Into It: Start with a shorter fasting window and gradually increase it.

-Stay Hydrated: Water, herbal teas, and black coffee are your best friends during fasting.

-Focus on Quality: When you eat, choose whole, nutrient-dense foods.

-Listen to Your Body: If fasting makes you feel overly tired or unwell, adjust your approach. Don’t overdo it.

At JEAY Healthcare, we’re all about finding practical, personalized solutions for better health. If you’re curious about intermittent fasting, we can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you figure out if it’s right for you, helping you enjoy quality and affordable healthcare all from the comfort of your home.

With love,
Your health buddy,
Tolani.