Intermittent fasting’s popularity, particularly amongst the Accrington community, is largely due to its adaptability and numerous health benefits. This dieting approach doesn’t sell you short on what you can eat and allows flexibility in scheduling your fasting windows, hence making it a top choice for weight control and general health management.
However, it’s significant to note that your choice of food immediately after breaking a fast can have varying effects than if consumed later in the day.
The importance of your post-fasting meal
After having abstained from food for a substantial amount of time (ideally 16 hours), it is crucial to gradually welcome your body back to digestion. Jumping straight into a sizeable heavily processed meal can be a real shocker for your stomach, leading to abdominal discomfort that could last a few hours.
5 foods to avoid post-fasting:
The types of food you should bypass once your fasting period is over include ultra-processed foods, food high in saturated fats and other items that are hard to digest.
Sweet confections and beverages. High-carb foods spike your blood sugar, and without having eaten for a while, this spike will be more pronounced. It’ll most likely leave you famished again in a short while and energy-depleted.
Red meat. Foodstuff high in saturated fats, such as beef and pork are more complex to digest. Breaking your fast with a delicious steak may satisfy your taste buds but will set your digestive system to overdrive and could result in digestive unease for a while.
Raw vegetables. Raw, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber and essential nutrients but can trigger bloating and additional digestive discomfort if consumed right after ending a fast.
Nuts and seeds. Despite these being a valuable source of healthy fats, they might cause passing discomfort because they are harder to digest. Just like raw veggies, it’s best to wait for a few hours once you’ve broken your fast before consuming large amounts of nuts and seeds.
Legumes. This is another group of foods best reserved for your second meal of the day. While legumes are rich in protein, complex carbs, and fiber, some individuals with sensitive stomachs might find them harder to digest post a fast.
Although it might be tempting to overindulge once breaking a fast, this might not only cause digestive discomfort but could nullify the benefits gained during the fasting period.
7 foods best eaten post fasting
Each individual’s response to breaking a fast is unique. A good rule of thumb, though, is to begin with foods that are easily digestible and rehydrating.
Bone broth. One of the most suitable macronutrients to consume post fasting is protein, which is present in abundance in bone broth. It also helps rehydrate and restore your electrolyte balance.
Fish. It’s more digestibly friendly than most other animal proteins. Consuming fish for a late breakfast or early lunch post-fast is an excellent way to furnish your body with omega-3s and other key nutrients.
Whole fruit. Fruits are rich in water and present carbs that are digestible. Whole fruits, particularly with skin on, are high in fiber which moderates blood sugar levels. Berries, melons, and bananas are ideal for breaking your fast because they present high amounts of water, fiber and vitamins.
Avocados. While other high-fat and high-fiber foods may not be ideal post fasting, avocados are an exception as they present high amounts of nutrients – potassium, magnesium, several vitamins, which are excellent for your body after a fast.
Yogurt. Fermented foods including Greek yogurt provide probiotics, supporting gut microbiome. They’re a wise choice when breaking a fast.
Eggs. They’re a complete source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring your body receives the nutrients it needs post a fast.
Cooked green veggies. Contrary to raw veggies, cooked veggies are an excellent choice post fasting. The cooking process breaks down the cellulose, making them easier to digest without losing the vitamins and minerals.
Be sure to hydrate regularly while fasting and during your eating window, particularly right after ending a fast. If you find yourself needing a mild boost, Unimate is a great option, supporting mental stamina, focus, and satiety without breaking your fast.
Improving your intermittent fasting results
Getting the hang of intermittent fasting can require some time, and knowing which foods to consume and those to avoid post-fast is a critical part of this process. For more tips on successful intermittent fasting, visit ufeelgreat.com.