Mastering Intermittent Fasting in Garstang: Tips and Tricks for Success
Many folks in Garstang have given intermittent fasting a go, seeing it as a means to manage weight or support healthy insulin and cholesterol levels. However, most don’t stick with it long enough to reap the real benefits.
The good news is, there’s more than one path to success with intermittent fasting—and the efforts do pay off. Keep these do’s and don’ts in mind as you incorporate intermittent fasting into your lifestyle here in Garstang.
Understanding Intermittent Fasting
First off, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what intermittent fasting is. Simply put, intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting each day. The idea is to go longer periods of time (say, 16 hours, much of which would be whilst you’re sleeping) without eating. This allows your body to tap into stored fat for energy and supports healthy blood sugar levels.
With that in mind, let’s dive into some tips to help you get the best results from intermittent fasting. These pointers work well for anybody in Garstang looking to give it a proper go.
Do:
- Start Slow: Just as you wouldn’t jump straight from being a couch potato to a marathon runner, apply the same principle to intermittent fasting. While some may find that going cold turkey works, we recommend starting with small, achievable goals, like not snacking after dinner or delaying your breakfast by an hour. Gradually work towards a longer fasting period as your body gets used to the idea.
- Pick a Schedule That Works for You: Many find success with the 16:8 method, fasting for 16 hours between dinner and your first meal the next day. For instance, you’d eat all your meals between noon and 8 p.m., then fast until noon the next day. Adjust to your routine in Garstang—perhaps you need to eat earlier in the day? If so, try starting your fast at 5 or 6 p.m.
- Drink Lots of Water: It’s essential to keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water not only helps stave off hunger but also makes sure your body functions optimally. No skimping on water, folks!
- Eat Wholesome Meals: Whenever your eating window is, make sure to fill it with fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein, and fiber. These foods will nourish your body and help you go longer periods without food. Avoid high-sugar and simple carbohydrate foods like white bread and pasta, as they often lead to cravings.
- Keep an IF Journal: When starting out, keep track of what you eat, the different schedules you try, and how you feel each day. This can help you identify what works best, helping you create a long-term plan tailored to your needs right here in Garstang.
Don’ts:
- Binge: Fasting for 16 hours doesn’t give you a free pass to eat everything in sight during your eating window. Focus on wholesome foods, and avoid high-calorie but unfulfilling options.
- Undereat: Remember, intermittent fasting isn’t a diet—it’s a time-based eating pattern. Make sure you’re eating enough and allowing your body to tap into stored fat for energy instead of a constant stream of carbs.
- Give Up Too Soon: To really see the benefits of intermittent fasting, you’ll need to stick with it for at least 30 days. If it’s too hard at first, try a shorter fasting period and gradually lengthen it.
- Expect Perfection: Nobody is perfect. A slip-up isn’t the end of the world. Life in Garstang, just like anywhere else, will have its interruptions. Aim for consistency, and you’ll still make great progress.
When Willpower Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, willpower alone may not keep you on track with intermittent fasting. Here’s where some additional support can come in handy.
Two Unicity products—Unimate and Balance—can help you extend the time between dinner and your first meal the next day.
Unimate is a yerba mate drink that contains up to 10 times the amount of chlorogenic acid found in a premium cup of coffee. It helps enhance mood, supports mental stamina, focus, and motivation, and aids in fending off cravings.
Balance is a pre-meal drink with a patented fiber matrix combining bioactive plant compounds, polysaccharides, and micronutrients. This fiber matrix helps mitigate the impact of excess carbohydrates and cholesterol and helps curb your appetite.
We like to call this combination—the Feel Great program—because honestly, folks feel great when they stick to it. Learn more about the Feel Great program and see how it can help you get the most out of intermittent fasting, without putting in extra hard graft.
So there you have it, Garstang. With these tips and a sound mindset, you’re well on your way to intermittent fasting success.