We’re quickly approaching that time of the year when millions of us decide to make changes next year. Yes, that’s right, it’s New Year’s Resolution time.
One of the favorite resolutions for millions of people, of course, has to do with diet . But changing your entire routine can just seem like too much effort, setting us up for resolution failure.
Question: Is there a way we can reach those weight loss goals without having to do a 180 on our food choices?
Yes. A quick way to cut calories is through a method called Intermittent Fasting. What happens is, the liver will use up its energy stores in about 10 or 12 hours, after that fats are used for energy. This is called metabolic switching. The key is to give your body enough time to get there. And, that can’t happen if we’re continually eating.
Question: Are you saying we have to fast for over 12 hours before we can start to lose weight? That sounds pretty uncomfortable.
Well, when you think about it, we’re already fasting for about eight hours when we sleep at night. If you just delay breakfast by a few hours a couple of days a week you’re on your way. And, while it may be a bit uncomfortable at first, the body will adjust to this new routine within a few weeks. One of the easiest ways to intermittently fast is to restrict the window of time you allow yourself to eat. So, for the first month only eat within a 10-hour window of time, the second month reduce that to an 8-hour window. Another option would be to choose one day a week where you only have one meal of no more that a thousand calories. The next month you expand that to two days.
Question: So, how safe is intermittent fasting?
It’s not for children, the elderly, or people with an already low body weight. But for the rest of us, it’s very safe and coupled with regular exercise and healthy food choices is showing signs of being an overall healthier lifestyle.
Are you struggling with sleep? Not getting enough of it? Then tune in this Sunday, December 29th at 1 pm for the Dr. Nandi Show! Sleep Psychologist Deirdre Conroy, Ph.D., joins Dr. Partha Nandi, MD to share how she cured one man’s chronic insomnia after it nearly destroyed his life. You’ll also learn how the body, mind and spirit can impact the sleep cycle; how women can go from worn out to well-rested; and an Infant Sleep Consultant shares some great advice for tired new parents.
