Periodic Fasting For Body Recomposition

Part of a comprehensive series on Body Recomposition

Intermittent fasting for body recomposition is here to stay. But what is it? Intermittent fasting / Periodic fasting is a dietary strategy that involves periods of fasting and non-fasting to help achieve body recomposition. Body recomposition is the process of simultaneously losing fat and building muscle, resulting in a leaner physique.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about intermittent fasting and body recomposition.

1. What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is a dietary strategy that involves cycling between periods of fasting and non-fasting. During the fasting period, you consume little to no calories, while during the non-fasting period, you can eat normally. There are several different types of intermittent fasting, which we’ll cover in more detail later.

2. Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Body Recomposition

Intermittent fasting has several benefits for body recomposition, including:

• Improved insulin sensitivity: Intermittent fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, which can lead to better blood sugar control and fat loss.
• Increased human growth hormone (HGH): HGH is a hormone that plays a role in muscle growth and fat loss. Intermittent fasting can increase HGH levels, leading to greater muscle growth and fat loss.
• Increased autophagy: Autophagy is the process by which your body removes damaged cells and proteins. Intermittent fasting can increase autophagy, which may help prevent age-related diseases.
• Reduced inflammation: Intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation, which is a risk factor for many chronic diseases.

3. Different Types of Intermittent Fasting

There are several different types of intermittent fasting, including:

• 16/8 method: This involves fasting for 16 hours per day and eating during an 8-hour window.
• 5:2 diet: This involves eating normally for 5 days per week and consuming only 500-600 calories on 2 non-consecutive days.
• Eat-stop-eat: This involves fasting for 24 hours once or twice per week.
• Alternate-day fasting: This involves fasting every other day, or consuming only 500-600 calories on fasting days.

4. How to Get Started with Intermittent Fasting

If you’re interested in trying intermittent fasting, here are some tips to help you get started:

• Start slowly: Begin by skipping breakfast and gradually increase the length of your fasting period.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other non-caloric beverages during your fasting period.
• Keep busy: Find activities to keep yourself occupied during your fasting period to avoid thinking about food.

5. Best Foods to Eat During Intermittent Fasting

While you can technically eat anything during your non-fasting period, it’s important to choose nutrient-dense foods to fuel your body and promote muscle growth. Some of the best foods to eat during intermittent fasting include:

• Lean proteins: chicken, fish, turkey, tofu, tempeh, and legumes.
• Healthy fats: avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and coconut oil.
• Complex carbohydrates: sweet potatoes, quinoa, brown rice, and whole-grain bread.
• Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables: berries, apples, spinach, kale, and broccoli.

6. How to Exercise During Intermittent Fasting

While exercising during intermittent fasting is safe, it’s important to listen to your body and make sure you’re consuming enough calories to fuel your workouts. Here are some tips for exercising during intermittent fasting:

• Choose low-intensity activities: Yoga, walking, and light resistance training are great options during fasting periods.
• Time your workouts: If you’re doing high-intensity workouts, it’s best to schedule them during your non-fasting period.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workouts.

7. Tips for Staying Consistent with Intermittent Fasting

Consistency is key when it comes to intermittent fasting. Here are some tips to help you stay consistent:

• Plan your meals: Plan your meals ahead of time to avoid reaching for unhealthy options during your non-fasting period.
• Find a routine that works for you: Experiment with different types of intermittent fasting and find a routine that fits your lifestyle.
• Keep yourself accountable: Use a food diary or app to track your progress and hold yourself accountable.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid with Intermittent Fasting

While intermittent fasting can be an effective tool for body recomposition, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Eating unhealthy foods during your non-fasting period.
• Overeating during your non-fasting period.
• Not drinking enough water during your fasting period.
• Not getting enough sleep, which can disrupt hormone balance.

9. Intermittent Fasting and Women: What You Need to Know

While intermittent fasting is generally safe for women, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Women may be more sensitive to the effects of fasting, so it’s important to listen to your body and adjust your routine accordingly.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not practice intermittent fasting.
• Women with a history of disordered eating should talk to a healthcare professional before trying intermittent fasting.

10. Intermittent Fasting and Muscle Building

Intermittent fasting can be an effective tool for muscle building, especially when combined with resistance training. Some tips for building muscle during intermittent fasting include:

• Consuming enough protein: Aim for at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day.
• Eating nutrient-dense foods: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods to fuel your workouts and promote muscle growth.
• Timing your meals: Eat a meal containing protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes after your workout to maximize muscle growth.

11. Intermittent Fasting and Fat Loss

Intermittent fasting can be an effective tool for fat loss, especially when combined with a calorie deficit. Some tips for fat loss during intermittent fasting include:

• Creating a calorie deficit: Aim to consume fewer calories than you burn each day.
• Eating a nutrient-dense diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods to fuel your workouts and promote fat loss.
• Increasing your physical activity: Incorporate both resistance training and cardio to burn calories and build muscle.

12. Intermittent Fasting and Hormones

hormones, including insulin and human growth hormone. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential negative effects on other hormones, such as cortisol and thyroid hormones. Some tips for balancing hormones during intermittent fasting include:

• Staying hydrated: Drinking enough water can help balance cortisol levels.
• Getting enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to promote healthy hormone balance.
• Eating enough calories: Consuming enough calories during your non-fasting period can help balance thyroid hormones.

13. Intermittent Fasting and Energy Levels

Many people report increased energy levels during intermittent fasting, but it’s important to listen to your body and make sure you’re consuming enough calories to support your activity level. Some tips for maintaining energy levels during intermittent fasting include:

• Staying hydrated: Dehydration can cause fatigue, so make sure you’re drinking enough water and other non-caloric beverages.
• Eating nutrient-dense foods: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods to fuel your workouts and promote energy levels.
• Taking breaks: If you’re feeling fatigued, take a break and rest or engage in low-intensity activities.

14. Intermittent Fasting and Longevity

Intermittent fasting has been shown to have potential benefits for longevity and lifespan in some animal studies. While more research is needed in humans, some tips for promoting longevity during intermittent fasting include:

• Focusing on nutrient-dense foods: Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants and other nutrients can help reduce oxidative stress and promote longevity.
• Practicing mindfulness: Stress reduction techniques such as meditation and yoga can help reduce inflammation and promote longevity.

Conclusion

Intermittent fasting can be an effective tool for body recomposition, but it’s important to find a routine that works for your lifestyle and goals. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated, and balancing hormones, you can achieve a leaner, more toned physique through intermittent fasting.

FAQs

1. Is intermittent fasting safe for everyone?
   Intermittent fasting may not be safe for everyone, so it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before trying it.
2. Can I still drink coffee or tea during my fasting period?
   Yes, you can still consume non-caloric beverages such as coffee and tea during your fasting period. Please skip the sugar and milk and only have that as a treat.
3. Will intermittent fasting cause muscle loss?
   If done correctly, intermittent fasting can actually promote muscle growth and reduce muscle loss.
4. How long does it take to see results with intermittent fasting?
   Results can vary depending on your individual goals and lifestyle, but you may start to see changes in body composition within a few weeks.
5. Can I still eat my favorite foods during intermittent fasting?
   While it’s important to focus on nutrient-dense foods during your non-fasting period, you can still enjoy your favorite foods in moderation.

Read more about macros at WHO: https://www.emro.who.int/health-topics/macronutrients/introduction.html
Read about the science in Diet and Body Recomposition