A Simple Definition for Intermittent Fasting

Another diet? Another fad telling us what we can and can't eat? More internet authorities promising the latest, greatest gimmick on fat burning? Nope! Intermittent Fasting is not even close to any of those. Here is our simple definition of Intermittent Fasting...

It's a Schedule, Not a Diet

First things first. A simple definition of Intermittent Fasting...it is NOT a "diet". Not in any way, shape, or form.

Intermittent Fasting is an eating schedule, or more specifically, the timing of when you eat vs when you don't.

It is not, at its core, about what you eat, what you don't or even how much.

With that said, we are well aware that two things will cross the minds, almost immediately, of the individual learning the basics of Intermittent Fasting.

1. I cannot go without eating!
2. That goes against everything I have ever heard or known about dieting.

Good news, over time, you will find everything you need, here at 3D Labs Nutrition, to not only face your fears but also educate yourself, based on today's science, in order to make your very own decisions on IF.

We have no doubt, once you see the freedom, the simplicity, of intermittent fasting, which is backed by science, you might be downright excited to give this new "lifestyle" a try, and put an end to the fad diets once and for all.

Do Not Fear the Fast

Unless you are a professional bodybuilder, there is very little chance you are currently getting up in the middle of the night to feed your body every 2-3 hours. Let's be honest, almost every one of us is already fasting at least 6-10 hours during sleep as it is.

Intermittent fasting is nothing more than an intentional extension of that fasting period in order to reap major benefits.

Some of the best news when it comes to Intermittent Fasting...you set your schedule! Based on your lifestyle, your daily grind, your schedule.

Before you start freaking out, telling yourself you could never, ever go even a bit longer without food, take a breath. We are certain in your past, you have fasted many, many times, out of the necessity of schedule...and survived.

And no, before you begin your defense of needing to eat every few hours, take a deep breath. You will not go into "starvation mode", you will not go catabolic, your metabolism will not crash to a halt.

So, as is almost the case with changes, if you can accept what is possible to accomplish from the outset, then you can absolutely do it with the proper plan in place.

We can promise you this, intermittent fasting is actually easy to do, assuming you go about it in a simple manner, with a plan in place.

In fact, most people will begin to feel better and have more energy within their first 3-4 days! When you couple this with less bloating, easier nutritional structure, the health benefits, weight loss, etc, it becomes easy to stay the course...once you get out of your own head anyway.

Don't fear the fast, don't worry about hunger! If you are willing to follow proven advice, unlearn much of what was thought to be true nutritionally, and fast properly, it will not be an issue. Guaranteed!

Why Would One Fast

Honesty, there are countless, now proven reasons. In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, increased cellular repair, beneficial hormonal impacts, reductions in blood sugar and insulin spikes, simplicity in the daily eating regiment, minimal concern with macronutrient intake, no counting calories, etc. This list can, and will, go on and on.

If you asked us to tell you our top three reasons, we would say...

1. Lifestyle Simplicity
2. Feel Better (Greater Energy Levels, Less Bloating)
3. Food Choice Freedom

In our opinion, anything you can do to effectively "hack" your life to make it not only more efficient but also more effective, should be done. We are convinced Intermittent Fasting does just that.

Just think...fewer meals, less planning, less packing, less thought...all with greater benefits than the typical eat every 3 hours, breakfast is the most important meal of the day program.

Our Chosen Intermittent Fasting Protocol

While there are a number of different fasting methods, ranging from fasting for hours to days, we focus and believe wholeheartedly, that one is most beneficial to the masses...the 16:8 protocol (Leangains) made famous by Martin Berkhan.

In short, the 16:8 method means 16 hours in a fasted-state, followed by 8 hours in a fed-state.

Again, before going bananas over the 16 hours, get the details, then see how hundreds of thousands of individuals just like yourself have turned it into their eating pattern of choice.

Once you take the time to learn the "tricks of the trade" when it comes to the 16:8 fasting protocol, we are fairly certain you will understand why we see this method as the most beneficial for most of society.

Our Conclusion

Fasting will not be everyone's cup of tea. Just like Atkins, Keto, Paleo, The Grapefruit Diet, totally liquid diets, etc, are not for all and never will be.

This is not a bad thing, nor does that mean it is arbitrarily not for you.

The most important thing you need to know is this...the science has caught up.

We are no longer required to diet or eat, following old science, but instead, we are now capable of making some long-awaited adjustments to our dietary habits that we might actually enjoy.

If you are willing to do your homework and accept that science has, and always will, make what we once knew irrelevant as we progress, you might very well find Intermittent Fasting to be the solution you have been seeking for not only healthy weight management, but also better overall wellness as well.

Always Remember...

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Until next time...PROGRESS, not PERFECTION!

Don't forget, always consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Live a 3D Life...Decisions Determine Destinations!