What to expect in the first week of intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting is the latest lifestyle trend that promises effective weight loss and better health. Although fasting has been a part of several cultures for centuries, its popularity has sky-rocketed in the past decade. The eating pattern which alternates between eating and fasting period does not restrict any food group. It is more about eating limited calories in a fixed window and allowing time for the body to repair itself, rather than grazing all day long. It is a healthy and effective way to lose weight and maintain the lost weight. When following intermittent fasting it may take time to witness results on your body, but it would be worth it. Here are 5 things to expect in the first week of intermittent fasting.
Confusion with what to eat
When starting a new diet, it is obvious to get confused between what to eat and what to avoid. Like other diets, it is obvious to feel confused when starting Intermittent fasting. But the fasting method is more of a lifestyle change and you are not required to restrict any food group. Intermittent fasting just encourages eating clean and healthy foods in the given eating window. Include more veggies, fruits, protein and healthy fats in your diet.
Feeling hungry all the time
Whether you choose to follow the 16:8 fasting method or 10:14, restricting your mealtime, in the beginning, can be difficult. You may feel famished and low on energy all the time. Your body will feel confused due to the new eating pattern and would need time to adjust to it. But if you would successfully stick to the plan in the first week, you will be easily able to sail through it. With time you will easily be able to manage this new eating pattern.
You would forget to eat
Adapting to any new lifestyle takes time. When you are used to eating all day long, restricting your calorie intake to a fixed period can be complex. Sometimes you may even forget to eat. That might seem amusing, but that is true. In the morning, you may feel famished, but when it is time to eat, you may forget about it. It happens more commonly in the evening.
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You may find it difficult to sleep
In the first week, you may also find it difficult to get proper sleep at night. At night you may feel famished or thirsty. You may even wake up frequently just to drink water and may find it difficult to fall asleep again. It happens due to calorie restriction and changes in lifestyle patterns. Once your body will get used to it, you will fall asleep peacefully.
You will get better at planning and mindful eating
Intermittent fasting will make you better at pre-planning your meal. It is something necessary for clean eating and avoiding junk foods. Moreover, it will make you more mindful. Since you will have to eat only in the eating window, you will try to add more fiber and healthy foods to your plate, rather than eating in small meals more frequently.