Get In Shape. Fast.

You are about to see the birth of a new dietary phenomenon.

Supported by the latest research, the practice of food restriction for extended periods of time or ‘intermittent fasting’ seems to be beneficial for improving body composition, health and everything in between.

Seemingly contradicting everything the average person has ever been taught about healthy eating, the advice on this one seems to be not to eat every couple of hours to avoid being hungary, but to go from anywhere between 18 and 24 hours without a meal and then continue to eat like normal.

It works on several different levels. Let’s be honest, if weight loss is your goal reducing your calorie intake by intermittent fasting will obviously be beneficial. You don’t need to be a genius to understand this concept! A sharp reduction in calories will lead to weight loss...

But the reason it works might be more complex. Supporters of fasting suggest it has hormonal benefits too. Research indicates regular intermittent calorie restriction over a six month period lead to improvement in disease markers such as blood pressure and inflammation. Seeing as inflammation is a major contributor to the aging process and disease it could therefore be assumed it will reduce the effects of aging and help you live longer.

Contrary to popular belief, the practice of fasting is not actually a new phenomenon. Most commonly seen in religious practices, cultures have fasted since the dawn of time.

I have to admit I was a skeptic at first. I’ve helped many people get in great shape by following the ‘eating smaller meals more frequently’ method. I also had an issue with what I perceived as an ‘extreme’ nature of this dietary protocol. However, when practiced the reality is quite different.

After taking advice from some of my peers I tried intermittent fasting starting initially with partial fast or as one of my more astute clients said ‘ just missing breakfast?!’ and then a couple of days later went for a full 24hr fast. The results were surprised me. It was easy to do and I felt fantastic. I have also had several of my clients try it and they like it too.

By stopping eating at 6pm the night before (or after dinner) you simply drink lots of water and can either go through until lunchtime the next day (18hrs) or dinner (24hrs).

Fairly simple, right? Please beware though this is not for everyone. If you do have a history of eating disorders or are diabetic you should avoid this. Needless to say you should seek medical advice before making changes to you diet...

You can find lots of advice on intermittent fasting on the internet but one of the best (and free) resources is from Precision Nutrition. You can find it here.

For the muscly-mary’s who think they will lose there imaginary lats by skipping meals you could visit Lean Gains to understand how you can maintain your ‘muscle’ during a fast.

Or as I did check out the original source - Brad Pillon - and his book Eat Stop Eat.

Whatever you do. Read about it first. Understand it. Then if you think it’s right for you try it.

Intermittent fasting will probably be popular this year. Remember, I told you first!