Let’s Start FAST…Well, Fasting
By now, most of you have heard of Intermittent Fasting. My sister was actually the first person who introduced me to this diet trend that she swears by. It was about three years ago that she got serious about changing her body. She started doing Orange Theory Fitness (also a HIIT program) and looking for overall ways to improve her health. If she reads this, she’s going to absolutely kill me, but with my niece going on 6, she could no longer use the “baby” as the excuse for the “baby weight”. When she first told me about this method of diet used for weight reduction and overall lifestyle change that also helps balance your hormones and keep your body youthful, I thought it was too good to be true. But over the next few months, I watched the pounds just melt off. The basic principal is that you limit your calorie intake to a 6-8 hour window per day. According to her, she was not restricting any food groups and would still consume the occasional glass of wine between the hours of noon and 8PM. After three years of sticking to fasting, she is in the best shape of her life. She only does Orange Theory 8 times per month now but still does the fasting. She occasionally “cheats” on holidays or weekends, or when she has dinner with friends. She said it’s pretty easy to maintain once you get used to it. These is so much more in depth information available. We found this youtube post by Dr. Josh Axe to be very helpful. Take a look if you want to learn more. https://youtu.be/8xv2cWhnkPU
Keto or Not Keto, That is the Question
Another popular method of rapid weight loss that people have been talking about lately is the Ketogenic Diet. In a Ketogenic Diet, the dieter severely restricts their carbohydrate intake and increases their fat intake. The body is forced into a state of ketosis where it depletes stored fat for energy. In addition to rapid weight loss, when followed properly, the diet results in stabilized insulin levels and decreased inflammation throughout the body. Counting calories is not necessary. Instead, you count fat, protein and carbohydrates that you consume. Your daily intake if carbohydrates should be less that 10 grams per day to get your body into a state of ketosis. Then, over time, you can increase your carbs to 20 per day, as long as your body remains in that state where it is breaking down the fat reserves for energy. A state of ketosis can be measured when tested with Keto Strips that can be purchased online or at your local pharmacy. Increases in lean muscle mass and energy also occur, when your body goes into a state of Ketosis. If you are interested in learning more about this change-of-lifestyle diet, and additional health benefits, check out this helpful video by Thomas DeLauer. https://youtu.be/sBw2rdwBfZE
Newest Buzz is the from Across the Atlantic
Mediterranean Diet is the latest type of diet that has been getting attention in the news. But despite popular belief, it is not really a diet that has weight loss as its main goal. Cardiology prevention – in other words, heart health, is the aim with this one. Maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system directly correlates with overall good health and a long life. And who doesn’t want to experience those benefits? The Mediterranean Diet, it is typically high in colorful veggies, fruits, whole grains, beans, nut and seeds, and olive oil. You consume fewer processed foods, like soda and fast foods, and less sugar. Herbs and spices replace salt in many cases. Poultry and fish can be consumed several times a week, but red meat is recommended less often, usually around once a month. Although it is a great way to eat, unless you cut out some of the fatty cheeses and pastas that are permitted but can be high in calories, you may not wind up seeing much of a difference on the scale. Filling fibers and healthy fats, however, can actually help with weight control. Check out this informative video by Dr. Kim Foster for more in-depth info on losing weight the Mediterranean way. https://youtu.be/Kfxh7thGqf4
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
If none of those diets seem doable for you, I can understand. They take a ton of will power and it’s sometimes easy to slip. In the Keto Diet and Intermittent Fasting, a little slip can take your body out of that state where it’s burning fat for fuel. When you do that, you can actually gain instead of loose. But don’t despair! Below are some tips you can try to incorporate into your current diet and lifestyle that will make a difference:
If you make some changes and follow workouts consistently, you can still look bootylicious in your Brazilian bikini from Guria Bechwear. Remember, everyone wins this challenge, so don’t forget to get your photos in by October 10th.
Disclaimer:
The information given in this post is not that of a health or medical professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, under 18 years of age or have a medical condition, please consult your doctor, a health professional or a professional nutritionist before starting on any kind of diet or workout routine. This information is written from personal experience and solely for the purpose of entertainment.
Written by JS.