Intermittent fasting: Journalist's experiment yields surprising results
The science journalist decided to try out a rapidly growing popular eating method. It's not about special food, but rather its absence. By starting intermittent fasting, she set herself two goals, and it wasn't just about losing weight.
Among the myriad diets that experts and various gurus propose, intermittent fasting is a relatively new concept. Above all, however, unlike other eating methods, this one is relatively simple. You just have to follow some strict rules. This way of eating is practiced, among others, by Elon Musk and Jennifer Aniston.
Intermittent fasting involves eating only during a specific part of the day and fasting for the remaining time. This forces a change in metabolism, thereby lowering blood glucose levels and increasing the production of ketone bodies, which supports maintaining a healthy weight. The body produces ketone bodies from fat tissue, making fat burning more intense.
She conducted an experiment on herself with fasting
A Newsweek Science section journalist conducted an experiment on herself with intermittent fasting, setting two goals: she wanted to lose 22 pounds and lower her blood glucose levels. To this end, she chose one of the more demanding variants, 16:8, which means she ate only for eight hours a day. There are also 14:10, 18:6, and even 20:4 variants, where the higher number each time indicates the hours a person refrains from caloric meals during a day.
The journalist's so-called eating window lasted from noon to 8 PM. During this time, she tried to eat relatively healthy meals and avoid junk food. After 16 hours of fasting, she had a hearty breakfast, which included, for example, oatmeal and a sandwich with egg or cheese. For lunch, she had soup, roasted vegetables, or salad. Dinner was the most substantial meal, probably because of the prospect of 16 hours without food, and she indulged herself with something sweet like fudge or chocolate.
She practiced intermittent fasting. These are the results
Initially, the journalist found it difficult. The eating window seemed too short; hunger woke her up at night, and in the morning, it was hard for her to wait until breakfast. After the first week, the situation began to normalize. She slept better, didn't experience hunger attacks, and felt full with smaller portions.
It quickly became evident that the goals she set for herself were within reach. First and foremost, her blood glucose results improved. But that's not all.
Ultimately, after two months, the journalist stopped intermittent fasting. Although for many people hunger during fasting hours diminishes, she wasn't so lucky and felt constantly hungry in the morning and later in the evening. As she claims, maintaining this way of eating became a burdensome routine. Gradually, she began to ease up on it, but she believes the effects of those two months were worth the effort.
