Wellness Trend 2023: Intermittent Fasting App to Develop Healthy Habits

Image by Kirill Tonkikh on Unsplash

What is Intermittent Fasting, and How Does It Work?

Intermittent fasting is an increasingly popular dietary practice where individuals alternate between periods of eating and fasting. It has been associated with numerous health benefits, such as weight loss, blood sugar levels, and heart health. 

While there are several ways to practice intermittent fasting, such as switching between 16-hour fasts with 8 hours of eating or fasting for 24 hours twice per week, it’s best to understand your body and needs before you start. Lasta is the best app for fasting for those looking to take up intermittent fasting, as it provides personalized plans tailored to you that best suites your lifestyle. 

Alongside detailed nutrition insights, the app also contains guidance from registered dietitians, ensuring you make the best decisions when choosing which fasting regimen best suits your goals.

Why Intermittent Fasting Apps Became So Popular?

Intermittent fasting has become one of the hottest trends in health and nutrition. With the help of intermittent fasting apps, users can easily monitor their food intake, track their progress, and get personalized insights on how to optimize their diet. As a result, these apps have become increasingly popular as they offer users an effective way to improve their health and well-being.

What Are the Best Fasting Apps in 2023?

Intermittent fasting is becoming increasingly popular as a way to improve overall health and well-being. With the advent of technology, there are now dozens of apps available to help you plan and track your fasts. In 2023, the best fasting apps will not only provide users with the ability to plan and track their fasts, but they will also offer additional features such as nutrition tracking, calorie counting, and reminders. Here are some of the most popular among experienced users:

• Lasta Fasting;
• Simple;
• Zero;
• Fastic;
• BodyFast.

Exploring the Different Types of Intermittent Fasting Methods and Their Benefits

There is a myriad of intermittent fasting methods, each with its potential benefits. Some of the most popular methods include:

The 16/8 Method

The 16/8 method, also known as the Leangains method, is a type of intermittent fasting that involves fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window. The most common schedule for this method is to eat from 12 pm to 8 pm and then strictly fast for the remaining 16 hours of the day. However, this can be adjusted to fit an individual’s schedule and preferences.

The 16/8 method is popular for those looking to lose weight and improve insulin sensitivity. Fasting for long periods has been shown to lower insulin levels and increase the breakdown of fat for energy, which can lead to weight loss. It can also improve overall health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation.

The 5:2 Diet

The 5:2 Diet, also known as the Fast Diet, is a common type of intermittent fasting that involves eating normally for 5 days of the week and restricting calories to 500-600 for the other 2 non-consecutive days. The idea behind this method is that reducing calorie intake for two days a week can lead to weight loss, improve overall health markers, and extend lifespan.

Research has shown that this method may be effective for weight loss and improving overall health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. It may also reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Alternate-Day Fasting

Alternate-Day Fasting (ADF) is a popular type of intermittent fasting that involves alternating between days of eating normally and days of fasting. The most common version of this method is the “36-hour fast,” where an individual eats one day and then fasts the next 36 hours, including the next day’s breakfast. Some people also eat a very low-calorie diet on the fasting days, usually around 500-600 calories, while others eat nothing on the fasting days.

This method has been shown to improve weight loss and overall health markers, including reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Restricting calorie intake on fasting days can help to lower insulin levels, improve glucose metabolism, and promote fat burning.

The Warrior Diet

The Warrior Diet involves eating a small number of raw fruits as well as vegetables during the day and then eating one large meal at night. This method mimics the eating patterns of our ancient ancestors, who would hunt and gather during the day and then eat a large feast at night.

During the day, followers of the Warrior Diet are supposed to eat small amounts of raw fruits and vegetables and some nuts and seeds. In the evening, followers eat a large meal that includes a variety of protein sources, healthy fats, and vegetables.

The Warrior Diet is popular among those looking to improve digestion and energy levels. Eating a large meal at night can help regulate the circadian rhythm and enhance sleep quality. It also promotes weight loss by restricting calorie intake during the day.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting has become extremely popular as a way to lose weight, and incorporating a healthy diet and exercise plan helps ensure long-term success.

Depending on the method chosen, you can expect to lose between one and two pounds each week. 

However, some individuals have had significant results, maintaining their weight or even losing up to twenty pounds in just a few weeks. When combined with cardiovascular and strength workouts, intermittent fasting provides an improved metabolic rate allowing for more efficient calorie burning when balanced with a healthier meal plan and lifestyle. 

What Are The Risks Associated With Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is broadly considered safe for most healthy adults. However, as with any diet or lifestyle change, there are potential risks associated with intermittent fasting. Some of the risks include the following:

• Dehydration: Fasting can cause dehydration, so drinking plenty of water during fasting is important.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Restricting calories or certain food groups during fasting can lead to nutrient deficiencies. It’s crucial to ensure you get enough essential vitamins and minerals during your eating periods.
• Hunger and cravings: Fasting can cause feelings of need and desire, which can be challenging to manage for some people.
• Low blood sugar: Fasting can lower blood sugar levels, which can cause feelings of lightheadedness, weakness, and fatigue. This is mainly a concern for people with diabetes or other metabolic disorders.
• Disordered eating: Intermittent fasting can be used as a tool for weight loss, but it’s essential to ensure that it’s not becoming an unhealthy obsession. Intermittent fasting can trigger disordered eating patterns in some people, so it’s necessary to be mindful of your relationship with food.
• Interference with medication: Intermittent fasting may interfere with certain medications, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re taking any medicines before starting an intermittent fasting regimen.

It’s vital to consult with a healthcare professional before taking up any new diet or exercise regimen to make sure it’s appropriate for you and to monitor any potential risks.