Have you ever wondered how your body would change after a week of intermittent fasting? It’s an interesting concept to look into. As a growing number of diets focus on this type of time restricted eating, more research is focusing on it.
The first thing you should realize is that the impact of a week of intermittent fasting depends on how you do it. This doesn’t just mean what you eat while you’re eating. It also doesn’t necessarily mean the number of hours in which you allow yourself to eat. It can include details as small as how close your cut-off point is to your bedtime.
What Happens During a Week of Intermittent Fasting
The first thing you’re likely to discover during your week of intermittent fasting is that the world doesn’t function for you. Break times and meal times don’t take your eating hours into account. Therefore, if you need to stop eating by 2 p.m., you’ll likely need to find a way to eat more frequently during your work day.
After all, the average lunch break is from around 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If this is the case and you can eat only until 2 p.m. it may be difficult to have something during your last hour and a half. Moreover, if you’re invited to a dinner party, the odds are that your hosts won’t be holding it within your allowable eating hours. That can be a challenging reality during that first week of intermittent fasting.
After a Week of Intermittent Fasting
Once you stick to a week of intermittent fasting and start to get used to the structure, some changes will occur. The first thing is that, provided you didn’t overdo it with calories, you’ll likely have lost weight.
The next thing you may discover is that you are considerably better hydrated than you typically would be during the same span of time. Outside your time restricted eating window, all you’re allowed is water. Therefore, you’re much more likely to keep refilling that glass! Staying properly hydrated has some important weight loss benefits.
You may also be surprised at the reduction you may feel in your food cravings. It could be tough during the first couple of days as you adjust. However, a time restriction can often put cravings right out of your mind.
Keep in mind that a week of intermittent fasting is not a miracle cure. Many people experience symptoms of weakness and faintness. Some find that any weight loss they experience from it is short term. Before trying this type of drastic diet change, be sure to speak with your doctor.