Intermittent fasting has become a common trend among influencers and health gurus alike. The process differs from a traditional diet in that it doesn't dictate what you eat, but rather, when.
With intermittent fasting, you only eat during a specific window of time and fast for a designated number of hours each day. Adopting this method of eating can have numerous benefits, including fat loss and higher metabolism.
As with any new diet or eating plan, the excess of information and conflicting ideas online can make it difficult to get started. Luckily, with the help of an experienced dietitian, you can design an intermittent fasting plan that works for you.
Read on to find out exactly how a dietitian can help you incorporate intermittent fasting into your lifestyle.
Avoid Common Mistakes
When adopting an intermittent fasting plan, many beginners hinder their progress by making many common mistakes, including:
- Starting off too drastically
- Eating too much
- Eating the wrong foods
- Not incorporating enough exercise
- Drinking too little water
Consulting with a dietitian can help you avoid these common mistakes that can prevent you from achieving your health goals.
Develop a Personalized Plan
There are various methods of intermittent fasting to choose from, including:
- 5/2 or 16/8
- Stop-eat-stop
- Alternate-day
- Spontaneous meal skipping
With so many options, it can be hard to determine which method will work for you. Above all, it's important to develop an intermittent fasting plan that fits your health needs, which is something that a dietitian can help you with.
Find Out What You Should Be Eating
One of the major draws of intermittent fasting is the consumption of fewer calories due to the shortened eating window. Many beginners struggle with overeating at first, as they inadvertently consume too many calories once the fasting window has closed. A dietitian can help you determine what you should be eating each day to avoid overconsumption.
Stay Motivated
When starting any new diet, it can be hard to keep yourself motivated. When it comes to intermittent fasting, you'll often be tempted to eat during your fasting window or to overeat during meals. A dietitian can not only provide you with a support system, but also with techniques to keep yourself motivated each day.
Go Beyond Intermittent Fasting
While intermittent fasting can help you improve your health overall, it isn't a magic cure. When it comes to reaching your health goals, you'll need to combine intermittent fasting with other lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise. A dietitian can help you cultivate a lifestyle that will make achieving your wellness goals a reality.
Professional dietitians at Team Nutrition are ready to help you develop an intermittent fasting plan that works for you. Contact us today to get started.