Fasting?? For ME?

You don't actually have to wait to do this until you see fireworks painting the sky in July.  You can start any time - like tomorrow - if this sounds like something you need.

"Intermittent Fasting 101"  is among the Shaklee blogs.  I'd recommend reading it if you find this shorter version interesting.  As they say in the blog, fasting has been around for a very long time.  It has been used for "health, healing and religious or spiritual reasons."  Dr. Forrest Shaklee, founder of this company, used to fast every Monday, just drinking water and watery drinks, such as coffee or tea.  After having started out a very sick infant, he lived into his 90's.

Why consider fasting?  Lose weight...lower insulin...increase metabolism...simplify live...and also restore balance.  That means you reduce calorie intake and allow your body to use stored energy, eating fewer, simpler meals.

Okay, just how does this work?  There are just 3 methods described in the Shaklee blog.
1)  The 16:8 Method    Skip breakfast and restrict your eating period to 8 hours.  For instance, you could eat from Noon to 8 PM.  "Many people find this method the simplest and most sustainable, so it's good for beginners!"  Full disclosure:  I don't like this one because I am breakfast-oriented.  I feel it fuels you for most of the day.  However, another thought might be to do this one from 10 AM to 6 PM with brunch at the start and an early dinner at the end.

2)  The 24-Hour Fast Method  Pick 1 or 2 days a week when you can fast for 24 hours.  For example, eat dinner at 7 PM and don't eat again until 7 PM the next day. 

3)  The 5:2 Method - Eat regularly for 5 days and fast 2 days, picking the ones that will work well for you.  However, during the fast days, you can eat 500 calories each day, either spread out or in a single meal.

Be sure to drink beverages - water, coffee, tea and any beverages you like that have no added sugar.  You can also exercise and take your supplements.  Another idea is to try out the meal-skipping a few times before you launch into a full program.  If you have any medical conditions, consult your doctor before starting a program.  Also, see your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.  Also be cautious if you have low blood pressure, are underweight or have a history of eating disorders.