Intermittent Fasting – The Fat Burning Solution

Intermittent Fasting – This has always been my favorite way to lose stubborn fat and has always given me a great boost of energy if I’m consistent with it. I get asked often how I stay fit when I love to eat.  “How do you enjoy and eat so much on vacation and then lose it?” Or the most popular one, “How do I lose weight fast?”

I want to start with everyone’s body is different, and there is not one diet that works for everyone. Intermittent fasting isn’t a diet, it is a pattern of eating which changes when you eat and don’t eat. Doing this boosts your growth hormone and regulates your insulin levels. There are a few levels of intermittent fasting:

  • 3 meals 16:8
  • 2 meals 20:4

Starting gradually with intermittent fasting is super important. For instance,  if you like to snack and graze all day, stop snacking and only eat 3 meals a day with no snacking, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your body is not made to graze all day. You should try for a more full lunch and a lighter dinner and breakfast.

Once you have mastered not snacking in between meals, move to 3 meals a day, but only in an 8-hour window. “16:8” – 16 hours of fasting, 8 hours to eat three meals. For example, eat dinner at 6 pm and don’t eat breakfast until 10 am. Fasting overnight is the key to success! Now, this doesn’t mean stuffing your face at dinner or for your meal sizes to get larger. Keep the portions small, with good fats, lots of greens and a clean protein (if not vegan). It can easily take a few weeks to really get it down and get your body and stomach adjusted, but keep pushing through. It gets much easier.

Taking fasting to another level and really burning fat is the “20:4” – 20 hours fasting 4 hours to eat 2 meals. For example, you eat dinner at 6 pm, you won’t eat your first meal until 2 pm. (all these times can vary depending on your lifestyle and working hours).

Things you CAN drink while fasting;

  • Purified water – lots of water and added natural electrolytes are very beneficial.
  • Teas – Teas are your friend, but not too much caffeine. Caffeine spikes your insulin levels. Stick to non-caffeinated teas.
  • Coffee – One cup of plain black coffee, with a splash of sugar-free almond milk, is OK. NO SUGAR added.
  • Bone Broth – Amazing to have to drink throughout your fasting time. Savory and great for the stomach.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – Love to add a tablespoon to my water. click here to learn more about ACV
  • Almond Milk – Homemade with no added sugar is recommended. If you don’t make your own, using small amounts of sugar-free is okay.

This you should AVOID while fasting;

  • Alcohol – don’t drink while in your fasting period.
  • Coconut water – yes, it has electrolytes, but it also has lots of sugar.
  • Soda – even diet soda should be avoided.
  • Any other sugary drink

How to make fasting work faster 

  • Potassium – the secret mineral. Our bodies need 4700mg a day. Eat vegetables and fruits that are high in potassium. (spinach, broccoli, bananas, apricots, avocados, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, etc.)
  • Don’t overeat – salads are your friend.  Eat a salad in between meals, if needed.
  • Do it gradually – don’t jump straight into the 20:4 fasting.  Ease your body in for the best results that last.
  • Extra sleep – get at least 7- 8 hours a night. Take naps if you want.
  • HIIT – High-intensity interval training – high-intensity short duration. I like to do this with weight training.
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7 Comments
  • Michele Brown
    July 13, 2018

    Hi Shyna, my name is micheLe and i am 58 years old. Im try so hard to lose ky belly but it just doesnt go away. Help!! Haha. Am i just to old? Ive never been this heavy in ly life

    • Nynne
      July 13, 2018

      Dear Michelle,
      Some people dont respond well to fasting either. It is of highest importance that you dont fast if you are the lEast bit stressed. If You are feeling tired/slightly “sick” (and you might not even notice if that is just how you feel on a day to day basis) you need to get you body happy first. Lot if relaxing, Cutting down on exercise for a while, maybe do some easy yoga. Go into self care. Do the good faTs and peoteins like Shayna says. They will help your body feel good (keep blood sugar levels stable). Lots of veggies. Then once you feel good in Your boDy you cam start Building up to weightlOss ❤️ Take this from someone who used to have addisons, it will work, you just newd to slow down and love your body 🙂

  • TErese Quarino
    July 13, 2018

    Thank you for this information! Im going to try this at a slow pace!

  • Jennifer
    July 13, 2018

    Hi Shayna,
    Im going to try and fast for my first tIme, how long should i fast for being my first time?

    Thank you
    Jennifer

  • Victoria Salti
    July 17, 2018

    I feel so much better allow my hormones to reset, ty

  • Karen
    July 31, 2018

    Is veggie broth instead of bone broth okay if you are eating an alkaline diet?

  • Johnathan Hornig
    August 27, 2020

    Super great article with perfect timing. I literally had a doctor appointment this morning. She recommended Intermittent Fasting. I absolutely feel more aligned with trying it out after you simplified the process. I’ll definitely keep you updated.

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