If you want to lose weight and keep it off, fasting can be a powerful tool. It's not only effective but also easy to do, just skip one or two meals per day for a few weeks and your body will automatically burn fat stores for energy. But there are a few simple tricks that can help you get the most out of your fasting weight loss plans—and keep those pounds off for good! In this article, I'll share five tips that have helped me achieve optimal results with my fasts (including how many pounds I lost in just 30 days).
Eat protein-rich foods.
- Eat protein-rich foods.
Protein is key for muscle growth, and it helps you feel fuller for longer. Protein can also help you build lean muscle mass, which can help you lose weight by burning more calories than fat does. You should aim to eat at least one gram of protein per pound of your ideal body weight daily (if your goal is to maintain your current weight). For example: if you weigh 150 pounds and want to maintain that weight, then aim to consume 150 grams of protein each day; if you want to lose 10 pounds over the course of two weeks--and thus reduce your body fat percentage by 10 percent--you'll need about 20 grams more than what's necessary just based on maintaining a healthy diet alone!
Change up your exercise routine.
- Change up your exercise routine.
Exercise is a powerful tool for weight loss, but it can be hard to stick with if you don't enjoy doing it. If you've been exercising the same way for months or years and are looking for something new, try these tips:
- Find something fun! There are so many different types of exercise--from walking around town with friends and family members who live nearby to riding bikes through trails at dusk as bats fly overhead--that there's sure to be something out there that appeals to everyone's tastes. If none of those sound appealing, consider trying one of these alternatives:
- Go swimming instead of running on the treadmill; this will help strengthen muscles in different parts of your body while still giving them a good workout (and hopefully getting rid of those stubborn love handles).
- Try yoga instead. This practice focuses on stretching while also calming one's mind through meditation techniques. During class sessions, instructors teach students how best to handle stressors in their everyday lives outside school hours/workplace environments.
Drink more water.
- Drink more water.
- While fasting, you'll want to drink plenty of water, especially if you are exercising or doing any type of physical activity. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins from your body and keep it hydrated. It also helps keep your skin hydrated, which can help prevent cellulite and stretch marks (a major bonus). Water also keeps organs healthy. The kidneys need it in order to filter waste products out of the bloodstream. The liver needs it because it filters toxins out of food before they enter into the bloodstream. Every cell in our body needs adequate amounts for survival!
- Stay away from soda pop, juices, and alcoholic beverages while fasting. These drinks have empty calories that will not aid weight loss efforts at all. Drinks like these just add unnecessary pounds on while trying to shed those unwanted pounds off! Drink lots more fresh fruit juices instead during this period if needed...it's better than drinking soda anyway!
Be kind to yourself.
- Be kind to yourself. It's easy to get discouraged when you don't see results as quickly as you'd like, but it's important not to beat yourself up over it. If you slip up and eat something that isn't part of your diet plan, don't think of it as a failure--just start fresh again the next day!
- Don't give up if your friends or family don't understand why fasting is good for weight loss or health benefits. You can still spend time with them while sticking with your goals; just avoid eating at restaurants during mealtimes (or bring your own meal) and make sure everyone knows what foods are allowed on the fast so there aren't any unnecessary temptations there either.
Don't let cravings derail your progress.
- Don't let cravings derail your progress.
- Cravings are normal, but if you give in to them, they can make it harder to stick with your fasting diet. Try to distract yourself if you feel like eating something other than what's on the menu for that day--call a friend or go for a walk instead of sitting at home watching TV. If possible, drink plenty of water and eat a healthy snack like nuts or fruit when hunger strikes. This will help keep you from overeating later on when it's time for dinner or lunch (or breakfast!). If all else fails and there are still hours left until mealtime comes around again: eat something! Weigh yourself regularly so that if/when weight loss stalls due to overeating during cravings periods (and remember everyone has these). At least there won't be too much weight gain from those days' worth of extra calories added together over time.
Fasting weight loss plans.
These simple tips can help you get the most out of your fasting weight loss plans:
- Eat protein-rich foods. This will ensure that you don't feel hungry, and it will help keep cravings at bay. Good sources of protein include eggs, fish, chicken breast, and turkey breast (without the skin).
- Change up your exercise routine. If you're used to running five miles every day, try doing yoga instead for one or two days each week. during a fast--the stretching will increase flexibility while helping to relax tense muscles caused by fasting. Drink more water than usual during a fast; aim for at least 64 ounces (2 liters) per day. Be kind about how much weight loss is realistic for each person; don't set unrealistic goals that could lead to disappointment down the road when they aren't met. Examples of high-protein foods include beef jerky (with no added sugars), nuts such as almonds or walnuts.
Conclusion
Fasting is a great way to lose weight and keep it off. It's not just about eating less food, though; it's about changing your relationship with food so that you can enjoy healthier eating habits for life. If you're looking for ways to optimize your fasting weight loss results, try out these tips!
