Cooperative Living October 2023 - 7

PHOTO COURTESY MARCO VERCH VIA FLIKR COMMONS
PHOTO COURTESY PICKPIK.COM
HAPPY & HEALTHY
or intense hunger. Monitor how your
body reacts and give yourself time to
adjust before making a final decision.
However, if you have an unhealthy
Not so Fast
How to know if intermittent fasting is right for you
by Vanessa LaFaso Stolarski
S
kipping breakfast or missing
meals due to a busy schedule
occasionally happens to everyone,
but that doesn't mean it should serve
as an invitation to an extreme dieting
lifestyle.
Intermittent fasting has recently been
increasingly touted as the key to weight
management and increased longevity,
but is it right for you?
Before embarking on any dietary
regimen, it's essential to evaluate
your health status. If you have
existing medical conditions, such as
diabetes or hypoglycemia, it's crucial
to consult a healthcare professional
before attempting IF. Certain medical
conditions might be exacerbated by
fasting, making it unsuitable for some
individuals. Some studies suggest, for
example, that women should avoid
frequent fasting due to how it can
impact hormonal balance and endocrine
function.
SETTING A GOAL
Like any health or fitness routine,
understanding your goals can guide
your decision. If your primary goal is
weight loss, intermittent fasting might
be a consideration due to its potential
to create a caloric deficit. However,
if your goal is muscle gain or athletic
performance, you should carefully assess
if fasting aligns with your energy and
nutrient requirements. Muscle requires
fuel to repair and grow, so if strength
training is in your fitness repertoire, you
may want to consider a nutrition plan
that better aligns with your routine.
MAKING A HABIT OF IT
Your daily routine also plays a
significant role in determining whether
IF is feasible. Fasting schedules can vary
widely, from the 16/8 method (fasting
for 16 hours, eating during an 8-hour
window) to alternate-day fasting. If your
lifestyle permits adhering to these timerestricted
eating patterns and you can
manage your hunger and energy levels
effectively, IF might be a viable option.
When trying IF, pay attention to
how your body responds during the
initial phases. Some people adapt well
to fasting, experiencing increased mental
clarity and sustained energy levels.
Others struggle with irritability, fatigue
Vanessa LaFaso Stolarski is a certified nutrition counselor, weightlifting coach, life coach and stress-management specialist.
All health-related content and media provided by Cooperative Living or its website(s) is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional
medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you
may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
co-opliving.com
October 2023 * Cooperative Living * 5
relationship with food, for instance,
if you struggle with chronic dieting,
IF can be exceptionally triggering and
may not be suitable for individuals with
a history of disordered eating. Evaluate
how fasting might impact your mental
well-being and whether it aligns with
a healthy and positive mindset toward
food.
Determining whether intermittent
fasting is the right nutrition strategy for
you requires a holistic assessment of your
health, goals, lifestyle and emotional
well-being.
It's important to understand that
no matter the potential health benefits,
IF is considered an extreme diet. Before
fully committing to this protocol, seek
guidance from registered dietitians or
healthcare providers. Remember that
the ultimate goal should be adopting a
sustainable and balanced eating pattern
that supports your overall well-being.
*
Before embarking on any dietary
regimen, it's essential to evaluate
your health status.

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Cooperative Living October 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living October 2023