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Vital rule you should always follow if you’re fasting to burn fat
Intermittent fasting has gained a lot of prominence in the recent past thanks to its benefits. However, you can’t burn fat with the said method unless you follow a vital rule.
Despite skepticism surrounding the popular weight loss technique, health experts swear by its effectiveness while dispelling common myths associated with it.
How long should you fast for the body to burn fat?
Intermittent fasting includes eating during a specific window and depriving the body of food for the rest of the time. Although it’s supposedly safe, not everyone’s cut out for this diet method.
While it’s safe for an average healthy person to follow, weight loss isn’t guaranteed if you don’t know how long to fast.
According to the Integrate Health Care System Mass General Brigham, fasting for at least half a day is essential for the body to start burning fat.
In an article discussing the pros and cons of intermittent fasting, cardiac rehabilitation dietitian, Mary Hyer, says:
“There are lots of options to choose from. But in the scientific world, you have to go at least 12 hours for it to be considered a fast.
Popular women’s health expert and lifestyle empowerment advocate Dr. Mindy Pelz echoes the same in an episode of The Diary Of A CEO Shorts.
She explains that the body needs to be starved for at least 8 hours to move from “sugar burner to fat burner” and it takes an additional “4 hours to get over there.”
After 12 hours of fasting the body enters the fasting window when it starts to burn fat to make a ketone owing to lower sugar glucose in the blood.
Who shouldn’t practice intermittent fasting?
Intermittent fasting isn’t advisable for everyone, especially if you have a history of eating disorders or are suffering from other health conditions.
Although fasting is believed to help in weight loss, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar, better brain health, etc., it isn’t recommended if you:
- Are over 65
- Are still growing as a child teen or young adult
- Have diabetes
- Have issues related to heart, kidney, or liver
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have low blood pressure
- Are taking medications such as blood thinners, diuretics, blood pressure medications, or medications that affect your blood sugar
Dr. Mindy Pelz is a best-selling author and nutrition and health expert with over two decades of experience. She’s known for helping thousands of people reclaim their health. Some of her high-profile clients include former race car driver�Danica Patrick�and popular influencer�Jesse Itzler.
