Intermittent Fasting: 10 Powerful Benefits Beyond Weight Loss, Mama!
As a busy mom, I’m always looking for ways to improve my health and well-being without sacrificing my precious time.
That’s why I’ve become a big fan of intermittent fasting, and not just for the weight loss benefits.
In fact, there are a ton of other benefits to intermittent fasting that have nothing to do with shedding pounds that I’ve experienced firsthand.
So, let’s dive in and take a look at the top 10 benefits of intermittent fasting I’ve learned about for moms and women.
Improved insulin sensitivity with Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can lower the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Research has found that intermittent fasting can help to reduce inflammation in the body, a known risk factor for insulin resistance. Studies have also shown that intermittent fasting can improve blood sugar control in people with prediabetes and overweight/obese women.
Overall, intermittent fasting may have several potential health benefits beyond just weight loss.
This is great news for women who may be at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Better Brain Function
Fasting can also improve brain function, including memory, focus, and concentration. Yes, you heard it, it makes our brain function better!
Studies have shown that fasting can increase the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes the growth and survival of nerve cells in our brain.
This can lead to improved learning, memory, and overall cognitive function. So, not only can intermittent fasting help us with weight loss, but it can also give our brains a boost!
As a busy mom, I need all the help I can get in this department, so intermittent fasting is a no-brainer for me.
Increased Energy by Intermittent Fasting
Fasting boost energy levels by promoting the production of mitochondria, which are like little energy powerhouses inside our cells. And who doesn’t need more energy when we’re chasing after our little ones all day long?
Plus, fasting can help regulate our blood sugar levels, preventing the mid-afternoon crash that leaves us reaching for that extra cup of coffee. And let’s face it, we need all the help we can get to keep up with our busy lives.
So, why not give intermittent fasting a try and see if it gives you the energy boost you’ve been looking for? Just make sure to stay hydrated and listen to your body, because we all know that a tired mama is a grumpy mama.
And who knows, maybe with all that extra energy, you’ll be able to tackle that long overdue to-do list and still have time for a little self-care. Because let’s face it, we all deserve a little break every now and then, even if it’s just a few minutes to ourselves with a hot cup of tea.
Reduced Inflammation
Speaking of inflammation, fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to a wide range of health benefits.
It’s like an internal ice pack for your insides! By decreasing inflammation, we may see improvements in our joint health and reduce our risk for chronic diseases.
So, don’t be afraid to give intermittent fasting a try – your body will thank you for it!
From reducing the risk of chronic diseases to improving joint health, this is a big one.
Improved Heart Health
Fasting has been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are both major contributors to heart disease. And let’s face it, we need to keep that heart healthy so we can keep up with our little ones!
Plus, intermittent fasting can help promote weight loss, which is another key factor in reducing our risk of heart disease. But, even if we don’t lose weight, the simple act of fasting can still have a positive impact on our heart health.
So, why not give intermittent fasting a try and show your heart some love? And, as a bonus, you may just end up feeling better all around.
Now, let’s raise a glass of water and toast to our hearts because they work hard for us every day and deserve a little love in return!
Increased Longevity
Who doesn’t want to live a long and healthy life?
Of course, you do!
Well, guess what? Intermittent fasting might just be the secret sauce you’re looking for.
Studies have shown that fasting can help promote cellular repair and reduce oxidative stress, which can help increase our lifespan.
So, don’t be afraid to give it a go – you might just be on your way to becoming the next supercentenarian (that’s someone who lives to be 110 years old or more)!
Improved Gut Health
Fasting can promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gut, which can help keep things moving smoothly.
Think of it like a spring cleaning for your intestines! Plus, improved gut health can lead to other benefits like better digestion and a stronger immune system.
So, if you’re looking to give your gut some extra love, intermittent fasting might just be the ticket.
Who knew that skipping a few meals could lead to a happier tummy?
Better Sleep
I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for ways to improve my sleep.
Intermittent fasting can help promote the production of melatonin – the hormone that regulates our sleep – which means better ZZZs for all of us.
Think of it like a natural sleeping pill, except without all the grogginess in the morning. And, as a bonus, intermittent fasting has also been shown to reduce snoring in some people.
So, not only will you be sleeping better, but your partner will be too!
Just make sure to ease into fasting slowly, as sudden changes to our eating patterns can sometimes cause insomnia or other sleep issues.
Who knew that the key to a good night’s sleep was in our stomachs all along?
Reduced Risk of Cancer
Fasting has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer by promoting the death of cancer cells and slowing down the growth of tumors.
Think of it like a ninja warrior fighting off those pesky cancer cells in our bodies! Plus, fasting can also help reduce inflammation in our bodies, which is a key factor in the development of cancer.
So, not only are we preventing cancer, but we’re also keeping our bodies in tip-top shape in the process.
Of course, we can’t forget that genetics and other lifestyle factors play a role in our cancer risk as well. But, adding intermittent fasting to our toolkit is a great way to give ourselves an extra layer of protection.
Plus, who doesn’t want to feel like a warrior fighting off cancer with every bite we don’t take?
Now, I know that fasting can seem a little scary at first, especially when we’re used to snacking all day long. But, with a little bit of planning and preparation, we can totally do this!
Start by easing into fasting slowly, maybe skipping breakfast a few times a week or trying a 16:8 fasting schedule.
It’s like we’re superheroes, fighting off the bad guys with every hunger pang. So, let’s embrace intermittent fasting and all the health benefits that come with it – our bodies will thank us for it in the long run!
Improved Skin Health
Have you heard about the latest beauty secret that doesn’t involve slathering ourselves in expensive creams or guzzling down collagen supplements? It’s called intermittent fasting, and it can do wonders for our skin health!
First of all, fasting can help reduce inflammation in our bodies, which is a major culprit when it comes to pesky skin issues like acne and rosacea. And, if we’re being real here, who wants to deal with those? Not us!
But wait, there’s more! Intermittent fasting also increases collagen production, which is key in keeping our skin looking plump and youthful. And, as we age, our collagen production naturally decreases, which can lead to wrinkles and fine lines. But, by incorporating fasting into our lifestyle, we can help keep our collagen levels up and keep those wrinkles at bay.
And, let’s not forget about cellular repair processes! Fasting can help promote these processes, which is essential for repairing any damage that our skin cells may have incurred. So, not only are we preventing future damage, but we’re also helping to repair any past damage that may have already occurred.
Of course, we can’t rely on fasting alone to give us the skin of our dreams. We still need to make sure we’re taking care of our skin on the outside, like washing our face daily and wearing sunscreen. But, by incorporating intermittent fasting into our routine, we’re giving our skin an extra boost from the inside out.
So, let’s toast to better skin health with a glass of water and an empty stomach, because who knew that skipping a few meals could be the ultimate beauty hack?
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So, there you have it – the top 10 benefits of intermittent fasting for women outside of weight loss.
All the benefits you can physically see, I’ve experienced, and expect that the ones you cannot see (i.e. reducing cancer) are working for me as well!
If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to improve your health and well-being, intermittent fasting is definitely worth considering.
Check out my FREE women’s cycle fasting cheat sheet, Amazon Store Front, and my Top 8 products to make your fasting lifestyle easier.
Much Love,
Amber
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