The Physical Therapy Doctor - June 2023

The Intermittent Fasting Phenomenon SEPARATING HYPE FROM HEALTH BENEFITS

There always seems to be a new dieting fad every couple of months, but one that has stayed around longer than expected is intermittent fasting. Many of us couldn’t imagine

Regardless of which type of intermittent fasting you attempt, you’ll likely notice many benefits within the first few months. Studies have shown that it can improve your

fasting for days on end, but intermittent fasting provides the benefits of fasting without asking us to wait days between meals. Intermittent fasting is a term used to describe eating patterns with differing amounts of fasting. There are three main types. The first and most common type is time-restricted eating, and it’s one of the easiest intermittent fasting diets to stick to daily. Time-restricted fasting has users decide on an eating window lasting between four and 12 hours. If it isn’t during your eating window, you’re

cholesterol levels and help you maintain proper blood sugar levels. Many studies have shown

that those who practice intermittent fasting have no problem shedding

weight and also keeping it off. Many users report losing 3%–7% of their body weight within eight weeks of fasting. Studies even found intermittent fasting can lower the risk of breast cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and other serious conditions. Does this all sound too good to be true? That’s because it likely is. The Journal of the American Medical Association looked at 108 studies

actively fasting. The next is the 5:2 diet, which calls for two full days of fasting each week, with a regular eating schedule for the other five days. Finally, there’s alternate- day fasting, in which users alternate between fasting one day and eating normally the next.

conducted on the alleged health benefits of intermittent fasting and found that only six were supported by solid evidence. That doesn’t mean the health benefits don’t exist; we just need more research before saying intermittent fasting is as beneficial for our health as its users claim it to be.

DIRECTIONS Need a quick, healthy snack? Check out this protein-packed yogurt bowl. Cherry Chia Greek Yogurt Bowls

TAKE A BREAK!

Chia Seed Jam We suggest making the chia seed jam in advance and storing it in the refrigerator so you can quickly assemble these yogurt bowls all week.

Inspired by HungryHobby.net

INGREDIENTS

Chia Seed Jam • 2 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted • 3 tbsp chia seeds

Using a potato masher, mash down the cherries. Place a small pot on high heat and add the cherries, chia seeds, honey, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Allow jam to cool before using or refrigerate. Greek Yogurt Bowl In a small serving bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with vanilla extract. Top the Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp cherry chia seed jam, hemp seeds, granola, and a few additional cherries, if desired.

• 2 tbsp honey • 1/4 cup water

Greek Yogurt Bowl • 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp hemp seeds • 1 tbsp granola

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