Intermittent fasting is one of the world's most popular health and fitness trends that received mileage through Social Media in the last year. It is not a diet as it does not specify what foods should be eaten or avoided; instead it suggests when you should be eating food. Simply to understand intermittent fasting is an eating pattern, which cycles alternating between eating and fasting wherein the food intake is usually within an eight hour window period each day.
(Also Read: Watch: Intermittent Fasting Diet For Weight Loss May Also Help You Live Longer)
People are naturally on a fasting mode when they are asleep. Intermittent fasting can be as simple as extending the fast a little longer which can be achieved by skipping breakfast and eating lunch as the first meal of the day. By doing so, you are fasting for over 16 hours every day while having an 8 hour eating window. One of the hardest aspects of fasting is warding off hunger; it is, therefore, recommended to find an approach that you enjoy and fits your schedule.
A recommended supplement to support intermittent fasting is MCT (Medium Chain Triglyceride) oil. Due to their chemical structure, MCTs are metabolised differently from other fats, they are converted into ketones for energy almost instantly and are not stored up like other fats. Therefore, adding these fats to your diet with MCT oil may be beneficial while observing the intermittent fasting routine as they help reduce hunger, allowing you to extend the fasting period without the cravings.
Coconut oil has been known to be one of the richest sources of MCT's; it contains 92% of saturated fats, out of which almost 48% comes from lauric acid and 7% from capric acid which are medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Virgin Coconut oil is a great source to boost energy levels and provides the body with fatty acids, which also serves as a fasting and cleansing agent for the body when consumed in the right manner.
(Also Read: The Miraculous Health Benefits of Coconut Oil)
Virgin Coconut oil (VNCO) is obtained from fresh matured kernel of the coconut by mechanical or natural means. Oil extracted using cold pressing technique ensures it preserves all the natural goodness of the oil. So how can you add coconut oil to your diet to get through the period of fasting and aid weight management?
Black coffee, water and tea and other non-caloric beverages can be consumed during the fast, coffee especially is considered most beneficial as it can ward off the hunger. Adding coconut oil to your morning cup of coffee can aid in weight management, prevent extreme hunger due to the fat conversion to ketones for instant energy. Virgin Coconut oil is termed as nature's superfood and is made up of mostly MCTs. The MCTs are:
- An immediate source of energy.
- Have therapeutic and nitrogen retention.
- They are better shown to reduce hunger and suppress appetite.
Coffee with added coconut oil is also known as Bulletproof Coffee.
(Also Read: 8 Amazing Benefits of Coffee You Probably Never Knew)
Another way to consume coconut oil to retain its health benefits is through direct consumption. Two spoons a day can supply the body with necessary fat and energy to reduce hunger and help achieve the end goal of intermittent fasting.
It is important to remember that intermittent fasting is not something everyone can and needs to do, it is simply a lifestyle that can improve health. If you find fasting for longer periods or eating after long intervals a sustainable lifestyle, intermittent fasting can be a powerful tool to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Consult a qualified dietician to know if you are the right candidate for intermittent fasting.
About Author: Sheryl Salis is a Registered Dietician, Certified Diabetes Educator and Wellness Coach. With a career spanning nineteen years, she has a rich experience in the field of Nutrition having authored nine books on the topic and also works closely with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai.
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