Fasting methods without agony
Some people just use the time until Easter to fast on certain things, others have also set the renunciation of some foods, nicotine, alcohol, etc. as a New Year's resolution. But also outside of these times the renouncement can be worthwhile, particularly if it concerns to nourish oneself healthier. There are different variants, from very strict fasting, during which one completely renounces solid food, to the base fasting, whereby one eliminates only not-basic food occasionally from the food plan. In this blog article, we would like to introduce you to some of the methods that can be easily implemented and quite beneficial to your health.
Why fast at all
The subject of fasting is surrounded by many myths and pros and cons. It is important to look at the whole thing in a differentiated way, as there are countless methods and possibilities, not all of which are healthy, but others are all the more so. Fasting can, for example, strengthen the immune system and the cardiovascular system, alleviate rheumatic complaints, lower blood pressure and serve as an introduction to a long-term, healthy change in diet. Basically, it serves to relieve the body, to consciously supply it with good nutrients and to counteract an overacidification of the body. As a rule, the body and its organs, such as the kidneys, take care of removing toxins themselves and creating a healthy balance. However, due to illnesses, medication or an unhealthy lifestyle, the body may be exposed to strong stresses which it can either no longer cope with or can only cope with difficulty on its own. Here it can be useful to consciously relieve it through various fasting methods.
Intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting is a form of dietary change that is quite easy to implement and, if necessary, can also be applied permanently. The guiding idea here is to give the body a certain amount of time every day in which you do not take in any food and thus offer it as much rest as possible. These phases are to make the advantages of the fasting possible for the body on daily basis, since these can adjust themselves already starting from meal breaks of approximately 12 hours. Interval fasting frequently refers to a 16:8 rhythm - i.e. fasting for 16 hours and eating food in a time window of 8 hours. However, this is only a rule of thumb; individual adjustments are always possible. So, for example, you can also proceed in a 14:10 rhythm. It is only important to make sure that you still eat enough food or calories at the end of the day to keep your body optimally supplied. Feel your way slowly to the method and see with which fasting lengths you feel well and fit.
Base fasting
This method is based on the principle of the acid-base balance of the body, which is not in balance in many people. As a result, they are virtually "overacidified", which can cause various health problems. Base fasting is also a healthy and quite feasible form of fasting. Here one takes completely normally solid food to itself and does without typically acid-forming food such as sweets, alcohol, milk and meat. You will still be able to eat vegetables, fruit, sprouts and herbs. Depending on your current nutritional situation, this can of course be a significant change, but it will certainly do your body good and can be a great start to a long-term dietary change. As with everything, good preparation is essential, deal with the base foods and possible recipe ideas, so you can eat healthy and balanced without problems. For the ideal balance of your acid-base balance, you can also treat yourself to alkaline baths, herbal teas and sauna sessions.
Soup fasting
Soups are basically a great way to prepare food. Whether made with clear broth or creamy puree, the variations are almost endless and usually easy to digest. Cooked properly, you can also make ideal use of them to incorporate true vitamin bombs that you might not otherwise enjoy eating. On the one hand, soup fasting relieves the body of having to digest heavy food. On the other hand soups are - as already said - a great possibility to unite correctly much healthy food in a meal. When soup fasting, however, you should avoid adding products such as cream or cheese to the liquid as much as possible and avoid instant soups. There are no limits to the rest of your choice of recipes, just make sure the ingredients are well-balanced.
What to keep in mind
Ridding the body of toxins, hard-to-digest foods or the like can help you feel fitter and alleviate certain health ailments. However, fasting, in whatever form, should not be seen as a short-term panacea. Our lifestyle has a huge impact on our physical and psychological well-being. A short fasting phase can be a good impetus for healthier habits, but it should also be followed by a fundamental and long-term change in everyday life. The same applies particularly to those persons, who hope for a fasting period a fast and extreme weight loss. You might perceive reductions in your weight short-term, however often it's not about fat reduction but merely lost water storage and muscle mass. Especially if you continue to eat as usual after the fasting period, the yo-yo effect is virtually pre-programmed.
Never go unprepared into a fasting time. It is best to clarify your plan with your doctor beforehand.
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