To Fast Or Not To Fast? Is It A Question?
Contributor: Courtney Winget
After reading countless articles, medical reviews, and testimonials from Hollywood A-Listers, the benefits of intermittent fasting were clear. At issue was the “how.” I’m a hands-on mom to four very busy kids and I run a thriving consulting business. My office is my large SUV, where I spend the majority of my day running my kids from school to practices, to study groups, and back to practices all while juggling conference calls, texts, and emails (hands-free of course). You get it…I’m busy…just like you. How, pray tell, could I possibly add intermittent fasting to my four-ring circus life? The food prep, the calorie counting, managing eating windows, adding one more thing to the calendar. Months passed and I felt guilty that I lacked the discipline to experience the benefits of intermittent fasting, so, of course, I ate my feelings.
Fastify Throws Me a Lifeline
Just as my eating was spiraling out of control, I was asked to test a product that was being designed specifically for intermittent fasting. Fastify was a savory smoothie that had all the good things I needed for IF and it came in this amazing “on the go” pouch that I could throw in my bag. Because of the macronutrients packed into Fastify, you avoid the crash that can be common when intermittent fasting. What if I could do it and NOT become a hangry mom? I agreed to give it a try…and I am so glad I did.
Intermittent Fasting for the Win
I started a 16:8 fast two months ago, and, thanks to Fastify, it was so much easier than I thought. Traditionally I’m a night time eater (not a surprise since I am on-the-go most of the day). At first, cutting off food at 8 pm was tough. But with a Fastify nightcap at 7:45 pm, I was no longer hungry or tempted to snack late at night. And with the permission that Fastify gave me…I have experienced a host of benefits from intermittent fasting:
Better Sleep
I used to work on 4-6 hours of sleep. Since I ate from 7pm-midnight most nights, my body would still be “alert” well after midnight as it processed what most people consumed during daylight hours. Once I started the 16:8, I found it so much easier to go to bed at a reasonable hour and stay asleep. I now get 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
Increased Energy
Since starting intermittent fasting I have had much more energy. I used to drag in the later afternoon. I’m not sure about the science behind it but I can tell you that my energy levels are higher and more consistent since embracing the 16:8.
Clearer Skin
Since puberty, I have struggled with hormonal breakouts. For the past two months, I have not had a single breakout. Nothing has changed about my stress levels or anything else hormonal…intermittent fasting has just helped my skin respond better.
Enhanced Vitality
A lot of people lose a ton of weight with intermittent fasting. I am not one of those people. While I would love to shed some additional lbs, I can’t ignore how much better I feel. I’m more inclined to say “yes,” when my son asks me to go on a bike ride. I now make our family activity an outdoor hike versus a movie. I have increased endurance and patience so I am more able to be “present” for my family.
To fast or not to fast? Thanks to Fastify, It is NOT a question. Here’s to life in the fasting lane.
