Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss

[*charisma*]

Assalamu Alaikum

There's an effective method of weight loss called intermittent fasting. I know what you're thinking yes we're nearly finished with ramadan, but this doesn't include a diet of gorging on fried samosas and sweets.

The basic principle of this is to fast for 16 hours (you can drink liquids and eat some fruit as long as it doesn't exceed 50 calories), and you have an 8-hr window to eat your calorie restricted meals. You can eat whatever you like, as long as it doesn't exceed your daily calorie goals, but of course one should work towards eating healthier meals that include lean proteins, fruits, veggies, and complex carbs. You can fine-tune it too if you want in regards to macros.

Intermittent fasting (unlike ramadan fasting) allows you to exercise in the "fasting" state because you can have water to stay hydrated and coffee if you need an extra boost of energy, and if you get extremely hungry then you can have an apple for example just to fulfill a bit of your appetite so you can continue to fast. When your "fasting" is done, you can look forward to eating an entire meal and feeling more satisfied. Alternatively, if one gets full too quickly, then he can spread his calorie intake in that 8 hr period. Weight loss occurs because your body taps into fat storage during your fasting state. These days people don't allow their body to ever get into that state of fasting because they are eating all the time, especially if they're nocturnal and stay up late munching on fatty snacks.

Intermittent fasting is also a great alternative to other kinds of diets because you're able to maintain your calorie deficit without having to think about preparing food for the entire day or sticking to a particular diet that takes up a lot of time and is difficult to maintain on a day to day basis. You'll only need to look forward to one or two meals and it can easily be worked into any schedule. You can even choose which hours you want to fast.

 

[noraina]

Wa alaykum assalam,

This sounds quite reasonable compared to other diets (the amount of fad diets going around atm: cabbage diet, milkshake diet, tea diet).

In general, and outside of Ramadan, I make a point of not eating after 5pm, and if I must eat, it's an orange or some watermelon. It leaves me feeling fresher and 'lighter' alhamdulillah.

 

[*charisma*]

Yeh the great thing about it is that it's flexible and you're not really removing anything from your diet. It's unlike how some people say you should cut out all carbs and only eat protein, or cut this out and only eat that etc. because you can essentially eat anything you want just as long as it's within your caloric intake. It just makes it easier to stick to that number because you're not thinking about it all day long and trying to preplan meals or figure out where or what you're gong to eat if you're working, etc. I thought it's a great way for Muslims to lose weight since it's kind of similar to the way we fast, except that it's slightly different in that we can drink water. We understand that by the time iftar comes along we're willing to eat anything as long as it satisfies our hunger, so by eating healthier while doing this we can't really complain about the food since we'd be really hungry by that time, and we're always satisfied afterwards.

It can also be tweaked for anyone who wants to gain muscle as well by increasing caloric intake and weightlifting in the process.

 

[Bosanac]

[h=2]Intermittent Fasting is done by a lot of weightlifters and athletes as well. The health benefits are well documented. There are fitness youtubers that vlog about their experiences throughout the process.[/h]

 

[gazzalii]

Do not link fasting for weight loss. Allah knows best. It is compulsory and do it for the sake of Allah

 

[*charisma*]

Do not link fasting for weight loss. Allah knows best. It is compulsory and do it for the sake of Allah

There are various types of fasting. Fasting for the sake of Allah is completely different than intermittent fasting. In intermittent fasting, you're allowed to eat (under 50 cals), and drink noncaloric drinks (water, coffee, tea) during the "fasting" period, you're also able to dictate which of the consecutive hours you want to fast. Some also fast for a full 24 hours. There really isn't a connection to Islam It's just done to help people lose weight and manage their caloric intake. Fasting in Islam is more restrictive and dictated by specific hours of the day which can range in different parts of the world and times throughout the year.

 

[hisnameiszzz]

Yeah, I saw this on a health show once and the person who was dieting actually lost a fair bit of weight.

If I had the courage to do this, I would but I am going through a hard time at the moment and I comfort eat more or less all day and night which makes me even poorlier but what's a guy to do. I am looking into ways of cutting out the junk but it's so hard!

 

[*charisma*]

Yeah, I saw this on a health show once and the person who was dieting actually lost a fair bit of weight.

If I had the courage to do this, I would but I am going through a hard time at the moment and I comfort eat more or less all day and night which makes me even poorlier but what's a guy to do. I am looking into ways of cutting out the junk but it's so hard!

I have a big sweet tooth, and get salty cravings too. I started doing this last month and it completely cuts off cravings. I think it only took about a week. The second thing is that it fills you up. So like once I get to eat, I try to eat healthy food and I get full really fast, then there's really no room to feel like I want to "snack" on anything. I also try to drink as much water as I can through out the day..that's actually the hardest part right now lool.

 

[fhmn63]

Every action is based on intention.So purify your intention dear.

 

[hisnameiszzz]

I have a big sweet tooth, and get salty cravings too. I started doing this last month and it completely cuts off cravings. I think it only took about a week. The second thing is that it fills you up. So like once I get to eat, I try to eat healthy food and I get full really fast, then there's really no room to feel like I want to "snack" on anything. I also try to drink as much water as I can through out the day..that's actually the hardest part right now lool.

Mashallah and well done you. I wish I had your determination.

My local gym closed down about a year ago so since then my diet has exercise has gone downhill.

With all the noise from the monsters next door, I end up comfort eating in bed - think 6 packs of crisps, or sometimes even more. I can't sleep with the noise, even with headphones on, so I end up eating as much as I can I end up falling asleep. I'm never actually hungry, but the noise is too much and I can't cope with it.

I will have to start dieting at some point though as my tummy has really swollen and I look really stupid - skinny legs and arms and then a big gut! *sad face*

Could you tell me more about what your window of eating is, as in what times? And do you actually enjoy eating fruit? I have tried but it is no good. I don't enjoy it and I am still starving at the end of it!

 

[*charisma*]

Mashallah and well done you. I wish I had your determination.

My local gym closed down about a year ago so since then my diet has exercise has gone downhill.

With all the noise from the monsters next door, I end up comfort eating in bed - think 6 packs of crisps, or sometimes even more. I can't sleep with the noise, even with headphones on, so I end up eating as much as I can I end up falling asleep. I'm never actually hungry, but the noise is too much and I can't cope with it.

I will have to start dieting at some point though as my tummy has really swollen and I look really stupid - skinny legs and arms and then a big gut! *sad face*

Could you tell me more about what your window of eating is, as in what times? And do you actually enjoy eating fruit? I have tried but it is no good. I don't enjoy it and I am still starving at the end of it!

I haven't started working out yet because I don't have enough time, but I've still lost some weight just by cutting back on my food and staying busy. That's motivated me to start working out soon and Inshallah at that time I'll be doing HIIT using body weight exercises.

So basically I stop eating at 5pm, I've been sleeping really early lately so it's not been a problem for me to stop this early..then 9am the next day is when I'll have my first meal. After that, I honestly don't get hungry, but I'll force myself to eat something before 5pm so I don't get hungry or cravings right after I stop eating, and i make sure to drink a lot of water. I don't eat much fruits to be honest, but I will crave them once in a while or instead of eating sweets, I"ll eat a sweet fruit. Watermelon is my favorite right now cuz it's in season and soo juicy and sweet. I also stay away from eating potatoes, rice, and bread. Its not that i NEVER have them, but I have them a lot less than I used to because my issue is for sure my carb intake.

You have to be strict with yourself the first week concerning the timings even if you aren't strict with the food intake so that your body adjusts. I think the general rule is to stop eating 2-3 hours before your bedtime, and then use that mark to calculate how many hours of fasting you'll do from there. So say your bedtime is at 10pm, stop eating at 7pm, and have your first breakfast at 11am (so basically you'll be skipping breakfast). Your other option is to figure out what time you would like to have your first meal, and then calculate 8 hours after that to when your fasting starts up. It's always going to be 8 hours for eating, and then 16 hours of fasting.

 

[aaj]

Fasting alone revitalizes your whole body system. And intermittent fasting is a very healthy way to stay healthy and loose weight. But it shouldn't labeled as a lose weight diet plan or fad. It's not, it's just a different style of eating pattern. Rather then eating 3 full meals and other stuff in the middle, you are limiting your timing, quantity and quality of the meal. I'm usually pretty good about it, but sometimes I do slack off. Like i just had 4 donuts this morning smh .

But here's some good info to get started.

http://jamesclear.com/the-beginners-guide-to-intermittent-fasting

https://authoritynutrition.com/intermittent-fasting-guide/

 

[*charisma*]

I agree, I can see myself doing this lifelong actually, unlike a "diet" which is temporary and something I cannot stick to at all.

 

[فصيح الياسين]

What a human. For stomach he do any thing to fill. When its filled he do anything to.make it empty . Life ends.. and what will be answer of his life doings... just stomach????