Intermittent fasting works well for women when it is done in the right way and consistently. You need to be timing your meals around when you work out to reap the maximum benefit of intermittent fasting. When you are able to do this successfully, intermittent fasting is a powerful tool to lean down quickly and increase fitness as well.
If I’m a woman, how should I use intermittent fasting for the best result?
To use intermittent fasting to get lean and fit quickly, you should be working out first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
The big, complete breakfast is an American concept that has been facilitated by cereal companies to make you think breakfast is the most “important” meal of the day. But really, you can listen to your body and have a small breakfast (since most people don’t have much of an appetite when they wake up), then eat a substantial lunch — especially if you’ve worked out in the morning or skip breakfast altogether. You can choose whichever meal you want to be your biggest meal of the day. It’s all about what works for your body and your lifestyle.
Instead of reaching for food first thing when you wake up, extend your “fast” from the night before by working out right away. Then eat your midday meal afterwards.
When I use intermittent fasting, can I eat as much as I want?
Intermittent fasting is great because it gives you a tremendous gauge on your body and appetite. Most likely, you will want to eat less when you do this.
That being said, no matter what eating schedule you’re on, if you eat more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. That’s just science. However, if you fast in the morning and skip breakfast, and combine that with eating healthy food — you will lose weight and start to get lean.
If I do intermittent fasting, will I lose weight?
Intermittent fasting is very trendy right now and the truth is that if you do it correctly, you will lose weight. However, there are lots of other ways to lose weight and fasting is by no means a guarantee for weight loss. At the end of the day, if you’re eating less calories than before then you will lose weight. If following the fasting rules helps you to eat less and your body feels good when you do it, then you can follow whatever schedule feels right to you. However, some people find it very difficult to avoid eating all day in which case they would probably struggle with such restrictions and be better off doing a different diet plan for weight loss.
Will intermittent fasting help me to become healthy and fit?
There is no magic bullet solution. Health and fitness are things that you have to work to maintain throughout your entire life — don’t take them for granted. Fasting won’t give you your ideal body overnight and if you do lose weight, you will have to continue maintaining it with healthy habits — a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
However, start using intermittent fasting in the mornings, by avoiding a big breakfast, and working out first thing. You will begin to see big results quickly.
Jon Pearlman is a former standout tennis player at Harvard, ATP-ranked touring pro, and author of The Lean Body Manual. He founded Mission Lean to share his unique formula for lean body fitness and nutrition, an approach that took over a decade to develop and perfect. He is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist.
