18:6 Fasting: What You Need to Know to Be Successful

Intermittent fasting is a big hit nowadays and lots of people are keen to start their fasting journey. However, this process is both exciting and nerve-wracking. There are many questions in the beginning.

Where do you start? How long do you fast for? How long should your eating window be? 

Don’t worry. We’ve got the answer to all of those questions and more as we look into the 18:6 intermittent fasting window.

18:6 Fasting Results

The most common and most desired result out of any intermittent fasting schedule is weight loss. But what are some of the other results from fasting that you might not even realize you need?

More energy

After fasting, you may notice that you have a lot more energy throughout the day. It can take a week or so to realize that change, but this is because your body is getting more efficient at burning fat stores for energy in the absence of carbohydrates.

Better heart health

Scientific research has some promising conclusions on the benefit of fasting for your heart. 18:6 fasting could reduce your LDL cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and lower your heart rate, which can all help towards a healthier heart.

Reduced inflammation

Chronic inflammation is terrible for our bodies and leads to a wide variety of risky health conditions. Fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which could lead to a lower risk of things like cancer or arthritis.

18:6 Fast and Weight Loss

Of course, 18:6 intermittent fasting can also help you lose weight. If weight loss is your primary motivator for getting into intermittent fasting, then you’re in luck. Many fad diets create a yo-yo effect, which leads right back to weight gain.

However, intermittent fasting, and especially the 18:6 protocol, is a great way to create sustainable weight loss. The CDC recommends that weight loss be sustained at 1 to 2 pounds per week. Any faster, and it could cause health issues, like weakening of the heart muscles.

With a balanced diet and a 6-hour eating window, many people have found that 18:6 intermittent fasting has allowed them to sustain up to 2-pounds-a-week progress with losing weight. 

So, if your goal is to lose weight, this eating schedule is definitely one of the best ways to do so.

Benefits of an 18-Hour Fast

If weight loss isn’t enough of a benefit for you, here are some of the other ways 18:6 intermittent fasting can benefit your mind and body.

#1 Cell repair

The cells in our bodies are constantly changing, and sometimes, they get damaged. Fasting is a quick way to encourage our bodies to work on cell repair. The changes in our hormone levels encourage our bodies to use stored fat to initiate repairs that our bodies need to keep functioning.

#2 Lower risk of type 2 diabetes

Fasting helps lower blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance. In turn, this easily helps patients who are at risk of type 2 diabetes lower their risk factors. If you often find yourself eating a lot of sugar or processed foods, an 18:6 fast might be right for you.

#3 Helps brain function

While also assisting with a metabolic function that helps with losing weight, fasting helps the metabolic function that affects your brain. 

Fasting can reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood sugar levels, which are all good for brain function.

Drawbacks of an 18-Hour Fast

Of course, intermittent fasting is not without its drawbacks. 

If you find yourself not eating enough calories during your eating window, you could be at risk of fatigue and unhealthy weight loss. A healthy diet includes making sure you get the calories you need to make it through the day.

Yes, you might feel hungry. About 8 hours after your last meal, you’ll probably start to feel those hunger pangs that signal it’s time for a snack. Don’t worry – drink water or tea to help fill that hunger. Hunger lasts no longer than 20 minutes.

6-hour eating windows might also be particularly restrictive. You may find that you’re not able to go out to eat with friends as often, because you’re restricted to 6 hours in which you can eat. This can start to feel pretty isolating. Feel free to adjust your eating times to your schedule.

Conclusion

No matter what your goal is for fasting, whether it’s losing weight or benefiting your heart health, an 18:6 fast is one of the best ways to go. 

While you may have fewer hours to eat, the processes that your body goes through while fasting will definitely make up for your missed snacking time.

You always want to be careful with fasting, however. Make sure you’re getting all of the calories you need to keep your body going and that you’re getting enough meals. Your body will burn fat, repair your cells, and reduce your stress, all while fasting.