The Different Types of Fasting and Their Various Health Benefits

Fasting has been practiced throughout history and across cultures, and there are many different types of fasting. The most commonly known type of fasting is probably intermittent fasting, but there are many others, including time-restricted feeding, which involves eating during an eight-hour window daily and skipping breakfast the rest of the time; weekly fasting, where you fast one day per week; alternate day fasting, where you eat on alternating days; and religious fasts like Ramadan, Yom Kippur and Lent. Despite their differences, all forms of fasting have been shown to have various health benefits.

How Does Fasting Affect the Body?

There are many different types of fasting, each with its own benefits. One way to describe fasting is caloric restriction; in other words, eating less than your body needs to function. When you fast, your body switches from burning carbohydrates for energy to burning fat stores. It has been shown that fasted people tend to eat fewer calories over a 24-hour period than non-fasting people (1). This means weight loss!

Why Is Intermittent Fasting So Popular?

Intermittent fasting is so popular right now because it’s a fantastic way to lose weight quickly and easily. You don’t have to count calories or spend hours at the gym – all you have to do is give up food for a certain amount of time, then eat whatever you want. For example, if you skip breakfast, lunch, dinner and dinner one day each week, or eat 500 fewer calories each day on average throughout your week, you could lose as much as 1 pound per week.

Low-Carb Diets and Ketogenic Diets

The Low-Carb Diets are all about reducing carbs, often to less than 20% of your total caloric intake. Low-carb diets (also known as ketogenic or keto diets) have become popular for a number of reasons, ranging from weight loss to higher brain function. If you want to drop pounds fast but keep your brain working at its best, low-carb diets may be an option for you.

Juice Fasts

A juice fast is a period of time where you consume nothing but juices. It may last one day or several days. The idea behind juice fasting is that you get all your nutrients from juices, which contain fiber to fill you up, as well as vitamins and minerals. (Fruit also contains phytonutrients, which are antioxidants that can help with everything from boosting your immune system to protecting you against cancer.) Juice fasts are often followed by raw food diets for an added health boost.

Raw Foods Fast

A raw foods fast is a form of fasting where people consume only uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils and some animal products for a set period of time. This style of fasting helps detoxify your body by eliminating harmful chemicals from your system. During a 10-day raw foods fast, you can expect to lose 3-5 lbs., depending on how much weight you want to lose. This form of fasting is one that takes significant discipline and motivation.

Water Fast

The most common form of fasting. By consuming only water, you deprive your body of essential nutrients that it needs to function properly. Water-only fasts are extremely difficult to maintain, however; at least three days a week should be spent eating regular meals. It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re following a vegan diet while fasting, you’ll need to take extra care with what you eat.