Intermittent Fasting: A Preppers Best Friend

Intermittent Fasting: Boosting Health and Preparedness

In an era where health consciousness and preparedness are increasingly important, intermittent fasting has emerged as a powerful tool that addresses both concerns. This ancient practice, now backed by modern science, offers a range of benefits that can enhance your overall well-being and equip you for challenging times. As someone who has personally lost 100 pounds and successfully kept it off through intermittent fasting, I can attest to its transformative power.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IF) is not a diet, but rather an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. Common methods include:

• 16/8 method: Fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window
• 17/7 There’s a magical set of consequences that happen in your body at the 17th hour.  This is the pace that I attempt to do most often.
• 5:2 diet: Eating normally for five days and restricting calories for two non-consecutive days
• Eat-Stop-Eat: 24-hour fasts once or twice a week

Health Benefits

1. Weight Management: IF can help you lose weight and belly fat without consciously restricting calories. In my case, it was the key to losing 100 pounds and, more importantly, maintaining that weight loss long-term.
2. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Fasting can lower insulin levels, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. (it eliminated my Type 2)
3. Cellular Repair: Fasting triggers autophagy, a process where cells remove damaged components, promoting longevity.
4. Brain Health: IF may increase the production of BDNF, a protein that supports brain health and may protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
   (I’m still an airhead though) ha!
5. Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases. IF can help reduce inflammatory markers in the body.

I personally started intermittent fasting for the mental benefits. I didn’t want to end up with Alzheimer’s or the like and be an old spinster with no one to take care of me.  The fact that I was able to reverse diabetes and high blood pressure was a happy side effect.  I’ve found fasting to be easier and easier the more I do it. I’ve even gone 96 hours of fasting once and to be honest, the only reason why I broke my fast is because I was bored and wanted to eat something, not because I was hungry.

Preparedness Advantages

1. Mental Resilience: Practicing IF builds mental toughness and discipline, crucial traits in emergency situations.
2. Metabolic Flexibility: Regular fasting trains your body to efficiently switch between using glucose and fat for fuel, a valuable skill in times of food scarcity.
3. Reduced Dependence on Regular Meals: IF can help you adapt to irregular eating schedules, which may be necessary during emergencies.
4. Extended Food Supplies: By consuming fewer meals, your emergency food stockpile can last longer. With IF, you typically only need to plan for two meals a day instead of three, which can significantly extend your food supplies in a crisis situation.
5. Improved Physical Performance: Many people report increased energy and mental clarity during fasting periods, which can be advantageous in high-stress situations.
6. Simplified Meal Planning: Planning and preparing for only two meals a day instead of three not only saves time and resources but also simplifies your preparedness efforts. This can be particularly beneficial when stockpiling food or planning for long-term scenarios.

Getting Started

1. Start slowly: Begin with a 12-hour fast and gradually increase the duration.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during fasting periods.
3. Break your fast wisely: Choose nutritious, balanced meals when you eat.
4. Listen to your body: If you feel unwell, stop fasting and consult a healthcare professional.

My Personal Journey

As someone who has struggled with weight for much of my adult life, discovering intermittent fasting was a game-changer. Not only did it help me lose 100 pounds, but it has been the key to maintaining my weight loss over the long term. When I stopped IF for several months,  I gained back some weight.  It definitely was a key factor to the weight loss. I fast because then I don’t feel like I have to deprive myself of certain foods and still lose weight. I’ve gone from a size 3X to a size medium. I’ve still a ways to go to my ideal weight, but I’m happy with the health progress.  Unlike restrictive diets that left me feeling deprived, IF has given me a sustainable lifestyle that I can stick to. It’s taught me to listen to my body’s hunger cues and has freed me from the constant cycle of snacking and meal planning.

Intermittent fasting is more than just a health trend; it’s a versatile practice that can significantly improve your current health while preparing you for future uncertainties. By incorporating IF into your lifestyle, you’re not only investing in your immediate well-being but also building resilience for whatever challenges may lie ahead. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your health, or enhance your preparedness, intermittent fasting offers a powerful and flexible approach.

Remember, while intermittent fasting has numerous benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new dietary regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions. My journey of losing 100 pounds through IF is a testament to its potential, but everyone’s experience may vary. The key is to find an approach that works for you and stick with it.

I strongly encourage you to check into Dr. Jason Fung on YouTube to learn more about intermittent fasting. It’s absolutely fascinating!