When Does Fat Burning Start During Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting has become a popular diet trend in recent years, as it is a great way to lose weight and improve your overall health. But many people are wondering: when does fat burning start during intermittent fasting? The answer may surprise you.
By 12 hours, you’ve entered the metabolic state called ketosis (Anton et al., Obesity 2018). In this state, your body starts to break down and burn fat. Some people can enter a fat-burning stage in as little as 12 or 13 hours of fasting, while others may need to wait until 16 hours. It all depends on your diet and how much carbs you are eating.
The human body usually starts to burn fat after remaining in a fasted state for over 12 hours. This is because the body thinks the lack of food is a sign of starvation, so it starts to break down stored fat for energy. This starts approximately the 12th hour of your fast. The fat-burning stage continues until the 18th hour.
This is especially important for people who are on a low-carb diet. Research has found that people eating a low-carb diet may enter a fat-burning stage in 12, 13, or 14-hours of fasting. However, people eating high carbs need to enter phase 3 (16+ hours of fasting) before they can start burning fat.
How Intermittent Fasting Works
Intermittent fasting works by prolonging the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat. This brings us into Phase two, 4 to 16 hours. Phase two is when fat burning can begin. After you process the meal over the last four hours, you enter the fasting state and your body begins to burn fat.
For most people, the fat burning stage begins after 12 hours of fasting. During this period, your body continues to burn fat for energy, until you reach the 18th hour. This is when you enter the third phase of fasting, and your body starts to break down muscle for energy.
Tips for Maximizing Fat Burning During Intermittent Fasting
The best way to maximize fat burning during intermittent fasting is to stay in a fasted state for as long as possible. This means no snacking and no cheating. Also, make sure you are eating a healthy, nutrient-dense diet that is low in carbs. Eating a low-carb diet will help you stay in the fat-burning stage for longer.
It is also important to exercise while fasting. Exercise will help you burn more calories and fat, and it will also help boost your metabolism. Finally, make sure you are getting enough sleep. Sleep is essential for health and it will help you recover from your workouts and stay in the fat-burning stage for longer.
Conclusion
Fat burning usually starts after 12 hours of fasting. Some people can enter a fat-burning stage in as little as 12 or 13 hours of fasting, while others may need to wait until 16 hours. To maximize fat burning during intermittent fasting, make sure you are eating a healthy, low-carb diet and exercising regularly. Also, get enough sleep and stay in a fasted state for as long as possible. With these tips, you can maximize your fat burning and reach your weight loss goals.
Does fasting periodically put your body into a state of burning fat?
Fasting works in a
similar way, allowing your body to burn stored fat for energy.
What is the amount of fat that is lost during intermittent fasting?
If you fast three days a week, it is expected that you will lose around 1.5 pounds of body fat each week due to the fasting.
What are the signs that my body is burning fat?
The primary indication that you are burning fat is losing pounds or inches, resulting in a slimmer appearance and more muscle definition. Additionally, your exercise stamina and physical activity level should increase as you become fitter.
If you want to learn more about intermittent fasting and maximizing fat burning, the fasting book, Intermittent Fasting: The Complete Guide to Intermittent Fasting for Health and Weight Loss, can help. Click here to learn more!
