Intermittent Fasting and Paleo: What You Need to Know
Can you practice intermittent fasting (IF) while also eating Paleo? Absolutely! Read on to learn how IF is in tune with ancestral health, and discover how combining IF with a Paleo diet can help you reap the benefits of both.
How Intermittent Fasting Works
Intermittent fasting is a type of dietary pattern that involves alternating between periods of fasting and eating. It’s an approach that’s been used for thousands of years, and it’s become increasingly popular in recent years due to its health benefits.
When it comes to intermittent fasting, there are several different approaches, including 16/8, 5:2, and alternate day fasting. The most commonly used approach is 16/8, which involves restricting your eating window to 8 hours and fasting for the remaining 16 hours of the day. During the 8-hour eating window, you eat all of your meals and snacks, which can help you stay on track and avoid feelings of deprivation or hunger.
Intermittent Fasting and Paleo: A Perfect Match
Using a combination of Paleo and intermittent fasting can boost your gut-healing, cognitive, and weight-loss benefits — just to name a few. In fact, recent studies have found that a Paleo diet combined with intermittent fasting can provide even greater health benefits than either approach alone.
Eating Paleo also makes fasting relatively easy: if you avoid refined carbohydrates, your energy levels don’t spike and crash with every meal, which helps make fasting less of a challenge.
What to Eat While You’re Intermittent Fasting
During your feeding window, the same rule applies: Keep it Paleo, and avoid processed carbs and sugars. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods that include plenty of protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables.
The Paleo diet is based on the idea of eating the way our ancestors did, so it’s no surprise that it’s in line with the principles of intermittent fasting. In fact, a recent study found that a modified Paleo diet was more effective than a standard diet for weight loss, and the Paleo eaters also showed no improvements in blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting and Paleo
Intermittent fasting works best when paired with a healthy diet, and the Paleo diet is an excellent choice for this. Studies have shown that the Paleo diet is effective for weight loss, and it’s also been linked to improved mental clarity, better gut health, and even reduced inflammation.
In addition to weight loss, there are a number of other potential benefits to combining intermittent fasting and Paleo. For example, studies have shown that intermittent fasting can reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and even improve insulin sensitivity.
Intermittent fasting can also help maintain muscle mass while dieting. Studies have found that the body is able to maintain muscle mass during a fasted state, which is especially beneficial for those who are trying to lose weight.
How to Get Started with Intermittent Fasting and Paleo
If you’re considering combining intermittent fasting and Paleo, it’s important to make sure that your nutritional needs are met during your fasting window. To do this, focus on consuming plenty of protein and healthy fats, as well as some fruits and vegetables.
It’s also important to remember to drink plenty of water during your fasting window. Staying hydrated is essential for optimal health, and it can help curb hunger pangs during your fast.
Finally, if you’re looking for an effective way to combine intermittent fasting and Paleo, consider trying a modified Paleo diet. This type of diet focuses on eating mostly meat, fish, and healthy fats, with some legumes, fruits, and vegetables, and limited grains and processed foods.
The Bottom Line
So, yes, clinical trials confirm that intermittent fasting can help you lose weight, thanks to the overall reduction in caloric intake. In fact, studies demonstrate that intermittent fasting may help you maintain muscle mass while dieting.
The Paleo diet can help ensure your nutritional needs are met during intermittent fasting by focusing on protein intake and a variety of healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. In addition, a modified Paleo diet has been shown to be more effective than a standard diet for weight loss.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your gut health, or just enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, combining intermittent fasting and Paleo can be a great way to get started. With a few simple strategies and the right approach, you can reap the rewards of both approaches and transform your body and your health.
Nabat Sherif lost 35 pounds and transformed her body by combining intermittent fasting with Paleo and strength training three times a week. If you’re ready to make a change, you can do the same!
Does the paleo diet work when combined with intermittent fasting?
Someone following a Paleo diet is in an excellent position to experiment with intermittent fasting, since they are already focusing on a diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
What is the most effective dietary plan to accompany intermittent fasting?
The best foods to consume while practicing intermittent fasting are the same as those that should form the foundation of any healthy diet. These include foods like avocado, potatoes, cruciferous vegetables, fish, seafood, whole grains, nuts, fermented foods, and plenty of water.
Is it possible to shed pounds quickly while following a paleo diet?
The paleo diet has been known to be helpful in weight loss, as it is high in protein and low in carbs, which can reduce appetite and cut out processed foods and added sugar. If you don’t want to have to keep track of calories, the paleo diet might be a great choice for you.
Which foods are not allowed during intermittent fasting?
Consuming any type of calories would be seen as breaking a fast. This includes things like black coffee, unsweetened tea, and water.
Looking for more information on intermittent fasting and related topics? Check out Fasting Books for a variety of books and resources to help you on your health journey.
