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To fast or not to fast?

Intermittent fasting (IF) can make you feel wonderful or mediocre depending on your situation, lifestyle, habits and health status.

IF can be very helpful for fat loss but it doesn’t suit everyone. Some possible reasons it may not work for you are:

  • Individual differences
  • Nutritional needs
  • Hunger and low energy levels
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Interference with social events

Individual differences

People have different metabolic, physiological, and psychological responses to fasting, and what works for one person may not work for another. For some people IF leads to overeating or poor meal choices at other meals.

Nutritional needs

Eating regularly may provide more consistent fuel and nutrients to the body, which can help with energy levels and overall health. Intermittent fasting may not provide enough of certain essential nutrients if the eating periods are not balanced and adequate.

Hunger and low energy levels

During the fasting periods, some people may experience hunger and low energy levels, which can negatively impact mood and well-being. Resulting in the feeling that performance is not at the highest level. Eating regularly may help alleviate these symptoms.

Hormonal imbalances

Intermittent fasting can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism, and some people may experience disturbances to their hormonal profile. Especially chronically highly stressed individuals.

Interference with social events

Intermittent fasting may interfere with social events that revolve around food, which can be difficult for some people, especially when your work involves a lot of socialising.

It is important to listen to your body and pay attention to how different eating patterns make you feel.
If you find that you feel better eating regularly, do that!

Fasting can, however, be an excellent tool if it makes sticking to a calorie deficit easier and if it reduces stress versus adding to it! 

How to get visible abs?

Are visible abs built in the gym or the kitchen or just lucky genetics? When it comes to developing visible abs, both the gym and the kitchen play important roles.

In the gym, performing exercises that target the abdominal muscles can help to strengthen and build the muscles in that area.

However, it’s important to note that simply performing ab exercises alone won’t necessarily result in visible abs.

It’s also important to reduce body fat in order to reveal the muscles. This is where the kitchen comes in.

A nutrition plan that creates a calorie deficit and contains adequate protein can help to reduce body fat while maintaining muscle mass, making the abs more visible.

Eating the appropriate amount of nutrient-dense foods can help to achieve this.

Genetics can also play a role in the visibility of abs. Some people may naturally carry less body fat around the abdominal muscle structure, which can make their abs more visible with less effort.

However, even though genetics do play a role in the visibility of abs, the correct exercise and nutrition strategies can still help to improve their appearance!

NOTE: While visible abs can be a sign of good core strength, they are not the only indicator, and having visible abs does not necessarily mean you have a strong core.

A strong core can help to improve your posture, reduce your risk of injury, and increase your overall strength and stability.

Eat clever, move often!

The ultimate goal of a healthy lifestyle is not about eating less and moving more.

Especially when ‘eat less’ means less of the same foods that got you overweight and when ‘move more’ means more of the cardio that makes you hungrier!

Instead, it’s about finding an approach that nourishes your body, makes you feel full and satiated and keeps you active and energised throughout your day. And that allows some food for pure enjoyment too!

Eat clever

Eating clever means making smart choices when it comes to food. Instead of focusing on deprivation or strict diets, prioritise nutrient-dense foods that fuel your body. Reach for colourful fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats.

Embrace moderation and savour each bite, enjoying the pleasures of food without guilt. By nourishing your body with wholesome choices, you’ll feel more satisfied and energised. Making you less likely to overeat, allowing you to transform your body!

Move often

Instead of forcing yourself to do intense cardio workouts, aim to incorporate movement into your daily life. Find physical activities you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s dancing, hiking, or cycling. This improves overall well-being and increases intrinsic motivation for healthier habits.

Moving often keeps your body agile and strengthens your muscles, especially when adding in some form of resistance training. Make it a habit to take short breaks throughout the day to go for a walk or do some squats. Small, consistent movements add up!

Remember, “Eat Clever, Move Often” is about finding YOUR balance not someone else’s version of it.