
Intermittent Fasting: What’s Fact & What’s Fiction?
Most people across the globe have tried at least one diet in their lifetime. Whether it is the infamous Atkins Diet (low carb) or one of these new fancy diets, such as the Alkaline Diet or the Dukan Diet, that are plugged by celebrities who have no real knowledge of nutrition or metabolic adaptation.
But there is one fad that took the world by storm that isn’t all that outrageous. Intermittent fasting is basically restricting the timeframe in which you consume your calories. For example, you don’t have breakfast as soon as you wake up. Instead, you hold off and wait until lunch to have your first meal. Then you consume your daily calories in either a six, seven- or eight-hour window.
While this isn’t some magical way of losing weight like so many people would believe, it can become a handy tool to utilize as it would make calorie restriction a lot easier and therefore the basic ‘calories in vs calories out’ would come into play.
But what about what these social media influencers claim regarding IF? What really is fact or fiction?
Based of recent scientific studies, here are some facts regarding the benefits of intermittent fasting:
- Reduction of Fasting Insulin Levels. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can lower fasting insulin levels significantly [1]. This is beneficial because further research has shown that insulin suppression can have a direct correlation to weight loss [2] and help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Improved Brain & Heart Health. A study done in 2016 found that one benefit of intermittent fasting was the increased resistance of the brain and heart to stress [3]. This is beneficial for obvious reasons and seems to be one claim that is published on numerous publications.
- Reduced chance of chronic diseases. The same study also showed the increased resistance of cells, tissues and organs to stress and common diseases that are associated with aging and overindulgent lifestyles [3], such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. Note: This is not saying that IF can cure or even prevent cancer, just that it can increase resistance of the cells to stress that can cause such diseases.
- IF increases cell repair. While at this point it has only been proven in mice, intermittent fasting has shown to upregulate cell repair, or what is known as autography [4]. This is beneficial as it basically replaces the ‘waste’ in body with healthy cells, like mitochondria, which are your cellular engines. It seems pretty straight forward that a healthier cell would be more efficient than a damaged one.
Now while these facts have been supported by science, there is many myths out there that have spouted by people with little to no insight. Here are some myths that have been squashed:
- You should fast for days, not hours. Some influencers have been pushing some ridiculous notion that for this to be beneficial, you should fast for at least one whole day. Not only is this ridiculous and not supported by any scientific data, it can also be dangerous for some people (those with hypoglycemia).
- You can eat whatever you want in that timeframe. This is another ludicrous notion. The basic principal of calories in vs calories out still applies, no matter how short your IF window is. Even if you fast for 20 hours and only each for four, you still have to abide by your daily caloric intake.
Related post

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
As a functional fitness athlete, you absolutely hate to miss a workout or WOD (Workout of the day)...
- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Here at Shoeyz we'd like to help you out with a at home workout you can do without any weights...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Here are some practical ways to cope:
- read more

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
There are many different ways to train and some have very specific purposes. Some are there to build strength, other...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Competing in a triathlon is one of the most physically demanding events known, but finishing one is one of the...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
When competing in a triathlon, you need to be proficient in three disciplines: the run, the ride and the...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
During a race, most athletes have all aspects of performance and safety when it comes to wearable items covered. They...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Running can be such a taxing sport, depending on how far you plan on running. For endurance athletes, runs can...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Everyone has a unique way of running. Those that like their morning jog have a completely different style to those...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Triathlons are some of the most physically strenuous events around today. It takes months and months of proper training and...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
How do we find the perfect running shoe?
This is a question that has been asked for years to both...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
When it comes to preparing for an Ironman event, there is not much more important than a perfect...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Everyone knows that sleep is important. A good night’s sleep can improve one’s health, both physically and mentally. But for...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
To get the best performance, you need to best equipment. While this mantra rings true to an extent, it does...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Competing in a triathlon is on a lot of people’s bucket lists. It is one of the most physically demanding...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Triathlon is probably one of the most physically demanding sports there is. It combines three disciplines in one event; swimming,...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Keeping fit is something we all strive for. There are many ways to maintain one’s fitness, from weight and

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Everyone knows that a proper training routine is one of the key factors to success when it comes to...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
When it comes to training, whether it be cardiovascular (running, aerobics etc) or weight training, there are many important...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Most people don’t need to train vigorously for the morning run around the block, or the nightly Fitstop class. But...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
You would think the age old adage would ring true every day of the week; “a lighter running shoe...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Most people would think when it comes to the perfect weight for a triathlon, the lighter the better....

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Research shows that racking up miles keeps you healthy from...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Resistance training increases muscle strength by making your muscles work against a weight or force. Different forms of resistance...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
5 Key Benefits of Air Relax Compression Unit
Reduce Soreness – by providing pressure to the affected muscle like...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
On’s patented CloudTec® technology is engineered to deliver a soft landing followed by an explosive take-off.
So what is Cloudtec?...

- Jan 03, 2020
- By Samuel Seaton
- 0 Comment(s)
Many manufacturers claim they have produced the best, greatest and/or fastest running shoe on the market but how true...
Search For It.
Maximum products to compare. Limit is 3!