Do you remember that little 12 week High Fat Low Carb Beta Test Group that I started back in November? Can you believe that 10 1/2 of those weeks have already passed?! Well I can't!
The time has gone by so fast and I don't even feel like I am in a Test Group anymore because it has all become so ingrained in my lifestyle. I am eating around 60% Fat, 25% Protein and 15% Carbs, engaging in Intermittent Fasting so eating between 1pm-9pm and working out for around 45mins-1hr per day. It's gotten to the point where I don't even have to think about it and, as far as I am concerned, that is the kind of result you want when embarking on a new health regime!
So, I'm wondering if you are curious about the why's behind the nutrition strategy I have adopted?
I'm going to break it all down and talk about each piece on separate posts, and this week we begin with Intermittent Fasting (IF)!
So! We have a few different hormones in our bodies that are connected to our appetites; Insulin, Leptin, Ghrelin and Human Growth Hormone (HGH).
Insulin is secreted from the Pancreas and is the hormone that metabolises our macronutrients (Protein, Carbs, Fats).
Leptin is secreted from our Fat cells and inhibits hunger.
Ghrelin is secreted from the Intestines and works to regulate appetite. Leptin and Ghrelin work in opposition of each other i.e. when the levels of one are high, the levels of the other are low.
Human Growth Hormone is released from the Pituitary Glands and works to stimulate growth and regenerate and reproduce cells.
We as healthy human beings want lots of naturally occurring HGH in our bodies. HGH is at it's highest levels when insulin is at it's lowest, usually during the early hours of the morning i.e. when we have no food in our digestive systems.
So, a huge reason why Intermittent Fasting is so beneficial for general health, as well as weight management, is that it extends the amount of time that HGH is at it's highest and Insulin is at it's lowest and that in turn has regulating effects on the levels of Leptin and Ghrelin! This equals prolonged satiation (that feeling of 'full') and maximum capacity for muscle growth and cell repair!
That's a lot of science and I am definitely not a scientist but I'm hoping that I got the main points across!
If you are curious to learn more or want some guidance on how to adopt IF into your lifestyle, holler at me! Comment below this post or send me a message here and let's talk!
Sabs xxx
