Up first on our longevity advent calendar is Max. His Top tip for surviving the season ahead – Fasting!
This festive holiday season, Max suggests intermittent fasting, not as a restriction, but as a mindful choice to savour the joy of the season without overindulging. Finding balance amidst the Christmas feasts & parties, intermittent fasting allows you to appreciate the festive flavours while staying in tune with your body. Cheers to a healthier, happier festive season! – Max.
Read on for more benefits and reasons why fasting could be the right match for your longevity – long term goals.
An easy way to incorporate intermittent fasting into the busy festive period is by following the body’s natural circadian rhythm, a common practice for many centenarians. For example, restricting food at night and in the morning can achieve an overnight fasting period of 12-13 hours.
But why is fasting good for longevity?
Weight Management and Fat Loss for Aging Metabolism: (NOT THE PRIMARY REASON!)
Mitigating Age-Related Weight Gain: As metabolism tends to slow down with age, intermittent fasting can be a valuable tool for managing weight by promoting a controlled caloric intake.
Targeting Stubborn Fat: Fasting periods encourage the body to tap into stored fat reserves, which may be particularly beneficial for addressing age-related fat accumulation.
Enhanced Metabolic Health and Blood Sugar Regulation: (VERY IMPORTANT)
Addressing Insulin Resistance: With aging, there’s often an increased risk of insulin resistance. Intermittent fasting may help improve insulin sensitivity, aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Managing Inflammation: Older adults may experience chronic low-grade inflammation, contributing to various age-related conditions. Intermittent fasting’s potential to reduce inflammation can support overall metabolic health.
Cellular Repair and Longevity in Aging Cells: (LIFETIME BENEFITS)
Stimulating Cellular Renewal: Aging cells benefit from intermittent fasting’s promotion of autophagy, a process that facilitates the removal of damaged cellular components. This can contribute to cellular repair and maintenance.
Supporting Longevity: As individuals age, the desire to promote longevity and delay age-related diseases becomes more pronounced. Intermittent fasting may play a role in activating genes associated with longevity and fostering a healthier aging process.
When considering fasting, please make sure to do it safely, listen to your body, and do your own research before adding this into your daily, weekly and lifetime health routine!
Max recommends watching Chris Hemsworth: Limitless for a great insight into Longevity & Fasting.