Summary of 8 Powerful Ways to Find Encouragement and Motivation for Fasting:
Motivation for fasting can be challenging and may vary from day to day, especially for beginners. However, finding motivation for fasting can result in significant benefits like weight loss and lower cholesterol. To find motivation for intermittent fasting, start by taking action and setting realistic short-term goals. Knowing your deeper “why” or focusing on the positive effects of fasting can be helpful. It is important to research the benefits of fasting for health and longevity and check with your doctor as it may not be suitable for everyone. Visualizing a healthy future and the chain reaction of healthy habits that fasting can trigger may also help you stay motivated.
*****
Finding motivation for fasting can be a confusing process, especially if you are new to the concept. But with a burst of encouragement and inspiration, it is possible to make fasting a habit that benefits your health and overall wellbeing. In this article, we provide some tips on how to find intermittent fasting motivation and encouragement.
Tip #1: Know Your Why
Knowing your reason, or “why,” for fasting is an essential part of reaching any goal, including intermittent fasting. Because fasting can be challenging, connecting to the underlying reason you want to prioritize your health can help you push through. Spend some time considering your deeper motivations for fasting. Rather than just wanting to lose weight, what are the bigger benefits you are hoping to gain? Perhaps you want to have more energy to travel, focus better mentally, or enjoy quality time with your family. Additionally, try to focus on internal motivators rather than external, because you are more likely to succeed when you are doing it for yourself rather than others.
Tip #2: Set Realistic Goals
Setting small, achievable goals that act as stepping stones towards your ultimate desired outcome is the best way to stay motivated for fasting. Rather than trying to go from zero to 24-hour water-only fasting, for instance, start with a shorter fasting window such as 16:8 (16-hour fasting window with an 8-hour eating window), and gradually work your way up. Setting realistic and achievable goals helps you feel the “win” of achievement more often and gives you the motivation to keep going.
Tip #3: Learn More About the Benefits of Fasting
There are numerous health benefits to fasting, from weight loss to improved mental function and longevity. Research shows that fasting promotes the release of ketone molecules in the body, which can activate the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain. BDNF helps strengthen neural connections and improves cognitive function, which is often affected by aging. Furthermore, fasting allows the body to burn fat instead of glucose for fuel, and also reduces the number of calories consumed which can lead to weight loss and improved health biomarkers.
Tip #4: Focus on the Positive Effects of Fasting
Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of fasting, such as hunger or the inconvenience of meal preparation, focus on the positive aspects. For instance, being able to save time in the morning because you don’t have to make breakfast, or feeling more energetic and mentally alert during the day. Additionally, fasting can help reduce the risk of metabolic disease, such as diabetes, and promote “programmed cell death” or autophagy which removes damaged cells in the body.
Tip #5: Visualize Your Healthy Future
Visualizing your healthy future can be an effective way to stay motivated for fasting. Consider the impact that fasting will have on your overall health and wellbeing. Visualize yourself being more active, having more energy, and enjoying life with your loved ones. Fasting can also trigger a chain reaction of other healthy habits, such as reducing late-night snacking and encouraging healthy food choices.
In conclusion, finding intermittent fasting motivation can be a challenge, but it is possible with the right mindset and strategies. By knowing your “why,” setting realistic goals, learning about the benefits of fasting, focusing on the positives, and visualizing your healthy future, you can stay motivated and reap the benefits of fasting for your health and longevity.
Comments are closed