Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have medical issues- eg diabetes, thyroid removed, underactive or overactive thyroid, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, can I still follow IF?
A: Yes of course you can as long as you have received consent from your medical doctor and undertake to test yourself regularly and do IF entirely at your own risk
Q: What type of foods do you eat on IF?
A: The plan is based on low carb/ higher fat … carbs are kept low but not cut out completely. We also work in one refeed day per week to keep metabolism firing.
Can I still drink fluids while I fast?
Yes, you may drink all teas, coffees as long as they are black or made with a dash of fat-free or almond milk, no more than 1/2 cup of milk in the fasting period, and to be drunk neat or with 1-2 sweeteners or xylitol. Water is obviously allowed freely during your fasting period.
Is the diet very strict on Intermittent fasting?
No- the diet gives you many options and you can still eat out while on IF. It is a complete way of life and very doable. We refer to it as a “pattern of eating”
What if I like eating breakfast what do I do then?
Then you just change the fasting window, you eat your breakfast and eat for 6 to 8 hours, and then continue your fast after that so you would skip dinner. You would need to decide if breakfast or dinner is more important to you and base your feeding window around that. The choice is yours.
Do we count calories on Intermittent fasting?
No, we don’t count calories at all…it is a way of life and you listen to what your body needs. We fuel our bodies correctly with the right amount of nutrients.
Doesn’t Intermittent fasting slow down your metabolism?
Surprisingly, research suggests that the effect of intermittent fasting has the same or less negative effects on your metabolism compared to traditional dieting. The reason why many think intermittent fasting improves metabolism is due to less loss of lean body mass and greater fat burning.
How much weight can you lose while IF?
It is entirely dependent on your body and how strict you are. Fasting for 16 to 20 hours a day can help you safely lose 1-2kgs of fat every week.
While losing this much weight every week is great, it’s how it happens that’s really cool. Losing weight with intermittent fasting means that you will never have to count calories or plan and prepare several meals a day. This is dependent on how your body responds and how much weight you have to lose as well.
What type of fasting is this plan?
There are multiple ways to “do” intermittent fasting: Fast and feast regularly: Fast for a certain number of hours, then consume all calories within a certain number of hours.
Eat normally, then fast 1-2x a week: Consume your normal meals every day, then pick one or two days a week where you fast for 24 hours.
The method we like and coach in is 16:8 hours or 18:6 hours as we find this the easiest, sustainable and most beneficial.
What other potential benefits are there to IF?
🎯Increased energy
🎯Reduced inflammation
🎯Improved digestion
🎯Reduced bloating
🎯Increased mental clarity
🎯Better sleep, and
🎯Getting a handle on sugar cravings
Does intermittent fasting burn fat or muscle?
Intermittent fasting probably does not cause more muscle loss than other weight-loss diets. Nevertheless, adding exercise — especially weight training — to your intermittent fasting program can help you maintain muscle. However, whether or not you exercise during fasting periods is up to you.
Can you train during your fasting period?
Yes most definitely – it is however important that you fuel your body correctly during your eating window and supplement correctly so that you can maintain energy levels during training. We will help you with this.
I am training for Comrades/ Iron man/ endurance sports etc can I still do IF?
We wouldn’t recommend it – we would recommend you opt for a specialized package on Kelfit geared towards your needs. See our Kelfit options here.
Do you have to train to see results on IF
No, you do not even have to train at all if you do not wish to. Obviously, training is beneficial for all sorts of health benefits.
Can I fast if I am pregnant?
Definitely not! Rather do a Kelfit plan and we will design a pregnancy plan specifically to suit the needs of you and your growing baby. You can learn more about the Kelfit Pregnancy and Breastfeeding plan here.
Can I do IF if I am breastfeeding?
You can do it if your baby is already on solids yes. If not then rather choose the Kelfit pregnancy plan. You can learn more about the Kelfit Pregnancy and Breastfeeding plan here.
I am going on holiday what if I don’t stick to the fasting periods will I still lose weight?
Intermittent fasting needs to become your new lifestyle. If you do your own thing we cannot guarantee your weight loss. You need to follow this regime daily.
I have read that Intermittent fasting is bad for women and their hormones?
If you’re a woman, intermittent fasting can disrupt estrogen balance and throw a wrench in all these essential physiological processes. But when you know how to use intermittent fasting in a way that is safe for your unique female biochemistry— you can reap some amazing benefits.
You need to keep your metabolism running smoothly by eating enough in your eating window as well as having proper refeeds, we will ensure this on your plan so that you won’t have hormone disruption.
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent Fasting Plans
If you still have questions or would like to find out more about Intermittent Fasting. Chat to us today.
