Elite Traveler HRS 2018-2019

elite traveler HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS 2018/2019 41

Intermittent fasting is, as the name suggests, the restriction of the hours in which you eat. The most popular option is a 16-hour fast with an eight hour ‘feeding window.’ During the feeding time, you should still be eating a well-balanced diet, but during the 16-hour fast, consume nothing but water and herbal tea (and maybe a black coffee if you really can’t go without). Others favor the 5:2 diet, where you spend five days eating a balanced diet with two days of restricted-calorie intake — usually 500 calories per day. Whichever option you choose, the overall aim is for the body to enter a state of ketosis. Ketones are a result of the body breaking down fat instead of glucose for energy, which usually occurs when carbohydrate intake is low. They are created by the liver and are a more efficient fuel source because they release more energy per unit than glucose, and produce fewer damaging free radicals. They also produce zero lactic acid, which is created when glucose is used as fuel. When the body enters this state of ketosis, it can help to lower blood pressure, increase weight loss and improve energy and cholesterol. While intermittent fasting has gained popularity in recent years, perhaps thanks to a number of high-profile celebrities (Ben Affleck utilized the method when getting in shape for Batman ; Beyoncé is reportedly a fan; Hugh Jackman swears by it; Terry Crews apparently eats his first meal at 2pm), it has been around for centuries and is a vital part of certain religions. While the aesthetic effects might entice you to give it a try, the reported benefits to overall health from intermittent fasting are rather astonishing — a longer life, better immunity and heightened cognitive function, to name a few. It is an area that requires further medical study, but a number of scientific researchers have discovered that periodic fasting could prevent diabetes and Alzheimer’s. There have been a number of fasting studies on mice, notably by the National Institute on Aging in Maryland. The results showed that mice who fasted regularly were healthier than mice exposed to continuous calorie restriction — they had lower levels of insulin and glucose in their blood, which results in a reduced risk of diabetes. There are also studies that suggest periodic fasting can help reduce abdominal fat, boost cell and tissue turnover, and prevent metabolic and degenerative disease. In a more recent study in 2017 by the University of California, human test subjects

underwent a period of intermittent fasting, restricted eating and alternate-day fasting. While the study mentions that human studies are limited, the overall evidence indicates that almost any intermittent fasting regime can result in weight loss — out of the 16 trial subjects, 11 reported significant weight loss. Many health and wellness professionals extoll the virtues of fasting, and it’s easy to see why. I tried intermittent fasting after interviewing the CEO of a major company over lunch. I noticed he didn’t eat anything and only ordered green tea. When I asked, he explained he was fasting and preached about the benefits — not just physically, but mentally. Despite being skeptical, I decided to give it a try myself and noticed a huge improvement in my energy levels and ability to focus (as well as dropping a dress size). A number of five-star resorts and spas have caught on to the rising popularity and have begun to include various fasting regimes as part of their spa programs. If you’re considering trying it for yourself, but want to have the guidance of a medical professional (and a beautiful location), read on.