If you’re already hooked on CrossFit® classes, you’re obviously motivated to get healthy and strong. However, to make the most out of your exercise regimen, you should combine your workout with smart eating choices. One method that is rising in popularity is intermittent fasting. The guide below explains how this method works and how you can combine it with CrossFit.

What Is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is not about forgoing food. Rather, it involves dividing your time into sections of eating and not eating. During the period of abstinence, the body is forced to burn off the calories you consumed as energy since it’s not anticipating a snack or meal. Studies have found that this lifestyle choice helps participants lose seven to 11 pounds on average within ten weeks—without making any other changes to their diet or exercise routine.

In addition to helping with obesity, this method may lower your risk of heart problems and some cancers.

One of the most popular schedules for intermittent fasting is often referred to as “16/8.” This means you’ll fast for 16 hours, leaving the remaining eight hours for your meals. If you’re sleeping for seven to 10 of those 16 hours, this schedule is easily manageable. For example, you might wake up at 9 a.m., eat three meals between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.,  and then fast until bedtime.

How Should I Time It With My CrossFit Workouts?

There are no rules for when you should position your fasting and eating periods, but if you’re participating in CrossFit, you can maximize your results by timing your day thoughtfully. Essentially, you want your body to be in a fasted state when you head to your gym and start burning calories. A fasted state usually manifests eight to 12 hours after you last ate. Therefore, if you have been fasting since 7 p.m. the night before, you could get amazing results by heading to a class at around 6 a.m.

When you work out in a fasted state, your body will stop burning carbohydrates and instead rely on stored body fat. Instead of simply burning off what you ate for dinner the night before, your CrossFit exercises will attack stubborn belly fat. This is referred to as fat oxidation.

If you’re eager to try out intermittent fasting in combination with high-intensity exercise, come to one of our classes at Bombers CrossFit®. We cater to ambitious individuals throughout Dayton, OH, as well as Kettering, Oakwood, and Bellbrook. Inside our 5,500-square-foot business complex, you can gain the confidence and skills you need to master your fitness goals. To learn more about our class schedule and pricing, visit the website. You can also call (318) 401-1538 to speak with one of our friendly staff members.