Take a break
Drum English|18 June 2020
Intermittent fasting is a healthy way to lose weight. Here’s the lowdown
KIM ABRAHAMS
Take a break

IT’S an effective way to lose weight, lowers your risk of heart disease, slows ageing and helps you sleep better. The basic idea is simple: you eat only during a specified meal window and fast the rest of the time.

But is intermittent fasting really everything it’s cracked up to be?

It’s been so beneficial for IT specialist Clint Abrahams that he’s still doing it after starting almost two years ago.

“The weight loss and extra energy are obviously great but the results on my general wellbeing are unprecedented,” says the 32-year-old Capetonian, who’s lost 22kg since starting the popular eating plan in 2018. “I’m happier.”

Intermittent fasting has curbed Clint’s craving for junk food, fizzy drinks and alcohol.

“At first I’d eat a lot of bad things in my meal window. But with time came discipline and education about what foods I should be eating.”

He admits he struggled when he first started out, as he had to unlearn years of bad eating habits.

“The first two weeks are pure hell because you’re just so hungry all the time,” he says. “I used to get sugar withdrawal, so I had to deal with major headaches.”

He also had to break his lifelong routine of eating breakfast – a process he describes as a “mental slog”.

Clint, who works for a cybersecurity company, fasts every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and has a cheat day on either Saturday or Sunday.

“I eat my first meal of the day at 1 pm and my last before 8 pm,” he says. “So essentially, it’s lunch and dinner.

This story is from the 18 June 2020 edition of Drum English.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 18 June 2020 edition of Drum English.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DRUM ENGLISHView All
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020