Sunday, Dec 22, 2024

Intermittent Fasting For Women


Intermittent fasting for women


For women, intermittent fasting can be a tricky thing. Female bodies run on a monthly pattern of ovulation and uterine contractions, so it’s important to balance the body’s hormones, especially with long periods of calorie restriction.

Intermittent fasting is a daily eating approach that alternates between periods of eating and not eating. Popular methods include 16/8, 18/6 and one-meal-a-day (OMAD).

Balanced Hormones

Women go through a lot of hormonal changes throughout their lifetimes, especially during childbearing and puberty. These changes can influence sleep, digestion, stress reactivity, and metabolism, among other things. Fasting seems to have a balancing effect on female hormones, according to researchers. In a study, women who practiced 16:8 fasting (fasting for 16 hours and eating in an eight hour window) had lower levels of kisspeptin and LH than those who didn’t fast. Kisspeptin is a hormone that’s involved in reproduction. High levels can cause menstrual irregularities and infertility.

Fasting also turns on autophagy, a process that’s like spring cleaning for your cells. This process helps clear out the toxins and decreases inflammation. This may explain why many people report improved mental clarity on a diet of intermittent fasting.

Weight Loss

For many people, intermittent fasting can help them reduce their overall calorie intake which may lead to weight loss. It can also improve insulin sensitivity and promote the breakdown of fat stores.

Women experience a variety of hormonal changes throughout their life that affect appetite, digestion, stress reactivity, metabolism and reproductive hormones. For example, adolescence can be a time of intense self-scrutiny and social comparison, making it more difficult to maintain healthy food habits.

In addition to promoting the breakdown of fat stores, intermittent fasting can lower inflammation in the body. This is because fasting triggers autophagy, which is like spring cleaning for your cells. This process helps to clear out any damaged or faulty cells, and can increase energy levels and mental clarity. Fasting also decreases brain inflammation and increases focus, which can be beneficial for some women who struggle with mental health issues. In fact, fasting has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease, obesity and diabetes in women.

Energy

Women go through four uterine phases during their reproductive years: the proliferative stage, ovulation, secretory phase and menstruation. The hormones that control these phases are affected by both your diet and exercise. Women who eat low-calorie diets can experience a drop in their thyroid hormones, which can result in fatigue and mood changes. Intermittent fasting can help you to rebalance your thyroid hormones and improve your energy levels.

Studies show that intermittent fasting can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes the growth of new neurons and synapses in your brain. This can help to improve your memory, focus and concentration.

The type of intermittent fasting you choose to try will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle. One popular option is the 16/8 method, which involves eating all of your calories within an eight-hour window. This plan is also known as the LeanGains diet. Choosing foods that are high in protein and healthy fats can help you to stay satisfied during your eating window.

Mental Health

Women going through menopause often find themselves dealing with mood changes and other mental health issues such as depression, irritability and anxiety. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can help alleviate these symptoms and improve mental health in midlife women.

This is partly due to the effect that it has on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a hormone that increases during periods of fasting. BDNF deficiency has been linked to depression and other neurological disorders.

Intermittent fasting also reduces stress levels by decreasing cortisol, a glucocorticoid that is released when the body experiences high levels of stress. Additionally, a 2016 study showed that intermittent fasting increased all measured parameters of autophagy, which is the body’s natural way to clean out cells.

IF is a great tool for reducing depression and improving mental health, but it’s important to talk to a licensed mental health professional and get treatment if needed. Also, it’s important to make good choices when you are eating and prioritize whole, nutrient-rich foods over anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who says intermittent fasting shouldn't be practiced?

Knowing who should and should NOT do intermittent fasting is as important as following the fasting program. Intermittent fasting may have many health benefits but it might not be right for everyone.

Because there is no evidence that intermittent fasting is safe for pregnancy or conception, it should be avoided by both pregnant women as well as those who plan to have children. Individuals recovering from eating disorders or who struggle with disordered eating may find that restricting their diet can lead to unhealthy eating habits.

Let's say you take insulin or suffer from hypoglycemia. Before attempting intermittent fasting, you should speak with your doctor to avoid any risks associated with low blood sugar levels. Lastly, individuals engaged in heavy exercise may want to look into short-term (e.g., 12-hour) eating windows rather than the 16/8 approach that characterizes most standard forms of intermittent fasting.

Anyone considering an intermittent fasting program should seek advice from a doctor or a nutritionist to determine how their body will respond to this type of nutrition timing strategy.


What can I eat to quickly lose weight while intermittent fasting?

Strategic thinking is key to a healthy diet. You must make sure that the food you eat and how much you eat are in line with your fitness goals if you plan to use intermittent fasting. This means that you should not eat too much or indulge in processed foods.

Consider proteins first if you're looking to lose weight with intermittent fasting. Lean proteins such as chicken, salmon or ground turkey are rich in muscle-burning amino acid and plenty of filling fiber. Protein will make you feel fuller, and help with your feelings of satisfaction. Next comes high-fiber vegetables like leafy leaves and cruciferous vegetable that will fill you up and also contain essential vitamins such as vitamins C andK, beta carotene (which fuels your cells), and magnesium. Adding complex carbs like oats or rice to a meal helps provide more energy to get through workouts but also helps regulate your blood sugar levels so you don't feel overwhelmed after eating a meal.

Don't forget to eat healthy fats in moderation. Sunflower seeds and chia seed are rich in nutrients. They provide good levels of MUFA and PUFA, which are beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing. Brocolli, which includes calcium, magnesium & iron with many other micronutrients, is one way to get all these macronutrients together in one big meal.

This allows you to easily make a keto diet plan, which will curb your hunger cravings and not compromise your nutritional needs.


What can I have in the morning, even if I'm intermittent fasting

It can be hard to awaken your taste buds in the morning, but it is possible. You can start your day off right by having a good breakfast beverage, especially considering intermittent fasting.

It is crucial to look for alternatives to sugary beverages and caffeinated drinks when you want to break the fast.

Rethinking traditional wisdom means that we must move from zero-nutrition beverages towards nutrient-dense options with a punch. Make tea with spices such as cardamom and ginger. Sometimes, you can add manuka honey. Warm tart cherry cider is another excellent choice that offers both delicious and restorative health benefits.

Coconut water is great for anyone who needs an extra energy boost. It contains electrolytes, beneficial enzymes, and a refreshing coconut flavour. Kombucha contains key probiotic ingredients in an all-natural splashed of effervescence that allows you to drink it all morning without interrupting your fast.

You shouldn't allow hunger to get the best you! Enjoy these new breakfast beverages and you won't feel thirsty!


How do you start intermittent fasting?

It can seem difficult to start intermittent fasting. However, it is possible to get started with intermittent fasting by understanding the basics and taking the right steps.

First, determine the type of fasting you would like to undertake. There are three primary types of intermittent fasting: time-restricted fasting, the 16/8 method, and the 5:2 diet. Time-restricted intermittent fasting is when you only eat during specific hours each day. The 16/8 diet involves eating within an 8 hour window and not eating for the rest. The 5/2 diet has two non-consecutive days with calorie restrictions every week. Normal eating is allowed on the remaining days.

Second, make sure to stock up on nutritious foods that can be made quickly and are easy to eat when hungry. This includes nutritious proteins like eggs, fish, legumes, and pulses, healthy fats such as nuts and oils, high-fibre carbohydrates such as quinoa, buckwheat, and many fresh fruits, vegetables, to help you get your daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and other foods.

Plan your meals and how you will handle the social pressure of dining out with friends or family. Self-control is important when living a fast life. Flexibility and adaptability are key in staying focused on your goals. Therefore, you should include sweet spot meals to increase satisfaction without compromising the progress made in recent weeks or months.

To maintain motivation, it is important to keep track of results.


Statistics

  • IF participants) IF resulted in weight loss, ranging from 0.8% to 13.0% of baseline body weight (Table 1). (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • The rigor of fasting also varied, with several studies allowing 25% of regular caloric consumption during fasting periods. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • In 2018, 63.1% of Canadian adults were overweight or obese. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • consumption was examined in 1 study, which compared dietary fat intake of 45% versus 25% at the expense of carbohydrate intake. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

External Links

annualreviews.org

academic.oup.com

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

jamanetwork.com

How To

You can do both exercise and intermittent fasting.

Unleashing the ultimate fitness routine involves honing in on details that many overlooks. A great fitness professional knows that it's more than just how many calories are burned.

Making smarter decisions with your eating habits can be a great way to maximize workouts while protecting your health and well-being. That's where practicing intermittent fasting and exercising come in.

Both of these methods will help you set yourself up for success by controlling hunger and food temptation while still seeing the results you desire. When done simultaneously, they work synergistically to provide amazing metabolic benefits.

Intermittent Fasting is a way to stimulate fat oxidation using hormone levels. This can be combined with regular exercise and research has shown it to be an effective tool in weight loss. This allows you to increase your body's energy supply, making stored fats more readily available for fuel during workouts. It makes each session more efficient.

Intermittent fasting allows for more intense workouts while reducing calories. This is without compromising energy or performance. This pairing can also reduce muscle protein loss from exercise, and reduce oxidative damages from free radicals that result from working out hard and frequently.

This combination is powerful and can transform your body.




Resources:


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting Meal Plans

Intermittent fasting meal plans can help people stay committed to their weight loss goals. These meal plans feature nutrient-dense foods that meet..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

School is making me lose motivation to work out

School is making me lose motivation to work out


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting and the Role of Ketosis

Intermittent fasting, or IF, is an eating pattern that involves a shortened food intake. It can help you lose weight and improve your health without..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent fasting - The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung #shorts #drjasonfung

At Paleovsketo.com, we strive to provide you with the latest, most up-to-date information on various health topics such as the paleo diet, keto diet..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting For Weight Loss

Weight loss with Ketosis


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Acid reflux.

Acid reflux.


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Seen lotta diff opinions curious what y’all think so a diet that isn’t the cleanest but overall not too bad and still hitting calorie and protein goals is that just as good as a cleaner diet w same cals and protein numbers ?

Seen lotta diff opinions curious what y’all think so a diet that isn’t the cleanest but overall not too bad and still hitting calorie and protein goals is that


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

There is a growing body of research supporting the health benefits of intermittent fasting. This includes weight loss, improved memory and mental..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting and Meal Prep

If you’re new to intermittent fasting, meal prep may seem impossible. But it doesn’t have to be! Meal prepping can save time, money, and stress –..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting For Pregnant Women

While intermittent fasting for pregnancy has its benefits, it can also be dangerous. Read on to learn more about the risks and benefits of..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent fasting - The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung #shorts #drjasonfung

Welcome to this animated summary video of "The Obesity Code" by Dr. Jason Fung! In this video, I'll take you on a journey through the insights presented in


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Im afraid to lift again after breaking my humerus

Im afraid to lift again after breaking my humerus


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Overheads on Freedom Rack

Overheads on Freedom Rack


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Does intermittent fasting work?

In a world where “miracle” remedies and “magic” solutions are showcased everywhere, from billboards to nightly news to your social media feed, it can be tricky


Intermittent Fasting For Women

How Autophagy Works

Autophagy is a dynamic degradation system that promotes tumor survival. It also promotes the growth of established tumors and facilitates metastasis. ..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

14 intermittent fasting rules for success

For an effective method of losing weight and improving your health, intermittent fasting (IF) is refreshingly light on rules (ironic, given the title of this


Intermittent Fasting For Women

OMAD Daily Routine | How Lost 80 Pounds With Intermittent Fasting

In this video, I describe what my day looks like when I am practicing OMAD (One Meal A Day) Free weight tracking spreadsheet: https://sixmilestosupper


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Fasting Diet for Psoriasis Week 4 Update Intermittent Fasting

Break free from diets, unhealthy eating habits and excessive weight. At Paleovsketo.com, we offer premium content to maximize your health lifestyle..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

14 Surprising Results from 2 Weeks of INTERMITTENT FASTING!!

We're dedicated to helping people eat healthy and live fuller lives. If you’ve got something to share that could help, we’d love to hear it.Whether..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Is Skipping Breakfast Right For You?

Skipping breakfast has a number of benefits, including the ability to lose weight, improve training performance, and increase growth hormone levels...


Intermittent Fasting For Women

When to start Intermittent Fasting on Keto? | Ketorets by Rahul Kamra

We're dedicated to helping people eat healthy and live fuller lives. If you’ve got something to share that could help, we’d love to hear it.Whether..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Is Intermittent Fasting Goed Voor Je Spiermassa?

Paleovsketo.com is a website focused on healthy living. We provide content about the paleo diet, keto diet, Mediterranean diet, plant-based diet..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

INTERMITTENT FASTING l correct way to do it and its myths busted. #ayurveda #health #diet

INTERMITTENT FASTING l correct way to do it and its myths busted. #ayurveda #health #diet


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Day 1: Lil Elfy''s Weight Loss Journey Vlog | Intermittent Fasting & Healthy Eating

Day 1: Lil Elfy's Weight Loss Journey | Intermittent Fasting & Healthy Eating #WeightLossJourney #NoExcuses #WeightLossMotivation


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting For Weight Loss

All you need to know about Intermittent fasting and weight loss


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Doctor Shares 3 Surprising Benefits to Intermittent Fasting That You Did Not Know About

Are you ready to be the master of your universe and take charge of your life?At Paleovsketo.com, we bring you only premium content on bringing..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Why Fasting is Not Working For You | Intermittent Fasting for Today's Aging Woman

At Paleovsketo.com, we understand that healthy eating can be a challenge. That’s why we strive to provide sound advice, recipes, and insight on the..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

I tried Intermittent Fasting for Technology - Does it Really Work?

Living healthy is about much more than what you eat. It's about finding a balance between body, mind, and spirit.At Paleovsketo, we believe this..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Diverticulitis and intermittent fasting

I just spoke to someone about their diverticulitis and was SHOCKED to hear that no one had ever suggested this to her. I'm talking IV hydration,


Intermittent Fasting For Women

LIFE Fasting Tracker - LIFE Apps | LIVE and LEARN

The best, and free, intermittent fasting tracking app for iPhone and Android. Easy to use. Supports all fasting types. Fast with friends. Download for Free.


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting Challenge Day Two

This is my second day Intermittent Fasting on a 16:8 eating plan. I went over my calories yesterday but did stay within my eating window. I will not release my


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting MISTAKES That May Cause WEIGHT GAIN | Dr. Steven Gundry

Welcome to Paleovsketo.com, the trusted source for up-to-date knowledge on lifestyle nutrition. From paleo, keto, Mediterranean and plant-based diets


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent fasting isn''t an excuse to eat junk food and compromise your weight loss goals.

Intermittent fasting isn''t an excuse to eat junk food and compromise your weight loss goals.


Intermittent Fasting For Women

How to overcome the struggles of intermittent fasting with Emily Harveaux

Break free from diets, unhealthy eating habits and excessive weight. At Paleovsketo.com, we offer premium content to maximize your health lifestyle..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting: What is it, and how does it work?

Intermittent fasting involves switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule. This type of fasting could manage your weight or even some forms of


Intermittent Fasting For Women

The Secret to Intermittent Fasting

Living healthy is about much more than what you eat. It's about finding a balance between body, mind, and spirit.At Paleovsketo, we believe this..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

How To Do INTERMITTENT FASTING Correctly

Are you ready to be the master of your universe and take charge of your life?At Paleovsketo.com, we bring you only premium content on bringing..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Let''s learn about intermittent fasting.

Dr. Janson explaining the benefits of intermittent fasting and how to do it and what to avoid.


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Stop Letting Food Steal Your Power | Intermittent Fasting for Today's Aging Woman

Welcome to Paleovsketo.com, the trusted source for up-to-date knowledge on lifestyle nutrition. From paleo, keto, Mediterranean and plant-based diets


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting 101 — The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

This is a detailed guide to intermittent fasting (IF). Studies show that it can help you lose weight, improve health and perhaps even live longer.


Intermittent Fasting For Women

How To Increase Metabolism | Intermittent Fasting Benefits

Paleovsketo.com is a website devoted to providing premium content on the paleo diet, keto diet, intermittent fasting, weight loss, and eating healthy.


Intermittent Fasting For Women

10 Simple Tips to Control Cravings During Intermittent Fasting #shorts #intermittentfasting

Living healthy is about much more than what you eat. It's about finding a balance between body, mind, and spirit.At Paleovsketo, we believe this..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Stop Letting Food Steal Your Power | Intermittent Fasting for Today''s Aging Woman

Stop Letting Food Steal Your Power | Intermittent Fasting for Today's Aging Woman #agingwoman #intermittentfasting #menopause Our next Intermittent


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Who should NOT be doing Intermittent Fasting? #shorts

Break free from diets, unhealthy eating habits and excessive weight. At Paleovsketo.com, we offer premium content to maximize your health lifestyle..


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Is intermittent fasting good for you?

Intermittent fasting isn't new, but it's gaining followers. What's the appeal?


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Keto and Intermittent Fasting: Yay or Nay? Why IF fails with Keto? | Ketorets by Rahul Kamra

Can you stagnate your progress with Keto and Intermittent Fasting? This video helps us understand why we get stagnated on Keto Plus Intermittent Fasting and


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent fasting by age chart — explained by SIMPLE

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an approach to eating that involves daily or weekly fasts (periods of time when you don’t eat) and has been linked to benefits


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Low-fat diet plan — the complete guide by SIMPLE’s experts

Are you searching for a healthier lifestyle but not sure where to find it? [looks behind the couch]  It may sound pretty retro, but the answer may lie in a


Intermittent Fasting For Women

16/8 intermittent fasting 7-day meal plan for beginners

Intermittent fasting (IF) can be super effective for losing weight and can have profound health benefits.  But to unlock those benefits, we need more than just


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent fasting: The positive news continues - Harvard Health

Harvard research about Intermittent fasting ...


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Chrono-Fasting: Discover the Art of Time-Restricted Eating for Optimal Health and Weight Management

IntroductionFinding the ideal balance between health, fitness, and a hectic lifestyle can be difficult in today’s fast-paced world. This is where


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting and the Mind-Body Connection: A Comprehensive Exploration of the Psychological and Emotional Benefits

Introduction The practice of intermittent fasting (IF) has become very well-liked for aiding in weight loss and promoting health. Fewer people are aware of its


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting for Athletes: Maximizing Performance, Recovery, and Overall Health

Introduction Recent years have seen a significant increase in the acceptance of intermittent fasting (IF) as a viable strategy for promoting longevity, better


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting and the Aging Process: A Deep Dive into Cellular Repair, Longevity, and Age-Related Diseases

Introduction Recent years have seen a significant increase in interest in intermittent fasting (IF), a dietary strategy with many potential health advantages.


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Six ways to do intermittent fasting: The best methods

Intermittent fasting is an increasingly popular diet option for weight loss. There are several programs, but this guide can help you find out which one is


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Combining Intermittent Fasting with Popular Diets: A Comprehensive Guide to Synergistic Effects

Introduction The practice of intermittent fasting (IF) has become increasingly well-liked as a means of losing weight and enhancing health. IF involves


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Top Intermittent Fasting Advantages

There are many advantages to intermittent fasting as a strategy for weight loss. Intermittent fasting can work with any diet...


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Weight Loss (Low Carbohydrate Diets)

Low carb diets have often been used throughout history for weight loss. Although sometimes called a fad, low carb diets have actually more science...


Intermittent Fasting For Women

The Key Factors of Weight Loss

Weight gain and obesity, like any medical disease, is multifactorial. This means that there are many factors that cause weight gain...


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Diet A to Z: Intermittent Fasting

The two-day-a-week diet: How intermittent fasting can help you lose weight and boost your health.


Intermittent Fasting For Women

How Doctors Lose Weight

How do doctors lose weight?  For their patients, doctors often advise following standard diets, but when trying to lose weight themselves...


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Vacation Weight Loss Plan

What is the best vacation weight loss plan? Most people [...]


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Rat Model: Intermittent Fasting Normalizes High Blood Pressure Induced by Harmful Intestinal Bacteria

Previous studies have shown that a harmful combination of gut bacteria can cause high blood pressure (hypertension) in humans and other animals. Having a


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Your D-I-E-T Meditation Playlist

In my TEDx talk, I suggest recasting the noxious word “diet” into D-I-E-T — a reminder to ask ourselves “Did I Enrich Today?” One of the ways we can enrich…The


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Holiday Health (Damage Control)

With the holidays on us, maybe your intermittent fasting schedule isn’t as rigorous as it once was. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, because social


Intermittent Fasting For Women

You Got a Zero.

Zero’s not been my hero. Through grade school and college, zeroes used to be something of a monster in my mind. Teachers illustrated just how bad a zero is


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent Fasting Experiences

I took part in an energetic discussion of intermittent fasting experiences as part of the release of Women Action Takers Who Gained By Losing for which I wrote


Intermittent Fasting For Women

How to Break a Fast: What to Eat After Fasting

How to Break a Fast: What to Eat After Fasting Written by Stephen Anton PhD on May 15th, 2022 How to break a fast? This is an excellent question and one


Intermittent Fasting For Women

Intermittent fasting (IF): Your complete guide - Diet Doctor

Intermittent fasting is popular, effective, and easy. This guide tells you how to get started with a successful intermittent fasting routine.


Intermittent Fasting For Women

How to Believe in Yourself: 10 Tips for Becoming Your Best Self

How to Believe in Yourself: 10 Tips for Becoming Your Best Self Guest Post by William Anton PhD on June 12th, 2022 William D. Anton, Ph.D is a renowned


Intermittent Fasting For Women

36-Hour Fast (Monk Fast): Everything You Need to Know

36-Hour Fast (Monk Fast): Everything You Need to Know Written by Stephen Anton PhD on July 5th, 2022 The 36-hour fast is a challenging fast in that it


Intermittent Fasting For Women

18/6 Intermittent Fasting: Is It the Right Plan for You?

18/6 Intermittent Fasting: Is It the Right Plan for You? Written by Stephen Anton PhD on November 29th, 2022 Intermittent fasting has become one of the


Intermittent Fasting For Women

20/4 Intermittent Fasting: The Pros and Cons of a Longer Fast

20/4 Intermittent Fasting: The Pros and Cons of a Longer Fast Written by Stephen Anton PhD on January 25th, 2023 There are so many different approaches to


Intermittent Fasting For Women

5 Intermittent Fasting Methods, Reviewed

Intermittent fasting comes in many shapes and forms. This article reviews its pros and cons so you can decide if it's worth a try.