Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is not about what you eat—it’s about when you eat.
It’s an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting.
Unlike traditional diets that restrict calories or food types, intermittent fasting focuses on time-restricted eating windows.
Common Intermittent Fasting Methods
- Fast for 16 hours.
- Eat within an 8-hour window (e.g., noon–8 PM)
- Eat normally 5 days per week.
- For 2 non-consecutive days, limit intake to ~500–600 calories.
- One or two 24-hour fasts per week.
- Fast every other day (or consume very few calories).
- Fast 12 hours, eat during 12 hours.
Research and anecdotal reports suggest intermittent fasting may:
✅ Help with weight loss by reducing calorie intake and improving metabolism.
✅ Improve insulin sensitivity, supporting blood sugar regulation.
✅ Support cellular repair processes (autophagy).
✅ Reduce inflammation.
✅ Potentially benefit brain health and longevity
Who Should Be Careful
Intermittent fasting is not for everyone. Avoid or get medical guidance if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of eating disorders
- Have diabetes or issues with blood sugar regulation
- Take medications requiring food intake
- Are underweight or have nutritional deficiencies
🌱 Tips for Success
✔️ Start gradually (try 12/12 or 14/10 before 16/8).
✔️ Stay hydrated (water, black coffee, herbal tea are fine during fasting).
✔️ Focus on nutritious meals during eating windows—avoid binging.
✔️ Listen to your body. If you feel weak or unwell, stop and reassess.
Beginner-Friendly Schedules
If you’re new to fasting or have a busy routine:
12/12 Method
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How it works: Fast for 12 hours overnight.
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Example: Finish dinner at 7 PM, breakfast at 7 AM.
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Good for:
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Beginners
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Maintaining weight
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Improving digestion
14/10 Method
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How it works: 14-hour fast, 10-hour eating window.
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Example: Eat from 9 AM–7 PM.
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Good for:
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Mild weight loss
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Easing into longer fasts
Intermediate Schedules
- How it works: 16-hour fast, 8-hour eating window.
- Example: Eat from 12 PM–8 PM.
- Weight loss
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Simpler meal planning
- Eat normally 5 days per week.
- On 2 non-consecutive days, limit calories to ~500–600.
- People who don’t like daily fasting
- A less strict approach
How to Decide
Here’s a simple decision guide:
✅ New to fasting or prefer gradual change?
👉 Start with 12/12 or 14/10.
✅ Busy mornings or comfortable skipping breakfast?
👉 Try 16/8.
✅ Comfortable with fasting and want faster results?
👉 Explore 18/6 or 5:2.
✅ Have health concerns or special needs?
👉 Start slowly and consult a doctor.