Intermittent fasting is a method of eating that has been around for hundreds of years, but has gained significant interest recently. People find this diet appealing because it does not specify what you should eat, but instead tells you when to eat. There are different ways to follow an intermittent fasting diet; the 16/8 method, the 24 hour fast method, and the 5:2 method. Each method has its own benefits, the goal is to find the one that works best with your lifestyle!

The 16/8 method

This method involves fasting during 16 hours of the day and eating during an 8 hour window. Typically people skip breakfast and begin eating around 12 PM in order to stop eating around 8 PM. The 8 hour period of feasting depends on what works with your schedule and the hours of the day you feel work best for you.

The 24 hour fast method

This method involves fasting for 24 hours, one to two days a week, and then eating normally the other days of the week. Fasting for 24 hours can be difficult due to feelings of hunger, so this method may not work for everyone.

The 5:2 method

For this method of fasting you consume ~500 calories on two non-consecutive days of the week and eat a normal amount of calories the other 5 days of the week. This method allows you to ease into fasting, allowing a few calories on fasting days to help curb hunger.

Benefits 

There are an increasing number of studies over intermittent fasting due to it’s renewed popularity. Benefits could include weight loss, decreased fat mass, decreased LDL cholesterol, and decreased triglycerides. These benefits correlate to better blood sugar control, heart health and decreased risk of disease. Some studies have found that intermittent fasting can decrease cancer risk, improve brain health, boost metabolism, and provide anti-aging effects.

It is important to keep in mind this method of eating is not a cure-all, and varies from individual to individual in effectiveness depending on overall health goals. Consult your physician prior to starting this diet if you have any medical conditions.