What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is a dietary pattern that involves periods of eating and periods of abstaining from food, also known as "fasting." There are various methods of intermittent fasting, but some common ones include:
The 16/8 method: This involves fasting for 16 hours and then eating during an 8-hour window. For example, someone might eat their meals between noon and 8 PM.
The 5:2 diet: This involves eating normally for 5 days of the week and restricting calorie intake to 500-600 calories on the other 2 non-consecutive days.
Alternate-day fasting: This involves alternating between days of normal eating and days of fasting, either by consuming very few calories or no calories at all.
Intermittent fasting has been suggested to have several health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation. However, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of intermittent fasting and it may not be suitable for everyone. It's always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary pattern.