By You’ve probably heard a lot about intermittent fasting lately, but what is it exactly? And is it something you should try?
Intermittent fasting is a dietary pattern that involves periods of fasting and eating. The most common type of intermittent fasting is 16:8, which means you fast for 16 hours and eat during the other 8. There are a lot of benefits to intermittent fasting, which is why it’s gaining popularity.
What Is the 16:8 Intermittent Fasting Method?
Intermittent fasting is all about time-restricted eating. You basically only eat during an eight-hour window, and then you fast for the other 16 hours.
There are different ways to do intermittent fasting, but the 16:8 method is the most popular. You eat all your daily calories within an eight-hour window, and then you fast for the other 16 hours. So you might fast from 8 pm to 12 pm the next day, for example.
What Are the Benefits of 16:8 Intermittent Fasting?
This approach has been shown to have several health benefits. Well, there are a lot! But to name just a few: you’ll lose weight, have more energy, and improve your mental clarity. Plus, intermittent fasting is a great way to detox your body and reduce inflammation.
How to Do 16:8 Intermittent Fasting
If you’re interested in giving 16:8 intermittent fasting a try, I’d recommend starting slowly by fasting for 12 hours instead of 16. And if you’re really not sure about it, consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet.
First, pick a time of day when you’re going to fast. It could be first thing in the morning, or later in the day. I like to do mine in the evening, after dinner.
Then, for 16 hours of the day, you’re going to abstain from food. This might sound difficult, but it’s not as bad as it seems. You can drink plenty of water and take coffee or tea with no milk or sugar. And you can also include calorie-free drinks like diet soda or fruit juice.
The final 8 hours of the day are when you can eat whatever you want. This is my favorite part of the day, because I can enjoy all my favorite foods without worrying about calories or anything like that.
What to Eat While 16:8 Intermittent Fasting
When you’re fasting, the goal is to eat within an 8-hour window and then fast for the remaining 16 hours. During that 16-hour fasting window, you can drink water, coffee, tea, or other non-caloric beverages.
But what about food? What can you eat during those 16 hours? Ideally, you want to focus on healthy, whole foods that are low in sugar and carbs. Some good options include protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, beef, eggs, and tofu. You can also add some healthy fats to your diet like avocado, olive oil, and nuts.
Of course, you can also mix and match foods to create a variety of meals and snacks. The key is to make sure you’re eating healthy and balanced meals that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to cut down on calories and lose weight, intermittent fasting might be the right choice for you. 16:8 is one of the most popular forms of intermittent fasting, and it’s a great way to get started. Give it a try and see how it works for you.
