Intermittent fasting involves a period of fasting followed by a period of feeding
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. There's really no strict rules as to what you should eat, but rather focuses on when you should eat them.
Fasting has existed for many, many, many years. Ancient hunters/gatherers typically fasted between meals (though not by choice), and thus this is considered an optimal way for the body to perform. There were days where food was readily available, and other days where it wasn't available at all.
It is most commonly used for weight loss in today's social circles, so long as you don't compensate by eating too much during your eating periods.
What are some common cycles?
Common IF cycles typically involve daily 16 hour fasts or fasting for 24 hours twice per week.
What are some common methods?
There are many different methods to IF; below are some of the most common.
- The 16/8: Also called the Leangains protocol; this method skips breakfast and restricts your daily eating period to 8 hours (for example; 12-8pm). You then fast (don't eat) for 16 hours and repeat.
- Eat-Stop-Eat: With this method, you'll fast for 24 hours, once or twice a week; typically from a meal such as breakfast, to the next breakfast.
- The 5:2: In this method, you only consume 500-600 calories on two non-consecutive days of the week; you then eat normally the rest of the week.
Most people find the 16/8 method the most maintainable and simplest method overall.
