Practising Intermittent Fasting

A common mistake made by individuals is assuming intermittent fasting to be dieting. Intermittent fasting is only a pattern of eating. Intermittent fasting is a way of planning of the meals we eat in order to get the most out of it. In simpler terms, intermittent fasting doesn’t change what we eat rather it changes when we eat. Intermittent fasting is also one of the simplest plans anyone could adopt to lose weight because it requires very little behavioural change. For anyone planning to execute a weight loss plan, here are a few methods of intermittent fasting one can practise:

16/8 Method: This method involves eating during an 8-hour period while fasting for a 16-hour period. Most people usually begin their 8-hour eating window between 8 am to 4 pm or 2 pm to 10 pm, depending on what time is convenient for the individual. This method is easy for persons who like to skip breakfast daily. When practising this method, it’s important to eat healthy foods during your eating window period.

5/2 method: Also known as the fast diet, this method involves sticking to your regular eating schedule for 5 days and eating 500-600 calories for two days. On fasting days, it’s advised that women eat between 500 calories and 600 calories for men. This method has proven to be very effective for people who want to drop weight quickly.

20/4 method: This involves eating between a 4-hour window period and fasting for 20 hours in a day. However, people practising this method are advised to eat one large meal are two smaller meals during that period.

You can drink water, coffee or any zerocalorie drink during the fasting period to reduce feelings of hunger.

24-hour method: This method involves fasting from lunch to lunch or dinner to dinner. The idea of this method is to eat one calorie-packed meal in a day and fast for the remaining hours of the day. This method of intermittent fasting is not advisable for people who are prone to having eating disorders.