Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that switches between fasting and eating on a regular schedule. It is an approach to managing weight and preventing or reversing some forms of disease. Fasting involves periods of entirely or partially abstaining from eating, and there are many methods of intermittent fasting that vary in the number of fast days and the calorie allowances. Some popular approaches to intermittent fasting include:
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16/8 method: This involves skipping breakfast and restricting your daily eating period to 8 hours, such as 1–9 p.m. Then you fast for 16 hours in between.
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5:2 approach: This involves eating regularly five days a week and limiting yourself to one 500–600 calorie meal on the other two days.
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Eat-Stop-Eat diet: This involves fasting completely for 1 or 2 days a week and eating no food for 24 hours at a time.
Fasting is common to just about every major religious tradition, like Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. In addition to religious practice, there are a number of health reasons to fast, including weight loss, improved cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and other health benefits. However, it is important to note that fasting may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting an intermittent fasting plan.
