Benefits of the intermittent fasting diet

16/8 intermittent fasting involves limiting consumption of foods and calorie-containing beverages to a set window of eight hours per day and abstaining from food for the remaining 16 hours, explains Healthline.com.

This cycle can be repeated as frequently as you like, from just once or twice per week to every day, depending on your personal preference.

While other diets often set strict rules and regulations, 16/8 intermittent fasting is easy to follow and can provide real results with minimal effort. It’s generally considered less restrictive and more flexible than many other diet plans and can easily fit into just about any lifestyle.

According to Healthline.com,  in addition to enhancing weight loss, 16/8 intermittent fasting is also believed to improve blood sugar control, boost brain function and enhance longevity.

Starting the diet

Many people prefer to eat between noon and 8pm, as this means you’ll only need to fast overnight and skip breakfast but can still eat a balanced lunch and dinner, along with a few snacks throughout the day.

Others opt to eat between 9am and 5pm, which allows plenty of time for a healthy breakfast around 9am, a normal lunch around noon and a light early dinner or snack around 4pm before starting your fast.

However, you can experiment and pick the time frame that best fits your schedule. Regardless of when you eat, it’s recommended that you eat several small meals and snacks spaced evenly throughout the day to help stabilise blood sugar levels and keep hunger under control. Moreover, it’s important to stick to nutritious whole foods and beverages during your eating periods.

Filling up on nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, healthy fats and good sources of protein. These will help round out your diet and allow you to reap the rewards that this regimen has to offer.

The benefits of the intermittent fasting diet

16/8 intermittent fasting is a popular diet because it’s easy to follow, flexible and sustainable in the long term.

It’s also convenient, as it can cut down on the amount of time and money you need to spend on cooking and preparing food each week.

In terms of health, 16/8 intermittent fasting has been associated with a long list of benefits, including:

• Increased weight loss: Not only does it restrict your intake to a few hours per day, it helps cut calories over the course of the day. Studies also show that fasting can boost metabolism and increase weight loss.
• Improved blood sugar control: Intermittent fasting has been found to reduce fasting insulin levels by up to 31 per cent and lower blood sugar by 3–6 per cent, potentially decreasing your risk of diabetes.
• Enhanced longevity: Though evidence in humans is limited, some animal studies have found that intermittent fasting may extend longevity.

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