The Skinny

We’ve been told since we were children that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” and maybe even scolded when we headed off to school on an empty stomach. But, there’s no actual scientific proof that missing that first meal of the day is bad for you!

Calorie restriction is one of the best, scientifically-backed ways to lose or maintain weight. But continuously eating fewer calories every day can lead to grumpy moods, constantly hungry stomachs, and unbearable cravings! But there are more manageable ways to receive the same benefits– intermittent fasting.

Intermittent fasting is exactly what it sounds like, shorter periods of time where the participant will go without eating. It’s definitely not traditional, and maybe a difficult concept for someone who never forgets a meal, but rather plans their whole day around food! The regime has been followed for religious and cultural purposes, but now is reaching the mainstream for being a safe and effective way to lose weight and burn more fat.

Many fitness junkies and celebrities like Terry Crews applauding the diet for maintaining their bodies, along with a variety of other health benefits that slow the aging process. There are a few ways to participate, such as the 5:2 method or the time-restricted feeding. The first entails eating normally 5 days a week and spending the other 2 days only taking in 25% percent of your energy needs. The latter, and most popular method is shortening your eating window. So instead of eating a nutritious breakfast right when you wake up, you would start eating at 12-2pm and begin fasting from 8-10pm. Which means you won’t be eating for 16 hours (but you’ll be sleeping for about half of those.)

Now, fasting isn’t for everyone. It takes a routinized schedule, a lot of self-control and making sure that when you are eating, it’s a good, nutritious meal. Many who decide to try out Intermittent fasting begin slowly, working their way up to a full-time schedule on the diet or begin with 1-2 days a week. They also will have a cup of tea or coffee and work in a gym-session either right when they wake up or right before the fast ends. It certainly is a simple diet plan but is not the easiest (although no “diet” ever tends to be easy!)

Intermittent fasting research suggests that by restricting your feeding window/ reducing calories every other day (to about 500) can improve blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, ward off neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) and even prolong your lifespan. Feeling energized and improvement in mood also are reported to be benefits of intermittent fasting.

Remember, the best diet is the one that you can maintain for virtually the rest of your life– and many people find Intermittent fasting to be a simple, weight maintaining, eating pattern rather than a fad diet program. Make sure to consult your doctor before beginning a diet such as Intermittent fasting to ensure that it’s right for you.