If you into weight loss and fitness you have probably heard of the new fad - intermittent fasting. It is a weight loss method that alternates fasting days and non-fasting days–especially since there's been more and more research on its potential to help people slim down.
It does not say anything about which foods you should eat, but rather when you should eat them.
In this respect, it is not a “diet” in the conventional sense. It is more accurately described as an “eating pattern.”
Common intermittent fasting methods involve daily 16 hour fasts, or fasting for 24 hours, twice per week.
However, research suggests that it is more difficult to do than the traditional calorie restricted daily diet.
So if you are interested in trying this out or are already doing it - here are five tips that will help you stay the course.
Make every calorie count
This one is a no-brainer. There isn't one standard protocol for intermittent fasting. But many plans limit total calories to just 500 on fasting days—which is why it's important to make food quality a priority, and squeeze the most nutrition possible out of your meals and snacks. That means saying no to processed foods, and focusing on fresh, healthy fare.
So while you could eat a 100-calories ice-cream bar but spending those same 100 calories on veggies gives your body the nutrients it needs for energy, immunity, and digestive health.