What Is Intermittent Fasting And Is It Healthy?

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting means setting restrictions on not what you eat, but when. This is why it's not really described as a diet as such, but more like a set pattern for eating. 

Most people who try intermittent fasting follow the 16/8 method which means eating only in an eight hour window, usually skipping breakfast. For example, many people who do the 16/8 method will only eat between 12pm and 7pm. 

Other people do the 5:2 diet, where you eat normally and at usual times for five days a week, and for the other two days you restrict calorie consumption to 500-600 calories per day. 

Why do people fast?

Intermittent fasting is mostly used as a tool for weight loss. By being strict with when you can eat, and  by generally not eating breakfast, you immediately cut some of your calorie intake for the day, provided you generally eat the same amount as before the fasting. 

It is also seen as achievable to carry on long term, as it is a matter of developing specific eating habits rather than dieting and restricting entire food groups. And because you are expected to eat normally during the eight hours, it is much more sustainable than many other diets for weight loss.

However, it should be noted that intermittent fasting is not for everyone. Consult a nutritionist or GP if you have any specific dietary issues or health concerns before trying intermittent fasting (or any other type of different diet). 

Can you fast if you’re vegan?

Yes, you can. Intermittent fasting is about changing your eating habits rather than your diet itself. Vegans can continue to make the same meals they love — they just have to eat it at the right time. 

Is intermittent fasting healthy?

Intermittent fasting is generally regarded as safe, as long as people make sure to have a balanced diet and properly nourish their body during the allocated eating hours.