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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : January 20, 2020 6:56 PM IST
Intermittent fasting involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. ©Shutterstock
This age-old practice is increasing becoming popular among people looking to lose weight. The best thing about intermittent fasting is that unlike other weight loss diets, it doesn't restrict your food choices or intake. What matter here is when you eat. Some studies have shown that intermittent fasting is a safe way to lose weight and belly fat. In addition to weight loss, this eating plan is claimed to help improve metabolic health, and even extend lifespan. Intermittent fasting helps people eat fewer calories, and also helps optimize some hormones related to weight control.
Intermittent fasting involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. It focuses on limiting your meals and snacks to a specific time window. There are several different types or methods of intermittent fasting. For example, 16/8 intermittent fasting involves fasting every day for 14 to16 hours and restricting food intake to 8-10 hours. Within the eating window, you can have 2, 3, or more meals. Drinking water, coffee, and other noncaloric beverages is allowed during the fast to reduce feelings of hunger.
Other types include the 5:2 diet (fast for 2 days per week); fasting for 24 hours once or twice per week; alternate-day fasting; Fasting during the day and eating a huge meal at night, etc.
Intermittent fasting helps boost weight loss via several mechanisms, such as
