What is Intermittent Fasting?

Village Green Nutrition Team on
Intermittent fasting can be beneficial for your health.

Intermittent fasting, or time-restricted eating, is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. It's not a diet, but rather a way of eating that can help you lose weight, improve your health, and boost your energy.

There are several different ways to follow intermittent fasting, but one of the most common methods is to fast for 16 hours and then eat during an 8-hour window. Many people see benefits from fasting for a 12-14 hour window, which can also be an easier way to start. In fact, it’s generally recommended for everyone to allow at least a 12-hour break between dinner and breakfast, without the nighttime snacking that has become so common for many of us.

There are many potential health benefits of intermittent fasting, including weight loss, improved blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of heart disease. But perhaps the most impressive benefit is its ability to promote autophagy – a process by which cells break down and recycle damaged proteins and organelles. This can have a range of positive effects on overall health and longevity.

Some Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

    1. You may lose weight without counting calories or tracking your food intake.

    2. Intermittent fasting may help reduce risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

    3. It may help boost your energy levels and increase your mental clarity.
    It's a relatively straightforward way to change your diet and improve your overall health.

    4. It can be done anywhere at any time – no special equipment or ingredients are required.

    5. You don't have to deprive yourself of food – you can eat normally during your eating window. (A healthy diet is still the best!)

    6. If you don't like counting calories or tracking food intake, intermittent fasting may be a good fit for you.

    Other Considerations

    Intermittent fasting may not be right for everyone. For example, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Also, if you have certain health conditions, intermittent fasting may not be right for you.

    This approach to eating can be difficult for some people, if you're not used to skipping meals. It can also be hard to stick with in the long term, if you're not seeing results quickly. However, it can simplify your life and free up a lot of time!

    If you're interested in giving intermittent fasting a try, we would suggest starting slowly and gradually increasing your fasting window over time. It’s important to stay hydrated during your fasting periods, so It’s fine to have liquids such as water, tea or even coffee. Be sure to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. And, if you have any questions or particular health concerns, be sure to talk with your healthcare practitioner before starting any sort of fasting regimen.

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