In today's fast-paced world, it has become the norm to constantly eat throughout the day. Whether it's snacking while watching TV, munching at our desks, or even eating on the go, we rarely give our bodies a break from food. However, recent studies suggest that this continuous eating habit may have negative implications for our health and waistlines. Research indicates that we could benefit from incorporating intermittent fasting into our routines.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting involves periods of not eating or limited food intake on certain days or at specific times of the day. Various types of intermittent fasting exist, including time-restricted feeding, 5:2 intermittent fasting, alternate day fasting, and extended food-free days or periods. Each approach offers unique benefits and flexibility in implementation.

During a fast, calorie-free drinks like water, herbal teas, or black coffee are typically allowed. In essence, intermittent fasting gives our bodies a break from food and drink, a natural and normal practice. While most people fast overnight for 8-10 hours during sleep, research suggests that the benefits of fasting are more pronounced with a fasting window of 12 hours or longer.

The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

1. Supports weight loss journey: Intermittent fasting can aid in weight loss by regulating the production of insulin, a hormone released when we consume food, particularly carbohydrates and protein. When insulin is present, our bodies prioritise using or storing the energy from our food, preventing the utilisation of fat stores for energy. By introducing fasting periods, we allow our bodies to access fat stores, aiding in weight loss. Starting with a 12-hour fasting window and gradually increasing it can be a beneficial approach.
2. Improves long-term health: Intermittent fasting offers more than just weight loss benefits. Research suggests that it can positively impact long-term health by improving blood sugar levels, gut health, hormones, and aging processes. Fasting has been associated with decreased risks of conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and other chronic and metabolic diseases. Additionally, it may enhance gut health, further promoting overall well-being and healthy aging.
3. Enhances understanding of eating patterns and hunger signals: Intermittent fasting can help individuals become more attuned to their hunger signals. Constant eating throughout the day often leads to disregarding true feelings of hunger or satiety. By taking a break from food, individuals can identify and respond to their genuine physical hunger cues, rather than eating out of stress, sadness, or boredom. It also promotes awareness of eating patterns, allowing for the establishment of healthier routines.

Risks to Consider

1. Potential for unhealthy food choices: Implementing intermittent fasting may tempt individuals to indulge in unhealthy foods during their eating windows. As the eating window becomes shorter, it becomes crucial to prioritise nutritious and balanced meals to provide the necessary nutrients. It's essential to be cautious about calorie intake, especially for weight loss purposes. While fasting is a valuable weight loss tool, its effectiveness can be diminished if accompanied by excessive consumption of energy-dense foods.
2. Risk of binge eating: Binge eating, characterised by consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often stems from food restriction. Taking fasting to an extreme level and allowing oneself to become excessively hungry during eating windows can lead to bingeing or overeating. To avoid this, it is advisable to adopt a gentler form of intermittent fasting, such as a 12-14 hour fasting window. Sustainability and avoiding obsessive thoughts about food or bingeing behaviours should be prioritised over rapid results.
3. Individual variability: It is important to recognise that not all fasting regimens work for everyone. Each person's response to fasting can vary significantly. For example, some individuals may find