With the New Year now upon us, people are wanting to start new diets and live their healthiest life. While this year was met with different dieting fads, one of the most interesting was intermittent fasting. There’s been media coverage ad success stories of people who swear by this way of getting healthy. In fact, dozens of critically acclaimed ebooks have shed light on this once mysterious concept.

With the many stories of weight loss, it’s safe to conclude that this method is legitimate. However, like most fads, it’s important to determine if this way of life aligns with your current routine.

If you’re interested in how intermittent dieting works, check out everything you need to know about this diet of choice.

What is intermittent fasting?

In a nutshell, intermittent fasting is when you set intervals between eating and fasting. Some may designate a four hour period to not eating and the rest of the day to small snacks. Others, may section it out between meals. For example, some may begin their day by eating at noon then eat again at 8PM.

Others, may give themselves a 16 hour fasting period a day. This gives them a few hours a day to eat what they need to remain healthy.

Why Do People Do This?

Aside from religious reasons, a lot of people fast as a means to cleanse their body of toxins and impurities. This dieting routine works to quickly burn fat while resetting the metabolic system.

In addition, people love intermittent fasting because it’s less work. As opposed to eating three to four times a day, the person is only eating once with a few snacks. This alleviates the pressure to prepare meals several times a day.

Can You Eat While Fasting?

The short answer is, no. In the beginning, it is especially crucial to not eat so your body can prepare itself for this new way of life. However, you’re able to drink tea, coffee and water to help suppress your appetite.

As you continue on this journey, some people find it helpful to eat healthy but small snacks in between meals. This will help them regain their energy and focus. However, it is vital to give your body an extended period of time of no eating so as to reap the full benefits of this diet.

What Are the Different Types of Intermittent Fasting?

There are many ways to do this diet. However, there are three popular ones that health guru’s swear by. Let’s consider the following:

The 16/8 method: You fast for 16 hours and have the ability to eat between an eight hour window.
The Eat-Stop-Eat Method: This involves not eating for an entire 24-hour period, then eating the following day. This is challenging, but one of the most effective ways to complete this fast.

The 5:2 Diet: Only two days out of the week, participants can eat between 500 and 600 calories for the day. This is a great method for those who want to get acquainted with intermittent fasting without changing their lifestyle.

Intermittent fasting is a great way to clear your mind and body of toxins, impurities and fat. Many people implement it into their daily lives to see quick and effective lifestyle changes. If you’re curious about this form of dieting, as always, consult with your doctor prior to jumping into this lifestyle.

Individuals with diabetes or other health challenges may find intermittent fasting counterproductive. If your doctor thinks this is a practical step for your overall life, start slow. This will help you kickstart your new, weight loss routine.