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Interval fasting 16/8
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Intermittent Fasting (IF) is a method of eating that involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. The essence of IF is to limit the amount of time you eat and the periods when you don't eat anything. There are several varieties of interval fasting, and here are some of them:
- 16/8: This is one of the most popular forms of interval fasting. You observe a 16-hour fasting period and limit your food intake for 8 hours. For example, you might start eating at 12:00 (noon) and finish at 8:00 (evening).
- Scheme 5/2: In this option, you follow your normal eating pattern for 5 days a week, and for the remaining 2 days, you reduce your calorie intake to a minimum (usually around 500-600 calories per day).
- Eat-Stop-Eat: This method involves going completely hungry for 24 hours once or twice a week. For example, you may not eat from lunch one day until lunch the next day.
- The12/12 scheme: You observe a 12-hour fast and eat for the next 12 hours. This option is considered less strict and more affordable for many people.
- Warrior Diet regimen: In this regimen, you follow a long fasting period (usually 20 hours) and allow yourself a small meal during the eating window, often in the evening.
- OMAD (One Meal a Day): You eat only once a day, usually for a short time. For the rest of the day, you are fasting.
- Scheme 18/6: Similar to Scheme 16/8, you follow an 18-hour fasting period and limit your meal times to 6 hours.
Each of these options has its pros and cons, and which option to choose may depend on your goals, preferences, and physiological needs. It is important to remember that it is recommended that you consult a doctor or nutritionist before beginning interval fasting, especially if you have medical problems or conditions that require special nutrition.
What is interval fasting 16/8?
Interval fasting (or interval fasting) 16/8 is a popular diet method that involves limiting the time you eat during the day. In this diet system for women and men, you divide your day into two periods: the eating period and the fasting period.
Here's how 16/8 interval fasting works:
- Eating period (8 hours): During this time, you can consume food and drinks that contain calories. This period usually covers the part of the day when you are awake and active. For example, from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Fasting period (16 hours): During this time you should abstain from calories and limit yourself to water, tea, coffee without additives (no sugar or cream) or other non-caloric beverages. This period usually includes sleeping hours and morning hours.
Interval fasting 16/8 involves you skipping breakfast and starting your day with lunch. You then have about 8 hours to consume food before the next fasting period begins. Adherents of this diet claim that it can help control weight, improve metabolism and even have some potential health benefits.
Some potential benefits of interval fasting include weight loss, improved feelings of satiety, blood sugar levels, and feelings of energy. However, it is important to remember that every body is different and the effectiveness of this method can vary from person to person.
Before starting interval fasting or any other diet, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor or nutritionist to make sure it is suitable for you and not contraindicated due to your health condition or medical problems.
Interval fasting scheme 16/8 for beginners
Here's a diagram for beginners:
1. Select a meal time:
- The most common pattern for 16/8 interval fasting is to limit your food intake from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This means that you eat only for 8 hours, starting at noon.
2. Prepare for the hunger period:
- Before starting an interval fasting regimen, make sure you have healthy foods available so that you are not tempted by junk food during the fasting period.
3. First few days:
- It can be a little difficult to get used to the 16-hour fasting period at the beginning of the scheme. Try starting with shorter periods, such as 12/12 (12 hours of eating and 12 hours of fasting), and gradually increase the hours of fasting.
4. Morning tea or coffee:
- During your hunger period, you can drink water, tea, or coffee without adding calories. This can help reduce the feeling of hunger.
5. Variety of food:
- Try to include varied and nutritious foods in your diet to provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
6. Track results:
- Keeping a food diary and tracking your health and weight can help you understand how interval fasting affects you.
7. Observe regularity:
- The more regularly you follow the interval fasting regimen, the more benefits you can derive from this method.
8. Consultation with a physician:
- It is recommended that you consult your doctor before beginning interval fasting, especially if you have medical problems or conditions that require special nutrition.
Scheme of interval fasting 16/8 by hours
The scheme involves you limiting your food intake for 8 hours and observing a fasting period for the remaining 16 hours. This means that you must choose an 8-hour window of time during which you will eat and stick to this pattern daily. Here is an example of such a pattern:
-
Selecting start and end times:
- The most common option is to start eating at 12:00 pm (noon) and finish at 8:00 pm (evening). This is an 8-hour window for eating.
-
Example of meal distribution:
- 12:00 - First meal (lunch).
- 15:00 - Second meal (afternoon snack).
- 18:00 - Third meal (dinner).
- 20:00 - End of the eating window. Beginning of the 16-hour hunger period.
-
Starvation period:
- From 20:00 (evening) to 12:00 (noon the next day) a fasting period is observed, when you do not consume food.
-
Scheme Repetition:
- This pattern should be repeated every day to achieve the effect of interval fasting.
You can customize the 16/8 interval fasting regimen to fit your needs and schedule by choosing a convenient start and end time for your meals. It is important to stick to your chosen regimen regularly and provide yourself with nutritious, healthy food within the 8-hour window.
Duration
The length for which you can follow a 16/8 interval fasting regimen (16 hours of fasting and an 8-hour window to eat) can vary depending on your goals, physiological needs, and your ability to follow this regimen. Here are some scenarios:
-
Short-term interval fasting: You can try interval fasting 16/8 as a short-term experiment or as a way to lose weight before an important event or after a period of holidays. In this case, the duration may be a few weeks.
-
Long-term interval fasting: If interval fasting 16/8 is right for you and you feel the benefits, you can follow this regimen long-term. Many people follow it for several months or even years.
-
Hybrid regimens: Some people choose hybrid regimens in which they alternate interval fasting with regular eating. For example, they may only do interval fasting a few times a week.
-
Constant interval fasting: There are people who make interval fasting 16/8 part of their lifestyle and follow it continuously. It can become a regular habit for them.
It is important to emphasize that the length of interval fasting depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Indications
Interval fasting (IF) may be prescribed or recommended in the following cases:
- Weight control and weight loss: IF can help with weight control and reducing excess weight. Limiting mealtimes can reduce the total number of calories consumed, which can promote weight loss.
- Improved metabolism and blood sugar control: IF may help improve insulin sensitivity and control blood glucose levels. This may be especially helpful for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
- Increased energy levels: Many people report that IF helps them increase their energy levels and stay awake throughout the day.
- Improved brain function: IF may help improve concentration, mental clarity, and cognitive function.
- Improved overall health: IF can reduce inflammation in the body, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, which helps improve overall health.
- Life Extension: Some studies suggest that IF may have the potential to extend life expectancy and reduce the risk of developing various chronic diseases.
- Increased sense of self-discipline and self-control: IF requires self-control and discipline about eating, which can be helpful for those who want to develop positive eating habits.
- Reducing the risk of heart disease: IF may reduce the risk of developing factors associated with heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
General information of the interval fasting 16/8
The essence of interval fasting is that you limit the amount of time you eat and observe a fasting period.
This method of eating has become popular and studied, and it involves the following:
- Limited Meal Time: During the 16/8 scheme, you choose an 8-hour period during which you eat and fast for the remaining 16 hours. For example, if your window for eating is 12:00 to 20:00, then from 20:00 to 12:00 the next day, you do not eat any food while fasting.
- Repeat cycles: Interval fasting 16/8 usually involves repeating this pattern daily. This means that you observe a fasting period and limit your food intake within a selected time each day.
- Drinking water and non-calorie drinks is allowed: During the hunger period, you can drink water, tea, coffee without added calories and other calorie-free drinks. This helps reduce the feeling of hunger.
- Healthy Eating: It is important to remember that during your eating window, you should eat healthy and balanced meals to provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
- Calorie control: Although interval fasting does not limit the types of foods you can consume, calorie control is still an important factor in achieving specific goals such as weight loss.
Permitted foods for interval fasting
Here is a list of foods that can be included in your menu during interval fasting:
-
Protein:
- Chicken meat
- Beef
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Tofu
- Eggs
-
Carbohydrates:
- Quinoa
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Potatoes
- Batata (sweet potato)
- Oats
- Buckwheat
-
Fats:
- Olive oil
- Avocado
- Walnuts
- Flaxseed
- Fish oil (e.g. From salmon)
-
Fruits and vegetables:
- Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Oranges
- Apples
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce leaves
-
Nuts and seeds:
- Almonds
- Walnut
- Pistachios
- Chia seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
-
Dairy products:
- Greek yogurt (no sugar added)
- Cottage cheese (low fat)
- Kefir
-
Beverages:
- Water (main source of fluid)
- Green tea (no sugar)
- Black coffee (without sugar and cream)
-
Sweeteners:
- Stevia (natural sweetener)
- Erythritol (non-caloric sweetener)
Menu for interval fasting for a week
Here is a sample menu for a 16/8 interval fast for 7 days. Please remember that this is just one option and you can customize the menu according to your preferences and dietary needs.
Day 1:
Meal period (8 hours):
- Breakfast: Omelet with spinach and tomatoes.
- Afternoon snack: Greek yogurt with honey and nuts.
- Lunch: Braised chicken breast with quinoa and Greek salad.
- Afternoon snack: Fruit salad with berries.
- Dinner: Steamed vegetables with grilled salmon.
Day 2:
Meal period (8 hours):
- Breakfast: Omelet with spinach and mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: Nuts and carrot sticks.
- Lunch: Chicken kebab with broccoli and quinoa.
- Afternoon snack: Buckwheat with cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Dinner: Tuna fish with coleslaw.
Day 3:
Meal period (8 hours):
- Breakfast: Buckwheat with stewed vegetables.
- Afternoon snack: Green tea and almond nuts.
- Lunch: Veal loin with mashed potatoes and broccoli garnish.
- Afternoon snack: Fruit (apples, pears).
- Dinner: Grilled chicken and sultanas with sultanas.
Day 4:
Meal period (8 hours):
- Breakfast: Yogurt with berries and honey.
- Afternoon snack: Stewed vegetables.
- Lunch: Salmon with vegetable salad and quinoa.
- Afternoon snack: Buckwheat and shrimp.
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with greens and cucumbers.
Day 5:
Meal period (8 hours):
- Breakfast: Omelet with vegetables and spices.
- Afternoon snack: Curd with berries and nuts.
- Lunch: Quinoa with chicken breast and steamed vegetables.
- Afternoon snack: Fruit salad.
- Dinner: Braised vegetables with grilled tuna.
Day 6:
Meal period (8 hours):
- Breakfast: Muesli with yogurt and honey.
- Afternoon snack: Carrot sticks and nuts.
- Lunch: Potato soup with broccoli.
- Afternoon snack: Buckwheat with cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Dinner: Veal tenderloin with lemon and greens.
Day 7:
Meal period (8 hours):
- Breakfast: Omelet with spinach and tomatoes.
- Afternoon snack: Greek yogurt with honey and nuts.
- Lunch: Chicken kebab with quinoa and Greek salad.
- Afternoon snack: Fruit salad with berries.
- Dinner: Tuna fish with coleslaw.
This is just a sample menu and you can vary the dishes and ingredients to meet your taste preferences and dietary needs. It is important to monitor the quality of the food and provide your body with the macro- and micronutrients it needs when designing your menu.
5 recipes for interval fasting
Here are a few recipes to incorporate into your 16/8 interval fasting diet:
-
Omelet with vegetables:
- 2 eggs.
- Low-fat cottage cheese.
- Tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms (or other preferred vegetables).
- Season to taste (garlic, thyme, basil).
Prepare a vegetable omelet by adding chopped vegetables and cottage cheese to the eggs. Serve with whole wheat flour bread.
-
Green tuna salad:
- Fresh spinach or lettuce leaves.
- Canned tuna in its own juice.
- Tomatoes and cucumbers.
- Olive oil and vinegar to taste.
Mix all ingredients and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
-
Greek yogurt with berries:
- Nonfat Greek yogurt.
- Currants, raspberries or strawberries.
- Honey or honey substitute.
Mix yogurt with berries and add honey (optional) for sweetness.
-
Chicken fillet with vegetables:
- Chicken fillet.
- Broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.
- Olive oil and spices (to taste).
Cook the chicken fillets on the grill or in a pan with olive oil and spices. Serve with cooked vegetables.
-
Omelet with vegetables:
- 2 eggs.
- Red peppers, mushrooms, spinach and onions.
- Spices (black pepper, turmeric).
Prepare an omelet with chopped vegetables and spices. It can be served with toasted whole wheat bread.
These recipes will allow you to enjoy a variety of varied and delicious foods within an 8-hour eating window during a 16/8 interval fast. It is also important to keep track of portion sizes and total caloric intake during this period to meet your nutrition and health goals.
Other options for interval fasting
Interval fasting 14/10
Interval fasting 14/10 is a form of interval fasting (IF) where the fasting period lasts 14 hours and the eating period is limited to 10 hours. This means that you limit the time during which you consume calories to ten hours during the day, and you refrain from eating for the remaining fourteen hours.
The principle of interval fasting 14/10 is similar to other IG methods such as 16/8 (16 hours of fasting and 8 hours of eating), and 12/12 (12 hours of fasting and 12 hours of eating). The basic idea is to limit the period of food intake, which can help control caloric intake and achieve various goals such as weight loss, metabolic improvement, and others.
Interval fasting on 14/10 may be a suitable option for those who want to start practicing IG but are not ready to restrict themselves from eating for longer periods. It is important to remember that when practicing IG, it is important to eat balanced meals within meal times and avoid excessive consumption of caloric drinks or snacks to achieve the desired results.
Interval fasting 20/4
Also known as the "20 hour fasting and 4 hour eating window" method, is a form of interval fasting (IF). This method involves you fasting, meaning you don't eat, for 20 hours a day and then leaving a 4-hour window to eat. Within that 4-hour window, you consume all of your calories and nutrients.
The 20/4 interval fasting principle is similar to other forms of IF, such as 16/8 (16 hours fasting and 8 hours eating window), but it is stricter in terms of the duration of the fast. It is important to realize that this method is not suitable for everyone, and it requires caution and careful consideration of your individual needs and goals.
Benefits of interval fasting 20/4 may include:
- Potential reduction in caloric intake: Limiting mealtime may lead to a reduction in caloric intake, which may contribute to weight loss.
- Simplified meal management: Many people find it easier to manage their diet and control snacking during meal window times.
- May improve satiety: Prolonged periods of fasting may increase feelings of hunger during the eating window, which may help reduce overeating.
However, 20/4 interval fasting can have its drawbacks and contraindications:
- Strict Meal Schedule: This method can be difficult to maintain, especially for people with busy schedules or special needs.
- Nutrient deficiencies: A limited window of nutrition can make it difficult to get enough nutrients.
- Not Suitable for Everyone: Some people may experience stress, anxiety, or blood sugar problems with this prolonged fasting.
- Contraindications: This method may not be suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and people with medical contraindications.
Before embarking on a 20/4 interval fasting program, it is recommended that you consult with a doctor or nutritionist to make sure it is safe for you and meets your health and nutrition goals.
Interval fasting 23/1
Interval fasting 23/1 (or 23:1) is a type of interval fasting in which you observe a 23-hour fasting period followed by an eating window of only 1 hour. This means that you eat all of your meals for one hour during the day, and observe a fast for the remaining 23 hours.
The 23/1 interval fasting regimen is usually one of the most extreme forms of interval fasting and can be quite difficult to follow on a long-term basis. It involves long periods without food, which can be a challenging condition for many people.
Potential benefits of 23/1 interval fasting include weight control, improved sense of self-discipline, and ease of meal planning (since eating only 1 hour a day).
However, before you start following the 23/1 interval fasting diet, it is important to consider the following:
- Medical Conditions: This regimen may not be safe for some people, especially those with medical issues such as diabetes, heart problems, eating disorders, or other chronicconditions.
- Nutrient Requirements: If you are going to consume all of your food in one hour, it is important to pay attention to making sure your diet is balanced and includes all of the nutrients you need.
- Duration of adherence: Interval fasting 23/1 can be difficult to adhere to long-term due to its extreme nature. Many people choose to use it as a temporary method to achieve certain goals.
- Consultation with your doctor: It is recommended that you consult with your doctor or nutritionist before starting to follow Interval Fasting 23/1 to make sure it is safe for you and meets your needs.
Interval fasting can have different options, and it is important to choose one that suits your goals, needs and physiology, and that you can follow with your lifestyle.
Interval fasting 5/2
Also known as the "Fast Diet" or "5:2 diet", is a form of interval fasting (IF). This method of eating involves severely restricting your calorie intake for two days a week (usually Monday and Thursday), and eating as normal the other five days of the week. On calorie restriction days, women typically consume about 500-600 calories and men about 600-800 calories.
The idea behind this method is that restricting calories for two days a week helps create a calorie deficit and promotes weight loss. On the other days, you can eat more freely while still maintaining overall control over your calorie intake.
Benefits of 5/2 interval fasting may include:
- Potential Weight Loss: Restricting calories for two days can help reduce total caloric intake and promote weight loss.
- Simplicity and Flexibility: This method of eating does not require strict rules for most of the week, making it more flexible and easy to follow.
- Possible Health Benefits: Some studies suggest that interval fasting may have positive health effects, such as reducing the risk of diabetes and improving feelings of satiety.
However, there are some disadvantages to be aware of and caution should be exercised with 5/2 interval fasting:
- Not suitable for everyone: Some people may experience stress, dizziness, irritability or other side effects on calorie restriction days. This method is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, or people with medical contraindications.
- Duration of caloric restriction: Long-term adherence to caloric restriction can be difficult for some people.
- Long-term results: The long-term results and safety of this method have yet to be fully investigated.
Scheme 12/12
This is a variant of interval fasting (IF) in which the eating period is limited to 12 hours and the remaining 12 hours is the fasting period. It is one of the simplest methods of interval fasting and can be more easily incorporated into daily life compared to longer IF regimens such as 16/8 or 20/4.
The basic principles of the 12/12 scheme:
-
12 Hour Meal: You choose a specific time frame, such as 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and consume all of your food during that time.
-
12 Hour Fast: For the rest of the day (from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM), you abstain from eating and give your body a rest from digestion.
The 12/12 regimen may have several potential health benefits, including helping to control caloric intake, maintaining stable blood sugar levels, and improving metabolism. It may also be easier to implement than longer IF regimens, as it includes a regular breakfast and dinner.
The 12/12 regimen can also be a good option for those who are new to interval fasting and want to gradually adjust their bodies to the new regimen. However, it is important to make sure that you eat a balanced and nutritious meal within the 12 hour meal period to meet your energy and nutrient needs.
Scheme 18/6
This is one of the popular forms of interval fasting (IF), which involves you limiting your food intake for 6 hours a day and fasting for 18 hours. During this 18-hour fasting phase, you abstain from eating and only eat within a limited time window.
An example of an 18/6 circuit might look like the following:
- Breakfast: Your eating window begins at 12:00 noon, for example.
- Afternoon snack: You can have a snack at 3:00pm or 4:00pm.
- Dinner: The last meal during this window may be around 6:00pm or 7:00pm.
After dinner, you eat no more food until the next day at 12:00 noon, continuing the fasting phase.
The 18/6 scheme allows you to limit your calorie intake to a relatively short time window, which can lead to lower caloric intake and weight loss, as long as you don't increase your total calorie intake. This method can also help improve satiety and control snacking.
However, it is important to consider your individual needs, health and lifestyle before using the 18/6 regimen or any other interval fasting method. Some people may not feel comfortable with a long period of fasting, and it may not be suitable for everyone.
Before you start practicing the 18/6 regimen or any other form of IF, it is recommended that you consult with a doctor or nutritionist to make sure it is safe for you and meets your nutrition and health goals.
OMAD (One Meal a Day) scheme
This is a type of interval fasting in which you limit yourself to eating for only one hour during the day and refrain from eating the rest of the time. The essence of this scheme is that you eat all of your daily food in one meal.
The basic principles of the OMAD scheme:
- One meal a day: You choose a specific time period, such as 6:00 p.m. To 7:00 p.m., and eat all of your daily food during that time.
- Fasting the rest of the day: For the rest of the day (or most of it) you abstain from eating and leave your body in a state of starvation.
- Eating a balanced diet: It is important to pay attention to the quality of food and include a variety of foods in your diet to ensure that your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
The OMAD scheme can be effective for controlling calorie intake and weight loss, as it limits the amount of time you can consume calories. However, it is not suitable for everyone and it is important to consider the following points before embarking on such a scheme:
- Medical conditions: If you have a medical condition such as diabetes or gastrointestinal problems, the OMAD regimen may not be suitable for you. In this case, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.
- Activity level: Physical activity level and exercise intensity should also be considered when choosing this regimen to ensure adequate energy intake.
- Individual needs: Every body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is important to listen to your body and perhaps consult a nutritionist or doctor before practicing an OMAD regimen.
Eat-Stop-Eat scheme
Eat-Stop-Eat is one of the methods of interval fasting (IF). This method involves you observing a long period of fasting, during which you completely abstain from food, and then returning to your normal diet outside of this fasting period.
The main features of the Eat-Stop-Eat scheme:
- Total Fasting Day: Under this scheme, you choose one or more days a week to go on a total fast. During this day, you do not consume any food and limit yourself to water, carbonated drinks, tea or coffee without sugar or caloric additives.
- Normal meals outside the fasting day: On the other days of the week, you eat normally and do not limit your calories. These days give you the opportunity to get all the nutrients you need and meet your body's needs.
The Eat-Stop-Eat scheme is designed to create a calorie deficit on fasting days, which can lead to weight loss. Benefits of this scheme may include:
- Weight Loss: Full fasting days can help reduce total caloric intake and promote weight loss.
- Simplicity: This method is relatively easy to follow, as you don't have to count calories throughout the week.
However, the Eat-Stop-Eat regimen also has its disadvantages and contraindications:
- Fasting Days Can Be Difficult: Full days without food can be physically and emotionally difficult, and many people may experience hunger, irritation, and fatigue.
- Not suitable for everyone: This method may not be suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and people with certain medical contraindications.
- Maintaining: Maintaining this method can be a challenge for some people, and not everyone will be able to maintain it for long.
Before starting an Eat-Stop-Eat regimen, it is recommended that you consult with a doctor or dietitian to make sure it is safe for you and meets your health and nutrition goals.
Warrior Diet Scheme
The Warrior Diet is a type of Intermittent Fasting (IF) that involves a long fasting period followed by a short eating window. In this diet, you follow the following regimen:
- Starvation period: During this period, you eat no food and stick to low-calorie liquids such as water, green tea, or black coffee. The fasting period is usually about 20 hours.
- Eating window: Once your hunger period is over, you have a short time (usually about 4 hours) to eat. During this time, you consume all your calories and nutrients.
The Warrior Diet regimen involves you consuming one large meal during this short window. This is usually in the evening, after the end of the work day.
Adherents of this diet believe that it helps control appetite, promotes weight loss and improves overall health. It is also believed that it can help improve your sense of energy and concentration.
However, it is important to note that the Warrior Diet is a fairly strict method and can be a challenging condition for many people. Not everyone will be able to follow this diet regimen on a consistent basis, and it may not be suitable for everyone. Before starting the Warrior Diet or any other diet, it is recommended that you consult with a doctor or nutritionist to make sure it is safe and suitable for you.
Benefits
Interval fasting 16/8 (where 16 hours is the fasting period and 8 hours is the eating period) can have several potential health benefits. Here are some of the main benefits of interval fasting:
- Weight loss: Interval fasting can help control calorie intake, which promotes weight loss. Limiting meal times can make snacking and excessive food intake more difficult.
- Improved metabolism: Studies have shown that interval fasting can improve insulin sensitivity and help manage blood sugar levels, which is helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes.
- Reducing inflammation: Some studies suggest that interval fasting may reduce inflammation in the body, which has been linked to the development of various chronic diseases.
- Brain Protection: Interval fasting can promote the process of autophagy, which means the body eliminates old and damaged cells more efficiently, which can help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: Interval fasting can reduce the risks of developing factors associated with cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.
- Improved focus and productivity: Some people experience improved concentration and mental clarity during fasting because they are not distracted by eating.
- Life Extension: Some animal studies suggest that interval fasting may help extend longevity.
- Ease of Use: This diet method is relatively easy to follow and does not require special foods or expensive diet aids.
What can and what can not?
When following the 16/8 interval fasting regimen, you limit your food intake for 8 hours and observe a fasting period of 16 hours. It is important to eat a nutritious and balanced meal within the eating window. Here are guidelines on what you can and should not eat during interval fasting:
What you can eat:
- Protein: Include meats, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, and other protein foods in your diet. Protein will help you feel satiated and maintain muscle mass.
- Healthy Fats: Healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds and oily fish are also important to your diet.
- Vegetables and greens: Consume a variety of vegetables and greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli, beans, tomatoes and cucumbers. They are rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Fruits: Limit your intake of fruits as they contain sugar. Choose low-fat varieties such as berries, pears and apples.
- Buckwheatand oatmeal: Healthy cereals such as buckwheat and oatmeal can be good sources of carbohydrates.
- Nuts and seeds: Small portions of nuts and seeds can add healthy fats and protein to your diet.
- Water and calorie-free drinks: Drink water, green tea, black coffee (no sugar) and sparkling mineral water during the fasting period.
What not to eat:
- Fast food and high-calorie snacks: Avoid high-calorie and unwanted snacks such as chips, carbonated drinks, buns and fast food.
- Processed foods: Limit your intake of foods high in sugar, salt and artificial additives.
- Sweets and Sugar: Avoid sweets, muffins, cakes and foods with excessive sugar content.
- Alcohol: Try to limit alcohol consumption inside the eating window.
- Large portions: Try not to overeat even inside the eating window.
- High-calorie drinks: Avoid juices, carbonated drinks, and drinks with added sugar.
Contraindications
Interval fasting (IF) 16/8 is a method of eating in which you limit your food intake during specific time intervals and do not eat the rest of the time. In this case, 16/8 means that you fast (don't eat) for 16 hours and leave a window of eating for 8 hours.
However, IF is not suitable for everyone and may have contraindications. Here are some contraindications for interval fasting 16/8:
- Diabetes mellitus: It is recommended that people with diabetes mellitus carefully monitor their blood glucose levels. IF may affect blood sugar levels, so its use should be discussed with a doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid strict fasting methods without consulting a doctor, as they need additional nutrients.
- Digestive problems: People with chronic stomach, liver, or gallbladder problems may experience worsening symptoms with IF.
- Exhaustion or underweight: IF can lead to a lack of calories and worsen the condition of people who are already exhausted or underweight.
- Mental health issues: IF may not be appropriate for people with a history of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, as well as those who suffer from anxiety or depressive disorders.
- Medications: Some medications require food to be taken with food. IF may affect the absorption of medications and their effectiveness.
- Children and adolescents: IF may not be safe for children and adolescents because they are in a period of active growth and development.
Possible risks
Interval fasting 16/8 (or 16:8) is a relatively safe method of eating for most healthy people, but it can have some potential risks and side effects, especially if it is not followed correctly or is not suitable for a particular individual. Here are some of the possible risks:
- Hypoglycemia: In some people, especially those with diabetes or prediabetes, the 16/8 regimen may cause a drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). It is important to monitor your condition and consult your doctor if in doubt.
- Excessive Weight Loss: If you don't watch your calorie intake and provide your body with the nutrients it needs within the eating window, the 16/8 regimen can lead to excessive weight loss and deficiencies in important macro and micronutrients.
- Hunger and irritability: During the fasting period, there may be strong feelings of hunger and irritability. This can make this method unbearable for some people.
- Sleep problems: In some people, the 16/8 regimen can affect sleep, especially if they eat late at night before a hunger period.
- Lack of effectiveness: IF may not be right for everyone, and for some people it may not be effective in achieving their goals, such as weight loss or improved health.
- Menstrual Disruption: In women, the 16/8 regimen can affect the menstrual cycle, especially if it results in significant weight loss or lack of food.
- Eating behavior problems: IF may increase eating behavior problems, such as obesity or bulimia, in some people.
- Medical contraindications: IF is not recommended for pregnant women, children, adolescents, people with a history of eating disorders, or those with certain medical conditions.
Can I have alcohol?
Alcohol and interval fasting 16/8 may not be compatible, and you should pay special attention to your alcohol intake during the eating window. Here are some important things to consider:
- AlcoholCalories: Alcohol contains calories, and drinking it can disrupt your efforts to meet the caloric deficit that is often part of interval fasting for weight loss goals.
- Effect on appetite: Alcohol consumption can increase your appetite and make you more prone to overeating or eating high-calorie foods, especially if it occurs at the end of a meal window.
- Fluid loss: Alcohol is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration. It is therefore important to drink enough water to avoid dehydration.
- Effect on sleep: Alcohol can affect the quality of your sleep and lead to insomnia or increased sleepiness the next day.
If you plan to consume alcohol during the 16/8 interval fast, it is best to do so during your meal window. In this case, you can factor the number of calories consumed from alcohol into your overall meal plan for that day and keep an eye on portion sizes.
Can I have coffee?
Yes, in most cases you can consume coffee during the 16/8 interval fasting. However, it is important to consider the following points:
- Black coffee without added sugar and cream: If you drink black coffee without sugar and cream, it should not significantly interfere with your interval fasting regimen. Black coffee may even help control appetite and increase alertness during the fasting period.
- Limit caloric additives: It is important to avoid adding caloric ingredients such as milk, cream, or sugar to coffee during fasting. Even a small amount of calories in the beverage can interrupt the fasting state.
- Attention to your body's reaction: Some people may experience more severe effects of coffee on the stomach or nervous system during fasting. If you experience discomfort or discomfort, it may be worth considering limiting coffee or drinking it in moderation.
- Water is more important: Don't forget to consume plenty of water during interval fasting, as hydration remains an important aspect of your health.
In general, black coffee without caloric additives can be part of the diet during interval fasting, and many people find it helpful for keeping alert and reducing feelings of hunger.
Results of interval fasting 16/8
Results can vary from person to person depending on their individual characteristics, lifestyle, dietary preferences, and other factors. Here are some of the potential results that can be achieved using this method:
- Weight loss: Interval fasting can help people reduce caloric intake, which in turn can lead to weight loss. An extended fasting period helps reduce snacking and limits meal times, which can help control caloric intake.
- Improved metabolism: Some research suggests that interval fasting may help improve insulin sensitivity and metabolism, which can help manage blood sugar levels.
- Reducing inflammation: Some studies suggest that interval fasting may reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various diseases and aging.
- Increased energy and alertness: Some people report increased energy levels and alertness during interval fasting, especially if they eat healthier foods inside the meal window.
- Improved focus and concentration: Some people may experience improved cognitive function and focus during fasting because they are not expending energy on digestion.
- Lower blood sugar: Interval fasting can help normalize blood sugar levels, which is especially helpful for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
- Improving your relationship with food: This method can help some people become more conscious about their eating and establish healthier habits.