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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
Have you heard of skipping meals or timing your meals to shed kilos? Let’s break it down, the facts, benefits, and the reality.
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It’s not a diet; it’s an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting, like the 16:8 or 5:2 methods. You control the when not always the what.
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It is backed by celebrities, has no strict calorie counting, works well with Indian food habits, and is easy to follow for busy schedules. It fits naturally into many people’s routines.
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During fasting, your body taps into stored fat for energy, which helps reduce insulin levels, increase fat burning, and control your appetite. These all benefits are without giving up your favorite foods entirely.
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Absolutely, if done right. You can still enjoy regular meals within your eating window. No fancy ingredients, no rigid meal prep required.
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It is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with diabetes or eating disorders or those with specific health conditions. Always consult a doctor first before trying anything new.
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Along with weight loss, it also helps improve insulin sensitivity, enhances sleep, reduces inflammation and supports brain health. It’s not just about the scale; it’s a metabolic reset.
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There are certain challenges that most people face, like hunger pangs, the temptation to overeat after fasts and if any social events happen outside your eating window. But these can be managed with mindful planning and hydration.
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Start slow; try 12:12 first, eat a well balanced, whole meals, stay hydrated during fasting and avoid bingeing when you break the fast. As sustainability leads to simplicity & consistency.
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Intermittent fasting can be a long-term approach and not a quick fix. If it suits your lifestyle and you feel good, it’s a powerful tool for healthy weight management.
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