Should You Try Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting, a dietary approach that has gained popularity, is being hailed for its potential health and weight loss benefits. As Hy-Vee dietitians, we know eating isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let’s explore what intermittent fasting involves, its underlying mechanisms, potential health benefits, who should abstain from it and practical advice for those contemplating this dietary approach.
A closer look at intermittent fasting: In contrast to many conventional diets that prescribe what foods to consume, intermittent fasting is more concerned with the timing of food consumption. This dietary approach incorporates a fasting period into each day or week. Several popular intermittent fasting methods exist, including alternate-day fasting, the 5:2 fasting method with two days per week and daily time-restricted fasting.
Unpacking the mechanics of intermittent fasting: Intermittent fasting reduces the overall intake of calories. For many people, this approach may be easier than counting calories. Additionally, intermittent fasting may promote metabolic flexibility after exhausting the calories from your most recent meal as the body switches to using fat for energy.
Excerpted from the Gazette
