Intermittent fasting has become a popular trend in the health and wellness world, with many people claiming it has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. One of the most common methods of intermittent fasting is the daily regimen, which involves alternating between periods of fasting and eating within a set time frame each day. In this article, we will discuss the basics of daily intermittent fasting and two popular methods to get you started.
The Basics
The daily intermittent fasting regimen consists of a fasting window when you resist eating calorie-containing foods and beverages and an eating window when you are allowed to eat normally. The length of each interval depends on the chosen method. During the fasting window, you are only allowed to consume water and zero-calorie beverages such as black coffee and tea.
The 13:11 Method
The 13:11 method is a good option for beginners. It involves limiting the consumption of foods and calorie-containing beverages to a set window of 13 hours per day and eating regularly for the remaining 11 hours. One common approach to following this method is to eat normally in the hours between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The 13:11 regimen is very close to the usual eating pattern. The fasting window is relatively small, with much of the fasting occurring during sleep. This makes the transition into a new eating regimen very doable and fairly easy. Many people find this method to be a great starting point for their intermittent fasting journey.
The 16:8 Method
The 16:8 method involves fasting every day for 16 hours and restricting your daily eating window to 8 hours. You can schedule your 8-hour eating window in a way that works best with your lifestyle. Many people find skipping breakfast and restricting their daily eating period to 8 hours from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. very manageable. Others choose to eat between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. This time frame allows plenty of time for a healthy breakfast in the morning, a normal lunch around noon, and an early dinner before 5 p.m. when the fast starts.
This method may seem more challenging at first, but many people find that once they get used to it, they have more energy and focus during the day. It also allows for a longer fasting period, which may lead to more significant health benefits.
Getting Started
Before starting any new eating regimen, it is essential to consult with your doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Once you have the green light, it's time to choose a method and give it a try. Remember to listen to your body and adjust the eating window as needed. It may take some time to find the right schedule that works for you.
During the times when you’re not eating, water and zero-calorie beverages such as black coffee and tea are permitted while practicing both regimens. It's also essential to focus on eating a balanced and healthy diet during your eating window to ensure you are getting all the necessary nutrients your body needs.
In Conclusion
Intermittent fasting can be a beneficial tool for improving overall health and well-being. The daily regimen is a great way to ease into intermittent fasting and find a schedule that works for you. Remember to consult with your doctor before starting any new eating regimen and listen to your body as you make adjustments. With consistency and patience, you may experience the many benefits of daily intermittent fasting.