What is Intermittent Fasting or "Time Restricted Eating?"

Intermittent fasting, also known as time-restricted eating, is a pattern of eating that involves cycling between periods of eating and periods of not eating, also known as fasting. There are several different approaches to intermittent fasting, including the 16/8 method, the 5:2 diet, and the one meal a day (OMAD) diet.

To start with intermittent fasting, you can try the following steps:

1. Choose the approach that best fits your lifestyle and goals. For example, if you are new to fasting, you may want to start with the 16/8 method, which involves fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window.
2. Determine your eating window. If you are following the 16/8 method, you can choose any 8-hour window to eat during. Some people prefer to eat all their meals within a shorter time frame, such as 6 hours, while others spread their meals out over a longer period, such as 10 hours.
3. Plan your meals and snacks. Make sure to include a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, during your eating window.
4. Stay hydrated. It's important to drink plenty of water during your fasting periods to help keep you hydrated. You can also have non-caloric beverages, such as coffee and herbal tea, during your fasting periods.
5. Be consistent. Choose a schedule that you can stick to and try to be consistent with your fasting and eating times.

It's important to note that intermittent fasting is not for everyone and may not be appropriate for certain individuals, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with a history of disordered eating, and those with certain medical conditions. If you are considering trying intermittent fasting, check with your provider during your Remote Monitoring Visit to plan your fasting timing and schedule to fit with your lifestyle.