Are you planning to start 16/8 intermittent fasting? If yes, this article will help you to know about this fasting method before getting started.
These days, intermittent fasting is known as a popular fitness and health trend.
Studies show that intermittent fasting helps you to improve your health conditions including, diabetes, cancer, obesity, several types of cancer, and neurological disorders.
What Is 16/8 Intermittent Fasting?
The 16/8 intermittent fasting, as the name suggests, is a fasting technique that allows you to fast for 16 hours per day and eat in an 8 hours window. When you abstain from food for 16 hours, you are allowed to drink water or other low-calorie beverages like black tea and plain coffee.
You can repeat this cycle frequently if your health is good. You can do this fasting every day or twice a week, it totally depends on you.
This fasting method is getting popular among those who are trying to lose weight and burn extra fat. It is also an effective technique for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating habits.
How To Choose An Eating Window?
Confused about choosing an eating window while following 16/8 intermittent fasting? To get started, you have to pick an 8-hour window during which you can consume calories freely. After choosing a suitable window, you have to limit the intake of food to that time span.
Here are some popular time windows to choose from:
- 6:00 am to 2:00 pm
- 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
- 10:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Many people prefer to eat between the morning and afternoon. If you choose to fast overnight, you can skip breakfast and eat a healthy and balanced lunch and dinner. However, if you choose to fast in the evening, you have to skip your dinner and eat breakfast and lunch.
However, you can select a time frame that fits your routine and schedule.
Benefits Of 16/8 Intermittent Fasting
One of the major advantages of this fasting method is that it cut downs your calorie intake. Other benefits are:
- Restricting your eating window means you are allowed to take fewer calories which means that you will lose weight.
- It is also known for reducing the risk of diabetes.
- Some studies on animals show that this fasting technique can extend longevity.
- It also helps you to improve blood and sugar levels.
- You can maintain a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating habits.
- It can also improve your digestion system.
Proven Tips To Maintain 16/8 Intermittent Fasting Schedule
In the beginning, it might be challenging for you to stick to your eating window. However, after a few days, you can easily adapt to this fasting schedule. Here are a few tips that will help you to maximize the benefits of this fasting technique and stay on track:
- Drink a lot of water and low-calorie drinks like herbal tea, plain tea, and coffee.
- Distract yourself from food on fasting days. Try physical activities or go for a walk.
- Count every consumed calorie.
- Eat high-volume foods and low-calorie food in your eating window.
- Consume more vegetables and fruits.
- Set a timer for both the beginning and ending time of your eating window. This will help you to remind yourself when to start and stop eating.
FAQs:
Is fasting for 16 hours effective?
There are various fasting techniques that are beneficial for your body. Fasting for hours provides long-lasting health benefits. It helps a lot in weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight after a weight loss. Moreover, it is one of the easy fasting techniques to follow.
How often should you go for 16/8 intermittent fastings?
It totally depends on your schedule and preferences. You can do it every day if you want to lose weight. You can also do it twice a week.
The Bottom Line
Intermittent fasting is one of the most popular weight loss techniques. It is a lifestyle strategy that can improve your overall health. There are various methods and techniques of intermittent fasting. You can choose the one that fits your routine easily.