Intermittent fasting has become a go-to strategy for health and weight management for more and more people. Recent research suggests that avoiding eating for a minimum of 14 hours each night and restricting eating to a 10-hour window during the day (14:10) can enhance sleep, mood, and energy levels while reducing feelings of hunger.
This approach can benefit individuals dealing with chronic insomnia and anxiety, too. It can also be helpful for those facing issues such as fatigue and increased hunger resulting from dieting for weight loss.
The Different Forms of Fasting
There are various forms of intermittent fasting. In a 24-hour cycle, the most rigorous form is perhaps one-meal-a-day (23:1) fasting, while the more popular ones include 18:6 (essentially two meals a day, or eating only within a six-hour window) and 16:8 fasting. Intermittent fasting can also be structured on a weekly basis, such as the 5:2 (two days of light fasting each week whereby you eat less than 500 calories) and alternate-day fasting, whereby you eat less than 500 calories every other day.
Lisa Bian
Author
Lisa Bian, B.Med.Sc., is a healthcare professional holding a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Science. With a rich background, she has accrued over three years of hands-on experience as a Traditional Chinese Medicine physician. In addition to her clinical expertise, she serves as an accomplished writer based in Korea, providing valuable contributions to The Epoch Times. Her insightful pieces cover a range of topics, including integrative medicine, Korean society, culture, and international relations.
