Intermittent fasting is an effective fasting method with research-backed health benefits, including healthy weight loss, better cognitive function, and lower inflammation. It has become a popular tool for improving overall health and reaching nutrition and fitness goals. The most well-known, approachable and we think “sustainable method” of intermittent fasting is the 16/8 approach.
So what is Intermittent Fasting 16/8?
Intermittent fasting (IF), also known as time-restricted feeding, means eating within a specific daily window of time (feeding period) and fasting outside of that window (fasting period).
There are several different types of intermittent fasting, but the 16/8 method is the most popular because it’s the easiest.
Doing an 16/8 intermittent fast means that you fast for 16 hours and eat only within an eight-hour window throughout the day, such as from noon to 8 p.m.
The easiest approach is to skip breakfast and have your first meal later in the day. For example, if you finish dinner by 8 p.m., you wouldn’t eat again until midday the next day.
Keep in mind 16/8 intermittent fasting is only one approach. The windows can vary based on what works for you. While some people might only eat within the same eight hours a day, others might only eat within a six-hour window (18/6) or four-hour window (20/4).
How the 16/8 Intermittent Fasting Diet Works
Like exercise, restricting calories is a helpful metabolic stressor. Eating within a certain time frame pushes your body in a different metabolic direction than if you were eating all the time.
Intermittent fasting can cause autophagy, which is a crucial defense mechanism against malignancy, infection, and neurodegenerative diseases. It’s basically your body’s way of cleaning out cells that aren’t performing at their best.
Research finds short-term fasting is an effective way of starting neuronal autophagy (cleaning up brain cells that aren’t doing well), therefore protecting your brain against neurodegenerative diseases[*].
Intermittent fasting also triggers a beneficial metabolic reaction that includes[*]:
- A decrease in inflammatory markers
- Reduced blood glucose levels and insulin
- An increase in the neurotrophin BDNF
These are powerful changes that can lead to several health improvements.
Health Benefits of 16/8 Intermittent Fasting
Adopting this eating style may seem difficult if you’ve never tried it before, but once you get used to it, it’s easy to follow. Plus, the research-backed benefits make it an excellent tool to improve your health.
Intermittent fasting 16/8 has been researched for its ability to improve multiple aspects of your health.
#1: Fat Loss
Intermittent fasting can help both healthy and overweight adults lose weight and body fat effectively. Human intervention trials have consistently found IF significantly reduces weight[*] as your body is in a fat-burning mode more often.
In almost any type of fasting, losing weight is a natural byproduct because you’re consuming fewer calories.
#2: Improved Cognitive Function
Another perk of intermittent fasting is that it can improve brain function, boost focus, and get rid of brain fog.
Studies find that restricting calories moderately can[*][*]:
- Protect the brain by reducing oxidative damage to cellular proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids
- Elevate levels of BDNF, an important neurotrophin that is needed for synaptic plasticity
#3: Lower Inflammation
IF is also great for your brain and might help you think clearer. Intermittent fasting, or restricting calories, also lowers markers of inflammation, which in turn aids cognitive function and protects your brain health[*].
#4: Lower Blood Pressure
Research finds intermittent fasting can help reduce blood pressure. According to a recent study, people that restricted eating habits to a smaller period of time lost weight from a lower calorie intake, which then helped them lower their blood pressure[*].
#5: Blood Sugar Control
Intermittent fasting is also an excellent tool for blood sugar regulation. Research has found that IF reduces blood sugar, insulin, and improves insulin sensitivity[*].
#6: Better Metabolic Health
Due to the different beneficial effects of intermittent fasting on health markers, it supports overall metabolic health.
Research finds intermittent fasting can improve metabolic profiles and reduce the risk of obesity and obesity-related conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer[*].
#7: Longevity
The positive effects IF can have on your metabolic health, inflammatory markers, and blood sugar levels may contribute to a longer lifespan and healthy aging.
Even though human trials are still needed to measure IF’s impact on longevity, multiple animal studies show calorie restriction results in an increased lifespan[*].
How to Do Intermittent Fasting 16/8
To do intermittent fasting correctly and reap all the health benefits, here’s what to do:
- Pick your fasting window: Choose what the hours of fasting will be. The easiest approach is to have an early dinner and skip your morning breakfast. For example, eating only from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Have healthy meals during your eating window: A bad diet during your eating window can offset the metabolic benefits of intermittent fasting, so stick to nutritious whole foods.
- Eat fatty, satisfying meals: While you don’t need to be keto to try intermittent fasting, eating fatty foods will make it a lot easier and sustainable. Keto foods are healthy and satisfying, so you won’t be hungry during your fasting window. Practice smart snacking and you’ll do great.
