Intermittent fasting has gained significant attention for its effectiveness in fat reduction and improvement in overall health. It is an endorsed practice by medical professionals and dietitians.
Before explaining how to calculate intermittent fasting, it is important to understand what it is.
Intermittent fasting or (IF) is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of fasting and eating. It primarily emphasizes the timing of your meals rather than the content of your meals.
The most famous approaches to intermittent fasting are:
Fast for 16 hours each day and eat during an 8-hour window. Typically, this means skipping breakfast and eating from noon to 8 PM.
Eat normally for five days of the week and consume only about 500–600 calories on the other two days.
Alternate between fasting days, where you consume very few calories (about 500 calories), and eating days with no restrictions.
Here's a simple table for a week-long intermittent fasting plan using the 16/8 method, which involves 16 hours of fasting followed by an 8-hour eating window each day.
DAY | FASTING PERIOD | EATING WINDOW | NOTES |
Monday | 8:00 PM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Stay hydrated |
Tuesday | 8:00 PM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Eat balanced meals |
Wednesday | 8:00 PM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Include fruits and vegetables |
Thursday | 8:00 PM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Stay active |
Friday | 8:00 PM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Plan your meals |
Saturday | 8:00 PM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Try exercise and yoga |
Sunday | 8:00 PM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Practice meditation |
Here is a sample table for an intermittent fasting diet plan, covering a typical week with a 16:8 fasting/eating window. This means fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window each day.
Day | Fasting Period | Eating Period | Meal 1 (Start of eating window) | Meal 2 (Mid-Eating Window) | Meal 3 ( End of eating window) | Snacks and beverages |
Monday | 8 PM - 12 PM | 12 PM - 8 PM | Grilled chicken salad | Greek yogurt with nuts and berries | Baked salmon with quinoa | Herbal tea, water, nuts |
Tuesday | 8 PM - 12 PM | 12 PM - 8 PM | Turkey wrap with veges | Apple slices with peanut butter | Stir-fried tofu with vegetables | Green tea, water, carrot sticks |
Wednesday | 8 PM - 12 PM | 12 PM - 8 PM | Avocado toast with eggs | Smoothie with yogurt, banana, spinach and ginger | Grilled shrimp with brown rice | Herbal tea, water, mixed nuts |
Thursday | 8 PM - 12 PM | 12 PM - 8 PM | Quinoa bowl with chickpeas | Cottage cheese with pineapple | Chicken stir fry with broccoli | Green tea, water, nuts, celery sticks |
Friday | 8 PM - 12 PM | 12 PM - 8 PM | Tuna salad with whole gran cracker | Hummus with veges sticks | Baked cod with sweet potato | Green tea, water, almonds |
Saturday | 8 PM - 12 PM | 12 PM - 8 PM | Lentil soup with whole grain bread | Cheese and whole wheat crackers | Beef stir-fry with peppers | Water, herbal tea, fruit slices |
Sunday | 8 PM - 12 PM | 12 PM - 8 PM | Egg and veges scramble | Protein shake with spinach | Grilled chicken with wild rice | Green tea, trail mix |
Intermittent fasting aids weight loss through several methods:
During intermittent fasting, certain drinks and low-calorie foods are allowed:
Drinks Allowed | Foods Allowed |
Water | Apple cider vinegar |
Green tea | Vegetable or bone broth |
Black coffee | Pickles |
Herbal tea | Sugar-free chewing gum |
Vegetable or bone broth | Lemon juice diluted in water |
Electrolyte drinks without added sugar | - |
One notable clinical trial on intermittent fasting, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, examined the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) on weight loss and metabolic health.
The trial involved 41 adults with obesity and prediabetes, who were randomly assigned to either a 10-hour eating window or a regular eating pattern over 12 weeks. Both groups consumed the same number of calories daily. The study found that both groups lost similar amounts of weight, suggesting that the timing of meals may not be as critical as the overall calorie intake for weight loss.
Yes, IF has been shown to improve the overall metabolic rate of the human body.
It promotes insulin sensitivity and reduces insulin resistance, which helps to control blood sugar levels.
It also restricts calorie intake, which helps to control weight and improves metabolic rate.
The fasting period increases the level of nor-epinephrine, which can promote fat burning and improve metabolic rate.
Many people report losing around 1-2 pounds per week with 16:8 intermittent fasting when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, initial weight loss might be more significant due to water loss and changes in eating habits.
The best intermittent fasting window to lose belly fat can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle. However, one of the most commonly recommended and effective methods is the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window.
Intermittent fasting is not a diet, so you are not restricted to eat anything unless you have individual dietary restrictions so you can eat what ever you want in 8-hour eating window.
Yes, you can, but avoid overdoing any strenuous exercise and stay hydrated.
Below is a reference list for the article on intermittent fasting: