Summer Diets and Intermittent Fasting
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By now almost everyone has heard of intermittent fasting. But what is intermittent fasting and is it an okay diet for summer (or any other time of year)? Keep reading to find out more!
What is intermittent fasting?
Intermittent Fasting is a regular planned schedule of time periods of eating and time periods of not eating. Johns Hopkins described it as not what you eat, but when you eat. There are various types of intermittent fasting, including:
- Daily Time Restricted Fasting: this typically involves eating only within a certain eight-hour window of time
- 5:2 Fasting: eating five days a week and fasting two days a week with a small meal eaten during the fasting days
- Alternating Fasting Days: eating one day and fasting the next
Fasting for longer than a 72-hour period of time can be dangerous and can encourage your body to store fat instead of burning it. Intermittent fasting is not recommended without doctor or dietitian supervision.
Is intermittent fasting safe?
Yes, intermittent fasting is mostly safe. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice. People often report an adjustment period of four weeks for their body to get used to their new eating schedule. People have reported feeling:
- Mood swings and hunger
- Low energy
- Headaches
Using intermittent fasting incorrectly can lead to malnutrition and other serious conditions. Please follow your doctor’s instructions.
Schedule an appointment
Looking to try out intermittent fasting? Schedule an appointment with your Village Health Partners dietitian or provider online here or text your preferred location below to get started:
- West Plano Medical Village: Text (469) 382-4891
- Independence Medical Village: Text (469) 382-3548
- McKinney Medical Village: Text (469) 382-3717
- Frisco Medical Village: Text (469) 382-3415