Intermittent Fasting Schedules

Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular in many circles so we will be devoting a few articles to the subject. If you use intermittent fasting please leave a comment and share your experiences with us.

In this article we are starting with a pure definition of the topic. If you are considering incorporating intermittent fasting into your lifestyle or training regiment please check with your health care provider to make sure it will be healthy for you. Intermittent fasting has several variations so today we will bullet out some of the more popular intermittent fasting schedules:

1. The 16/8 Method (Leangains protocol)

• Fast for 16 hours each day and eat during an 8-hour window.
• Example: Finish dinner by 8 PM and skip breakfast, resuming eating at 12 PM the next day. Your eating window would be from 12 PM to 8 PM.

2. The 5:2 Method (Fast Diet)

• Eat normally for five days of the week and restrict calorie intake on two non-consecutive days.
• Example: On fasting days, consume about 500-600 calories, while eating normally on the other five days.

3. The Eat-Stop-Eat Method

• Perform a 24-hour fast once or twice a week.
• Example: Finish dinner at 7 PM on Monday and do not eat until 7 PM on Tuesday.

4. Alternate-Day Fasting

• Fast every other day, consuming either no food or very few calories (about 500) on fasting days.
• Example: Eat normally on Monday, fast on Tuesday, eat normally on Wednesday, and so on.

5. The Warrior Diet

• Fast during the day (with the option to consume small amounts of raw fruits and vegetables) and eat a large meal in the evening, within a 4-hour window.
• Example: Eat minimally from 8 AM to 4 PM, and then have a large meal between 4 PM and 8 PM.

6. Spontaneous Meal Skipping

• Occasionally skip meals when it’s convenient or when you’re not feeling hungry.
• Example: Skip breakfast or lunch when you’re busy or not hungry, without a strict schedule.

There you go, you should now have an understanding of what intermittent fasting is and the varying ways it can be employed to benefit you in reaching your health, training and fitness goals.

Remember that individual preferences and lifestyle factors play a significant role in the success of an intermittent fasting schedule. It’s essential to choose a plan that aligns with your daily routine and health goals. Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns.

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