IF has been a popular practice these last few years because it’s constantly in the media and some people do lose weight on it.

IF can be an effective weight loss method for SOME people. But for others it may not be appropriate.

The food we might be skipping during intermittent fasting, is the same food that provides the micro-nutrition we need to support our vital physiological processes. If someone doesn’t pay attention to what they’re eating during their eating windows, they may be compromising their health.

IF may also not be appropriate for very active people or athletes with higher nutrient and energy demands. If they are eliminating one meal, they’re at a higher risk of not providing their body with what it needs, not only from a health but also from a performance perspective. 

In other words, IF is a refined tool that needs to be CONTEXTUALISED. 

Also, there’s nothing magical about weight loss through IF. It’s just a different eating pattern that helps to reduce overall caloric intake for some people who find it easier than continuous caloric restriction because it suits their busy lifestyles. For others, focusing on eating better quality foods and eating more mindfully might be a better approach.

So, if you’ve been thinking about IF, I encourage you to think twice. Is it really going to help YOU eat less and better? 

I’m all for trying things. And if the answer is yes, then I encourage you start slowly using this ratio in hours – 14:10 (fast:eat), gradually progressing to 16:8 (fast:eat). There are other ways to do it, but this is one I would usually recommend.