Many studies have shown that intermittent fasting has a powerful effect on your body and brain, and it may even help you to live longer. It is not actually a diet but rather portrayed as an eating pattern.

Intermittent fasting is perhaps the most well-known weight reduction strategy. It's when you spend a certain period of time during the day without eating (water and black coffee are allowed during this period). This is a 16-hour window (although there are many variations to these alternating eating and fasting windows), followed by an 8-hour feeding window, a period of 8 hours where you consume all your calories for the day).

BENEFITS (cellular and hormonal)

Human growth hormone (HGH) is the main hormone that’s affected via intermittent fasting. When we fast, certain hormones skyrocket. HGH has muscle-building and fat-burning properties. Insulin sensitivity and circulating insulin levels also decline. When you’re in a fasted state, your body makes changes to genes that impact longevity.

Research has also shown that it may result in increased fat burning even when daily calories are the same versus normal dieting and because you’ll have more calories available for your eating window, you’ll be able to fit in more fun, “cheat” foods than on a typical diet. Imagine being able to eat ice cream or pizza every day.

WHAT TO EAT

During your fast, particularly in the first week or two, you may experience hunger pains. This is normal because since your body is used to eating during the day and not used to fasting. After you get past the first two weeks, you’ll find your fast will get easier and easier.

Remember during your fasting period, you’re not supposed to be consuming any calories, so keep the coffee black with Splenda, black coffee acts as an appetite suppressant.