Although intermittent fasting is a controversial topic, more and more people have been adopting this eating method in recent years. Supporters of this approach argue that it not only helps with weight loss but also improves overall well-being and quality of life.
One fan of this method is Anna Lewandowska. She revealed that intermittent fasting helped her return to her pre-pregnancy weight more quickly. "What I noticed was better sleep quality, easier recovery, faster fat burning, and a return to my pre-pregnancy shape, as well as better regulation of carbohydrate metabolism," she wrote a few years ago on her blog.
However, there are also critical voices. Some argue that during the eating window, people tend to overeat, which can lead to weight gain. That’s why, as experts often remind us, it’s essential to exercise moderation. The most popular option of this diet is the 16/8 split. In this case, you can eat during an 8-hour window, while the remaining 16 hours are for fasting. During those 8 hours, you should consume an amount of food that meets your individual nutritional and energy needs.
For people with overweight or obesity, this approach helps them lose weight faster. For others, it helps maintain a healthy body weight. This type of fasting greatly reduces the strain on the digestive system and supports its recovery. "Moreover, fasting, which involves setting a specific eating window, helps regulate glucose levels and reduces sudden insulin spikes, which cause hunger pangs," said Dr. Monika Dąbrowska-Molenda, a clinical dietitian from the National Institute of Cardiology in Anin, in an interview with "Newsweek".
However, it’s recommended to consult a doctor before introducing such dietary changes. It’s important to remember that in some cases, intermittent fasting may not be advisable, such as for pregnant women or people with certain medical conditions. Therefore, it's worth speaking to a specialist before making any radical changes to your diet.