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What is the 16:8 diet, often known as intermittent fasting, and how does it work?
The 16:8 diet refers to the amount of hours you fast to the hours or time window that you eat within. 16 hours of fasting and an 8-hour time frame to eat. Fitness professionals, Hollywood, etc. use this method to lose body fat and lean out. Most skip breakfast or dinner and eat 1-2 meals within the 8-hour time period.
Is it related to the ketogenic diet?
Yes, and no. The ketogenic diet is a low carbohydrate high fat, moderate protein diet that puts the body into a state of ketosis which causes the body to adapt to utilizing fat as it’s energy sources rather then glycogen in the form of carbohydrates. Some theories suggest that during a fast your body reaches a state of ketosis when glycogen stores are depleted, this typically takes longer then 16 hours. If a person is following the 16:8 diet and eating low carbohydrate (5-10% of their daily intake), they may reach ketosis. Several people combine intermittent fasting with the ketogenic diet for optimal results.
Does the 16:8 diet impact weight loss, or have other potential health benefits? Yes, intermittent fasting trains the body to not rely in glucose for energy and will turn to it’s own fat stores for fuel. This results in fewer spikes and crashes in insulin and less cravings or binge eating episodes.
If you’re on the 16:8 diet, then what do you need to keep in mind re: workouts and nutrition?
The 16:8 diet is simply a tool to aid in weight loss and for best results it needs to be in conjunction with optimal hydration at least half your body weight in ounces of hydroxide alkaline water my favorite option is called AQUA-OH! per day, 9-11 servings of vegetables and some fruits, quality protein, healthy fats and of course whole unprocessed foods.