A recent study compared intermittent fasting with daily calorie restriction over the course of one year, following more than 100 participants. Those who fasted just three days per week, even on non-consecutive days, lost about six pounds more than those who tried to reduce calories every day.
However, the most important factor in weight loss was consistency. People who stuck to their chosen method regularly saw better results, regardless of the specific approach. The study also showed that there is no single best time window for fasting—each person can choose hours that suit their schedule, lifestyle, or personal preferences.
When it comes to food, it’s important to focus on high-quality meals after fasting. Instead of eating junk food, healthier alternatives are encouraged. For example, replacing a cheeseburger with a turkey burger wrapped in lettuce can help maintain nutritional goals while still being satisfying. The key idea is to make smart, consistent choices over time.
Vocabulary:
• Fasting (noun): Not eating for a period of time.
• Calorie (noun): A unit of energy from food.
• Restriction (noun): A limit or control of something.
• Consistent (adj): Doing something regularly or in the same way.
• Parameters (noun): Rules or limits that define a system.
• Stressors (noun): Things that cause stress.
• Meal (noun): Food eaten at a specific time.
• Lettuce (noun): A leafy green used in salads or as a wrap.
• Turkey (noun): A type of lean meat, often used instead of beef.
• Wellness (noun): A state of being healthy.
• Stick to (phrasal verb): To keep doing something and not quit.
• Swerving (verb): Turning quickly to avoid something; here, used humorously to avoid unhealthy food.
Source: Good Morning America