Time-restricted eating is all the rage right now. I have talked about intermittent fasting before on my blog. If you have read my previous posts, then you know that intermittent fasting is a time-restricted eating technique that works for me. I have been eating this way for several years. Today I want to talk about how it has helped me and why you should give it a try.
Time-restricted eating limits when you are allowed to eat during the day. Some people will eat during a 6-10 hour period each day. Others will fast for two days a week and eat normally the rest of the time.
Most “diets” have very strict rules about what you can and cannot eat. Time-restricted eating does not work that way. You can eat whatever you want as long as it is consumed within a certain time frame. However, it is healthier to make nutritious food choices.
Time-restricted eating is more of a lifestyle choice than a diet. It will work well for some and not for others.
It certainly works well for my lifestyle. Most days I start eating around 1 or 2pm and stop eating at 8 or 9pm. I say most days because sometimes I enjoy a cocktail and late night meal with friends. That is fine. Intermittent literally means occurring on irregular intervals. So, it is okay to allow yourself some flexibility on this diet.
I do, however, recommend being strict with your feeding routine your first couple weeks of time-restricted eating. You want to see if this is something your body responds well to, so take it seriously when you first start. Eventually you can add in that flexibility if it something you want to stick with.
Let’s talk about some concerns you may have in regards to time-restricted eating.
If you are worried you will be starving during your fasting hours, don’t be. Your body will adjust to this new way of eating. I was worried too when I started fasting in the AM. However, after the first week, I felt fine. In fact, I felt energized.
Evenings will probably be the bigger challenge. If you are a late night snacker or have a job that keeps you up late, restricting your food in the PM is going to be tough at first. But if you can make it work, you will likely be happy with the outcome.
Some positive effects of time-restricted eating that I have experience include: more energy, less bloating, better control over my anxiety and a better relationship with food.
I have always had a problem digesting food. Without fail at the end of the day, everyday, I would look like I was pregnant. My bloating was out of control. Fasting, as well as eliminating several trigger foods, has completely helped with my digestion issues.
Time-restricted eating also helps control blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. It can additionally help you lose weight because with fewer hours in a day to eat, it is harder to overeat.
Give time-restricted eating a try. You may find it works well for you. If you don’t enjoy it, try something else!