For people looking to shed a few pounds using a simple and straightforward weight loss plan, "The 8-Hour Diet: Watching the Pounds Disappear Without Watching What You Eat!" by David Zinczenko and Peter Moore could not come at a better time. The basic premise of this diet is to eat whatever you want during an 8-hour period, then fast for 16-hours. The authors also recommend an 8-minute daily workout. Although fasting for weight loss is not a new idea, the concept of fasting in repeating intervals is unique.
The 8 Hour Food Window
If you are interested in trying this diet, you will first need to decide on the time that you will begin and end your 16 hour fast. For many people, this will involve skipping breakfast and starting their 8-hour eating window in the late morning. During the eating phase, you are able to eat anything you would like, however the authors strongly encourage that participants stay with a short list of "power foods" that include lean proteins and vegetables. If you have never done a fast before, it is recommended that you take an 'off day' every 4th day to allow your body an opportunity to adjust to the new diet. Eventually, you will be able to go for 7 to 10 days at a time, then longer.
The Pros
There are 4 advantages to the diet:
- fasting is a proven way to lose weight.
- with no restrictions on food, dieters can still enjoy their favourite foods, albeit restricted to certain times of the day.
- by its very nature of fasting and eating phases, it cuts down on 'mindless' late night calorie consumption.
- the 8-minute physical activity component will achieve results.
The Cons
As with all diets, there are issues with the program. In particular:
- potential for overconsumption during the 8-hour eating window. If somebody eats nothing but french fries and hamburgers for 8 straight hours, no weight loss plan will work.
- for people on the diet for more than a few days, the 8-minute exercise component could become problematic.
- a diet is a short term switch out of regular eating habits. It is far better to have a regular pattern of healthy eating integrated into your lifestyle. Having said that, this program can initiate a change in behaviour that could last a lifetime. The best 'diet' is no diet at all - learn how to eat a healthy and balanced diet, and you will not need to go on a diet in the first place.
Summary
This is a very simple plan to help people break out of a cycle of unhealthy eating. The 16-hour fasting window teaches your body to consume during times of activity and to stop eating late at night. Fasting is a proven weight loss technique, and restricting the times of your caloric intake will keep people from snacking at night (when they are bored, not hungry). If people are able to transition their diet towards the "power foods" and away from unhealthy choices, then this diet will have accomplished something important.
The 8 Hour Food Window
If you are interested in trying this diet, you will first need to decide on the time that you will begin and end your 16 hour fast. For many people, this will involve skipping breakfast and starting their 8-hour eating window in the late morning. During the eating phase, you are able to eat anything you would like, however the authors strongly encourage that participants stay with a short list of "power foods" that include lean proteins and vegetables. If you have never done a fast before, it is recommended that you take an 'off day' every 4th day to allow your body an opportunity to adjust to the new diet. Eventually, you will be able to go for 7 to 10 days at a time, then longer.
The Pros
There are 4 advantages to the diet:
- fasting is a proven way to lose weight.
- with no restrictions on food, dieters can still enjoy their favourite foods, albeit restricted to certain times of the day.
- by its very nature of fasting and eating phases, it cuts down on 'mindless' late night calorie consumption.
- the 8-minute physical activity component will achieve results.
The Cons
As with all diets, there are issues with the program. In particular:
- potential for overconsumption during the 8-hour eating window. If somebody eats nothing but french fries and hamburgers for 8 straight hours, no weight loss plan will work.
- for people on the diet for more than a few days, the 8-minute exercise component could become problematic.
- a diet is a short term switch out of regular eating habits. It is far better to have a regular pattern of healthy eating integrated into your lifestyle. Having said that, this program can initiate a change in behaviour that could last a lifetime. The best 'diet' is no diet at all - learn how to eat a healthy and balanced diet, and you will not need to go on a diet in the first place.
Summary
This is a very simple plan to help people break out of a cycle of unhealthy eating. The 16-hour fasting window teaches your body to consume during times of activity and to stop eating late at night. Fasting is a proven weight loss technique, and restricting the times of your caloric intake will keep people from snacking at night (when they are bored, not hungry). If people are able to transition their diet towards the "power foods" and away from unhealthy choices, then this diet will have accomplished something important.
About the Author:
If you enjoyed this article, you may also Ryan's Gift Ideas for the Coffee Lover and The Difference between Food Sensitivities and Allergies. He is passionate about helping new and experienced entrepreneurs earn money online and runs the How to Earn Money Online HQ blog.
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