Everyone’s talking about it, lots of people try it, but what does intermittent fasting really do? Time for a sober (and honest) look.
Intermittent fasting has been everywhere for a few years now.
16:8, 5:2, OMAD: what sounds like Wi-Fi passwords are eating rhythms that supposedly help you lose weight, clean out your cells and pretty much optimise your whole life.
But what’s behind it?
Is intermittent fasting really that effective, or just a stylish myth in the fitness bubble?
Let’s untangle it.
What is intermittent fasting, and how does it work?
Very simply:
intermittent fasting isn’t about what you eat, but when.
You switch between a phase in which you eat and a phase in which you fast (meaning no calories).
The most common method is 16:8: 16 hours of fasting, 8 hours of eating.
For example, first meal at noon, last one at 8 pm.
The goal:
- lower insulin levels
- promote fat burning
- give the body time to regenerate (keyword: autophagy)
Does it work? Yes, but not the same for everyone.
Many people report:
weight loss
fewer cravings
more energy in the morning
better focus
And that’s true, if it suits your everyday life and your body.
Because:
if you need to perform in the morning (physically or mentally), fasting can be counterproductive.
If you use the eating window to shovel in huge amounts of calories in 8 hours, you won’t see any miracles either.
If you’ve suffered from an eating disorder or have a difficult relationship with food, IF is more likely to be dangerous than helpful.
The truth: intermittent fasting is a tool, not a magic trick.
It’s no miracle cure.
But it can be a very effective tool, if you:
eat enough (yes, too little often happens with fasting too)
give your body time to adjust
don’t use it as an excuse to shovel everything in during the day
choose a method that fits your everyday life
Is it “better” than three meals a day? No.
It’s different: not better, not worse.
My experience as a coach: the best results come when you don’t overdo it.
I have many clients who get on really well with IF, mainly because it brings structure to their day.
Others notice after two weeks: “This just isn’t for me.” And that’s completely fine.
What counts isn’t whether it’s a trend.
It’s whether it suits you, your goal and your everyday life.
Bottom line: intermittent fasting can work, but it doesn’t have to.
If you feel good with it, have more energy and make progress: great.
If you notice it stresses you, makes you tired or leaves you unfocused: drop it.
It’s a way, not the way.
And long-term success always comes from consistency, not trends.
If you want to find out whether intermittent fasting makes sense for you, or how to structure your eating in general without stressing yourself:
get in touch.
I’ll help you find the approach that fits your everyday life, your body and your goals.
📩 Request your Start Plan or send me a message.
