Intermittent fasting has become a huge trend in recent years — but what is it, really?
Put simply, intermittent fasting means you eat all your meals within a set time window each day and don’t eat for the rest of the time.
For example, you might eat between 12pm and 8pm — that’s your 8-hour eating window. After that, you don’t eat again until the next day.
That’s it. Nothing fancy or extreme just a different way of timing your meals.
⚖️ The Truth About Fasting and Fat Loss
Here’s the important part: fasting itself doesn’t magically burn fat.
The reason it can work for some people is because it helps them eat fewer calories overall.
When your eating window is shorter, you might naturally eat less food — and that’s what creates the calorie deficit needed for fat loss.
But if you still eat more calories than your body needs — even in a shorter window — you won’t lose weight.
Fat loss always comes down to one thing: burning more calories than you consume (Calories in v Calories out).
✅ The Realistic Benefits of Fasting
When done sensibly, intermittent fasting can offer a few genuine benefits:
Reduces your eating window – which can help if you’re following a calorie-controlled plan.
Simplifies your routine – fewer meals to plan and prepare each day.
For some, improves focus – though this also depends a lot on your sleep, stress levels, and the quality of your food.
⚠️ The Drawbacks to Watch Out For
Intermittent fasting isn’t for everyone. Here are a few common challenges:
You might feel low on energy if you train early without eating first.
Some people end up overcompensating later in the day.
It can be hard to stick to if you have a busy family or social life.
💡 Tips If You Want to Try It
If you’re curious about fasting, here’s how to do it in a simple, balanced way:
Start small – try eating within a 12-hour window (e.g. 8am–8pm) before going shorter.
Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water (you can also drink black coffee and tea during fasting period).
Break your fast with a balanced meal – include protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
Adjust around your training – if you train in the morning, you might need to adjust the timings of the fast to ensure you have the energy to train
Listen to your body – if it leaves you tired, moody, or overeating later, it’s probably not for you.
💬 The Bottom Line
Intermittent fasting can help some people eat fewer calories and simplify their day but it’s not a magic fix. Your results still come from consistent training, good food choices, sleep, and lifestyle habits and weight loss comes down to being in a CALORIE DEFICIT (eat less calories than you burn off) and if Intermittent fasting helps you achieve that then happy days.