Why I Started Intermittent Fasting (And Who Should Try It)

I’ve recently incorporated intermittent fasting (IF) into my routine. This is something I’ve discussed extensively in the past, and I’ve kept up with the latest scientific research as it emerges. Now, let me be clear – I’m not a die-hard advocate for intermittent fasting. It’s not something I universally recommend to clients, but if someone finds it works for them, I fully support them in doing it the right way.

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Why Don’t I Typically Recommend Intermittent Fasting?

For most people, intermittent fasting isn’t necessary, and it can sometimes lead to an unhealthy focus on simply abstaining from food rather than prioritising overall diet quality. Many fall into the trap of obsessing over the fasting window while making poor nutritional choices when they do eat. More importantly, sustainable weight loss fundamentally comes down to achieving a Calorie deficit and building long-term habits – fasting is not essential for that.

Some intermittent fasting enthusiasts argue that the method itself has unique fat loss and metabolic benefits beyond calorie control. While there’s an ongoing debate in the scientific community, the reality is that for most people, the primary benefit of intermittent fasting is reducing Calorie intake rather than offering any magical fat-burning benefits.

Why Have I Started Intermittent Fasting?

For me, intermittent fasting fits seamlessly into my lifestyle. I enjoy larger, more satisfying meals. Shortening my eating window allows me to eat in a way that feels more enjoyable. Rather than snacking throughout the day, I prefer feeling properly satiated after a meal.

My approach is loosely based on the 16:8 fasting method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window. That said, I’m not rigid with the timing. I typically finish eating around 6 PM and don’t eat again until around midday the next day. Technically, this is more of an 18:6 fasting schedule, but I don’t stress about the details. I also have a few milky coffees in the morning, which technically “breaks” the fast, but that’s fine – I’m not chasing exaggerated fasting benefits. My goal is simple: a reduced eating window, fewer overall Calories, and shedding those last few festive pounds.

Who Can Benefit from Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting can be an effective tool for:

• People who tend to overeat in the evenings – If you struggle with nighttime snacking, fasting can be a great way to curb late-night calorie intake.

• Those who prefer larger meals – If you’d rather have two or three big, satisfying meals instead of grazing all day, intermittent fasting makes this easier.

• Individuals who don’t mind skipping breakfast – If you can comfortably delay your first meal, you might find fasting effortless.

Personally, I fall into the first two categories. I could easily overeat in the evenings, but I also know that’s not ideal for staying lean year-round. By cutting off my food intake early and fasting through the morning, I maintain better control over my total calorie intake.

Who Should Avoid Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting isn’t for everyone. You might want to avoid it if:

• You’re highly active in the morning – If you work a physically demanding job or train early in the day, fasting may not provide the fuel your body needs.

• You have a history of binge eating – Extended fasting periods can sometimes trigger overeating later in the day, which defeats the purpose.

• You love breakfast too much to give it up – If breakfast is your favourite meal, forcing yourself to skip it may not be sustainable.

That said, breakfast doesn’t have to be in the morning. Even though I fast until midday, I still eat my favourite high-protein breakfast when I break my fast – usually salmon, eggs, spinach, and protein bread or bagels. Who says breakfast food is only for mornings?

Final Thoughts on Intermittent Fasting

At the end of the day, intermittent fasting is just another dietary strategy, and it’s not inherently superior to traditional calorie control. While some of the bold claims about metabolic advantages are overhyped, IF can be a highly effective approach for those who enjoy the structure and find it helps them naturally reduce Calorie intake.

It’s not a magic bullet, but when used correctly, intermittent fasting can be a powerful tool for weight management and overall lifestyle flexibility.