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The space between meals

A plain guide to intermittent fasting: what it is, how people begin, and the much older habit it resembles.

What it is

Intermittent fasting means eating within a set window of hours and not eating outside it. It changes when you eat, not necessarily what you eat.

The 16 : 8 pattern

The most common pattern is sixteen hours without food and an eight-hour window for meals, for example eating between noon and eight in the evening. Much of the fast passes while you sleep. People who are new to it often start with twelve hours and lengthen the gap over a few weeks.

The older tradition

Hindu households have fasted on Ekadashi, the eleventh day of each half of the lunar month, for centuries. Some take only water, some take fruit and milk, some simply leave out grains. The idea is the same one behind today's fasting windows: a regular rest from food.

Before you start

Fasting is not suitable for everyone, including people who are pregnant, people with diabetes and anyone with a history of eating disorders. This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing how you eat.

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