With the arrival of Ramadan, many people have started fasting for the month-long observance. By the end of Ramadan on Friday, April 21, those observing will have completed 30 days of fasting. However, independent of this religious period, “Intermittent Fasting,” a growing trend in dietary routines, has also been gaining popularity recently.
Traditional Fasting vs. Intermittent Fasting
Traditional fasting during Ramadan involves abstaining from food, water, and all other drinks from sunrise to sunset. In contrast, intermittent fasting is a flexible dietary approach that includes various methods of organizing periods of eating and fasting.
Intermittent fasting is essentially about scheduling the hours you eat and fast, without restricting specific foods. It allows for flexibility in diet, with no need for rigid meal planning. Additionally, many people already fast for around 8 hours while they sleep, and intermittent fasting simply extends this period in a more conscious way.
Another key difference is that intermittent fasting allows for certain calorie-free drinks like tea, coffee, and water throughout the day. This can be an advantage as it eliminates the need to plan multiple meals during the day.
According to experts, whether fasting for spiritual or health reasons, it’s essential to eat nutritious and balanced meals during eating periods. Breaking a fast with excessive food can lead to indigestion and other stomach issues. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with diabetes or chronic health conditions should consult a medical professional before fasting.
Types of Intermittent Fasting
16-8 Method: This is a common type of intermittent fasting where you fast for 16 hours and have an 8-hour eating window. For example, you might eat only between 12 PM and 8 PM each day.
5-2 Method: This involves unrestricted eating for five days and limiting calorie intake to around 500-600 calories on two non-consecutive days.
Eat-Stop-Eat Method: Used once or twice a week, this involves fasting for 24 hours. For example, if you finish dinner at 6 PM, you wouldn’t eat again until 6 PM the next day.
Just as traditional fasting isn’t intended for prolonged periods outside Ramadan, intermittent fasting should also be practiced with moderation. Long-term fasting can lead to muscle loss, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic issues.
