Glossary /
Intermittent Fasting
An eating pattern that cycles between defined feeding windows and longer periods without caloric intake.
What it is
Intermittent fasting is not a diet — it is a schedule. The most common forms are time-restricted eating (16:8, 18:6, OMAD), alternate-day fasting, and longer 24-to-72-hour fasts done occasionally. The shared mechanism is a sustained drop in insulin and a switch from glucose to fatty acids and ketones for fuel.
Why it matters
A consistent overnight fast aligned with your circadian rhythm — eating during daylight, stopping a few hours before bed — improves glucose tolerance and sleep quality in most people. Longer fasts dial up autophagy and growth-hormone release. Fasting is not appropriate for everyone: people who are pregnant, underweight, recovering from disordered eating, or stacking heavy training loads need a different approach. The goal is metabolic flexibility, not deprivation.