For people looking to shed a few pounds using a simple and straightforward weight loss plan, "The 8-Hour Diet: Watching the Pounds Disappear Without Watching What You Eat!" by David Zinczenko and Peter Moore could not come at a better time. The basic premise of this diet is to eat whatever you want during an 8-hour period, then fast for 16-hours. The authors also recommend an 8-minute daily workout. Although fasting for weight loss is not a new idea, the concept of fasting in repeating intervals is unique.
The 8 Hour Food Window
If you are interested in trying this diet, you will first need to decide on the time that you will begin and end your 16 hour fast. For many people, this will involve skipping breakfast and starting their 8-hour eating window in the late morning. During the eating phase, you are able to eat anything you would like, however the authors strongly encourage that participants stay with a short list of "power foods" that include lean proteins and vegetables. If you have never done a fast before, it is recommended that you take an 'off day' every 4th day to allow your body an opportunity to adjust to the new diet. Eventually, you will be able to go for 7 to 10 days at a time, then longer.
The Pros
There are 4 advantages to the diet:
- fasting is a proven way to lose weight.
- with no restrictions on food, dieters can still enjoy their favourite foods, albeit restricted to certain times of the day.
- by its very nature of fasting and eating phases, it cuts down on 'mindless' late night calorie consumption.
- the 8-minute physical activity component will achieve results.
The Cons
As with all diets, there are issues with the program. In particular:
- the potential exists for overconsumption throughout the 8-hour eating window. If somebody binges on french fries and hamburgers for 8 straight hours, no weight loss plan will work.
- for people on the diet for more than a few days, the 8-minute exercise component could become problematic.
- a diet is a short term switch out of regular eating habits. It is far better to have a regular pattern of healthy eating integrated into your lifestyle. Having said that, this program can initiate a change in behaviour that could last a lifetime. The best 'diet' is no diet at all - learn how to eat a healthy and balanced diet, and you will not need to go on a diet in the first place.
Summary
The beauty of the 8-hour diet is in its simplicity. The clock determines when you can eat, and the hope is that dieters begin to make healthy food choices when picking which calories they will be consuming for the day. Over time, the 16-hour fasting phase helps the body to recognize that late night 'grazing' is not really a symptom of being hungry, but rather a result of being bored. This is a good way to kick start a switch to healthy eating and is certain to help you drop a few pounds. The "power foods" can form a more permanent foundation for a life of healthy eating - if dieters make the connection between smart food choices and proper consumption levels, this diet will have accomplished something important.
The 8 Hour Food Window
If you are interested in trying this diet, you will first need to decide on the time that you will begin and end your 16 hour fast. For many people, this will involve skipping breakfast and starting their 8-hour eating window in the late morning. During the eating phase, you are able to eat anything you would like, however the authors strongly encourage that participants stay with a short list of "power foods" that include lean proteins and vegetables. If you have never done a fast before, it is recommended that you take an 'off day' every 4th day to allow your body an opportunity to adjust to the new diet. Eventually, you will be able to go for 7 to 10 days at a time, then longer.
The Pros
There are 4 advantages to the diet:
- fasting is a proven way to lose weight.
- with no restrictions on food, dieters can still enjoy their favourite foods, albeit restricted to certain times of the day.
- by its very nature of fasting and eating phases, it cuts down on 'mindless' late night calorie consumption.
- the 8-minute physical activity component will achieve results.
The Cons
As with all diets, there are issues with the program. In particular:
- the potential exists for overconsumption throughout the 8-hour eating window. If somebody binges on french fries and hamburgers for 8 straight hours, no weight loss plan will work.
- for people on the diet for more than a few days, the 8-minute exercise component could become problematic.
- a diet is a short term switch out of regular eating habits. It is far better to have a regular pattern of healthy eating integrated into your lifestyle. Having said that, this program can initiate a change in behaviour that could last a lifetime. The best 'diet' is no diet at all - learn how to eat a healthy and balanced diet, and you will not need to go on a diet in the first place.
Summary
The beauty of the 8-hour diet is in its simplicity. The clock determines when you can eat, and the hope is that dieters begin to make healthy food choices when picking which calories they will be consuming for the day. Over time, the 16-hour fasting phase helps the body to recognize that late night 'grazing' is not really a symptom of being hungry, but rather a result of being bored. This is a good way to kick start a switch to healthy eating and is certain to help you drop a few pounds. The "power foods" can form a more permanent foundation for a life of healthy eating - if dieters make the connection between smart food choices and proper consumption levels, this diet will have accomplished something important.
About the Author:
Ryan is has published other diet and exercise articles including What to Expect from P90x. He is passionate about helping new and experienced entrepreneurs earn money online and runs the How to Earn Money Online HQ blog.
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