Crash diets often fail because they are difficult to maintain, but any diet can be challenging if it’s not sustainable. Intermittent fasting, a widely endorsed weight loss method, is an approach Dr. Michael Mosley advocates for. Unlike traditional diets that focus on food choices, intermittent fasting emphasizes when you eat.
Dr. Mosley explained, “Intermittent fasting is a modern, easier approach to fasting. Instead of going without food for long periods, you limit eating to certain hours or restrict calories on some days.”
There are several variations of intermittent fasting. One popular method is the 5:2 plan, where you consume only 800 calories for two days a week and eat normally the other five days. Another approach, called Time-Restricted Eating, extends your overnight fast by either skipping breakfast or having an early dinner, condensing your eating window to 8, 10, or 12 hours each day.
The benefits of intermittent fasting include increased energy, better mood, and sustainable weight loss through reduced calorie intake. However, sticking to the plan requires more than just willpower. Dr. Mosley stresses the importance of regular exercise in supporting weight loss efforts. “Exercise helps manage cravings and can prevent overeating,” he said, adding that maintaining fitness keeps your body insulin-sensitive, which is key to curbing hunger.
However, Dr. Mosley advises against intense workouts on fasting days. He suggests sticking to low-impact exercises, like walking or yoga, on days when you’re restricting calories. “Avoid endurance or highly demanding exercise on a fast day,” he recommended.
