IF is gaining more and more popular among individuals who desire to shed pounds or enhance their general wellness. This approach entails alternating periods of fasting with periods of regular eating. There are several fasting regimens, but among the most prevalent are the 16:8 and 12:12 plans. This article aims to outline what these two plans entail, their resemblances and differences, and which one might be more suitable for you.
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting refers to a meal plan in which you alternate between periods of fasting and non-fasting. The goal is to refrain from consuming food for a specific number of hours to provide your body with a respite from digestion and enable it to concentrate on other functions such as cellular restoration and cleansing. Although there are numerous IF regimens, the most popular ones are time-restricted feeding (TRF) and alternate-day fasting (ADF).
What is the 16:8 Intermittent Fasting Plan?
The 16:8 plan is a type of TRF, where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window. For example, you might eat between 12 pm and 8 pm and fast from 8 pm to 12 pm the next day. During the fasting period, you can drink water, coffee, or tea, but you should avoid calories. This plan is popular because it’s relatively easy to follow and fits into most people’s lifestyles.
What is the 12:12 Intermittent Fasting Plan?
The 12:12 method is a variation of time-restricted feeding in which you fast for 12 hours and consume food during a 12-hour period. For instance, you may eat from 7 am to 7 pm and then fast from 7 pm until 7 am the following day. This approach is also fairly straightforward and may be more convenient for individuals who prefer to have breakfast in the morning.
Similarities and Dissimilarities between 16:8 and 12:12
Both the 16:8 and 12:12 plans are types of TRF and involve periods of fasting and eating. They also both promote weight loss and other health benefits like improved insulin sensitivity and lower inflammation levels. However, the main difference between the two plans is the length of the fasting and eating windows. The 16:8 plan has an 8-hour eating window, while the 12:12 plan has a 12-hour eating window.
16:8 or 12:12, How to Select an Intermittent Fasting Plan for Beginners?
If you’re a beginner in intermittent fasting, it’s crucial to select a plan that’s simple to follow and can be incorporated into your daily routine. The 16:8 method may be a more appropriate option for individuals who prefer to delay breakfast or consume it later in the day, whereas the 12:12 method may be more suitable for those who prefer to have breakfast in the morning. Furthermore, it’s essential to pay attention to your body’s response and modify your fasting schedule as necessary.
Other Useful Tips to Better Do Intermittent Fasting
To make the most of your intermittent fasting plan, it’s important to eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods during your eating window. You should also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to gradually increase the length of your fasting window over time to allow your body to adjust to the changes.
To double the effectiveness of intermittent fasting, it’s suggested that an app should be applied to accurately track your starting and ending time of a fasting window and provide simple diet tips based on high nutrients. SoonFasting tops the list of all available intermittent fasting apps since it allows users to directly talk with a real coach for advice about intermittent fasting and its guide.
In conclusion, intermittent fasting is an effective way to lose weight and improve your overall health. While there are many different fasting plans to choose from, the 16:8 and 12:12 plans are two of the most popular ones. Ultimately, it’s a smart idea to use an intermittent fasting app like SoonFasting to reach your ideal weight as soon as possible.