Most People Are Fasting Wrong — Here’s How to Get It Right

The fast-forward approach works better for fat loss and energy

Sean Barker, CPT, PN2
In Fitness And In Health
5 min readOct 19, 2024

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Photo by Kirill Tonkikh on Unsplash

Intermittent fasting (IF) has become a popular diet method over the last decade, but most people don’t stick with it for long because they make it too difficult.

Intermittent fasting involves alternating between periods of fasting and eating. Some popular methods include fasting for 16 hours followed by an 8-hour eating window, while others opt for a 24-hour fast once or twice a week. More dedicated biohackers may even undertake 3 to 5-day fasts every few months to enhance their health and promote longevity.

However, a common mistake, especially among those who use the 16–8 method, is skipping breakfast, which can lead to eating more later in the day to compensate. Fast until noon and have your last meal at 8 p.m., for example.

While fasting can offer benefits if it aligns with your goals and lifestyle, many individuals are fasting backward by postponing their first meal. This can result in increased stress levels, muscle loss and late-night snacking. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the benefits of fasting more effectively.

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In Fitness And In Health
In Fitness And In Health

Published in In Fitness And In Health

Medium’s largest collection of science-based and experience-backed insights for a fitter, healthier, and happier you.

Sean Barker, CPT, PN2
Sean Barker, CPT, PN2

Written by Sean Barker, CPT, PN2

Award-winning fitness coach and best-selling author of The Easy Eating Diet and cookbook. Apply for Online Custom FIT Coaching here: https://bit.ly/3wzBhHH

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