Should You Try Intermittent Fasting?
Dr. Mark Hyman explains everything you need to know
It certainly seems like one of the biggest diet trends right now is intermittent fasting. Everyone on Instagram’s talking about it, how-to guides are being published online, and some outlets are sharing its benefits — or warning about its potential dangers. So… what’s the deal? Is intermittent fasting safe? Should you try it? And what’s more, does it even work?! Luckily we were able to turn to our friend Dr. Mark Hyman, author of the new cookbook Food: What the Heck Should I Cook?, who told us everything we need to know…
Katie Couric: Before we go into the health aspect of this practice, can you tell us what exactly intermittent fasting is — and how it’s different from a full fast?
Dr. Mark Hyman: Fasting implies not eating anything. Emerging research points to the regenerative, health, and anti-aging benefits of various types of fasting including time restricted eating (eating during an 8 to 12-hour window), alternate day fasting, long-term fasts for reversal of disease, and even fasting mimicking diets or short-term calorie restriction. All these have similar benefits for health. In fact, many fast without even realizing it.
