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ZOE Science & Nutrition

Recap: What the science says about intermittent fasting | Gin Stephens

Feb 18, 2025
Tim Spector, a renowned Professor of nutritional science, joins Gin Stephens to explore the science behind intermittent fasting. They dissect its rising popularity, comparing methods like time-restricted eating and alternate daily fasting. A fascinating study reveals a 10-hour eating window can boost energy and mood. The duo discusses how flexible fasting can fit diverse lifestyles and its evolving research, highlighting improvements in gut health and inflammation. It's a deep dive into whether this fasting trend is backed by solid evidence or just hype.
14:30

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Intermittent fasting, particularly through time-restricted eating, shows potential benefits like increased energy, better mood, and improved gut health.
  • Individualized fasting schedules are essential for sustainability, suggesting that personal experimentation with meal timing can enhance adherence and health outcomes.

Deep dives

Understanding Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of eating and fasting, which can be adapted to fit individual lifestyles. The concept is less about the fear of going without food and more about managing the timing of meals to extend fasting periods. Common methods include time-restricted eating, where meals are consumed within a specific window, typically spanning from six to ten hours. This practice contrasts with older approaches like the 5-2 method, which allowed for some caloric intake on fasting days but is now seen as less effective.

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