What does 16:8 mean?
You may have heard the lingo “sixteen-eight” tossed around and wondered what exactly that means. 16:8 refers to a form of intermittent fasting that can be practiced regularly. It’s a simple formula of 16 hours of fasting, followed by an 8 hour window for eating—you choose the times that work best for your own schedule.
This method of eating more closely resembles the diets of our ancestors, who had to go longer periods without eating as they didn’t have access to 24/7 fully stocked kitchens like we do today!
Research increasingly indicates that 16:8 and other intermittent fasting programs are beneficial in allowing our bodies to focus on cellular renewal, lower insulin, and increase metabolic function among other things. It’s become somewhat of a trend for celebrities who have embraced the easy-to-incorporate method for its weight loss and anti-aging benefits.
If you are new to fasting, the 16:8 method is a great way to ease yourself into a shorter fast. If it feels easy to you, you might want to experiment with more narrow eating windows. How do you feel doing 17:7 or 18:6? We are all at different phases in our journey and we each have a different body chemistry, so listen to your body as you fine-tune what works best for you.
Check out these articles if you are interested in more information on the benefits of 16:8 style intermittent fasting:
Time-Restricted Eating: Is It When, Not What, You Eat That Really Matters?