For people looking to shed a few pounds using a simple and straightforward weight loss plan, "The 8-Hour Diet: Watching the Pounds Disappear Without Watching What You Eat!" by David Zinczenko and Peter Moore could not come at a better time. The basic premise of this diet is to eat whatever you want during an 8-hour period, then fast for 16-hours. The authors also recommend an 8-minute daily workout. Although fasting for weight loss is not a new idea, the concept of fasting in repeating intervals is unique.
The 8-Hour Food Window
For people starting this diet, the first thing to decide is when they will be fasting and which 8-hours of the day they will be allowed to eat. For most people, this will mean skipping breakfast and having the first food of the day in the late morning. Zinczenko and Moore suggest that dieters limit their food intake to a short-list of lean protein and vegetable based "power foods", but they stop short of forbidding any food on this diet. The hope is that people will start to make healthy choices as the connection is made between healthy eating and feeling well. For dieters who have never fasted before, a slow approach is recommended (ie 3 days on, 1 'cheat' day) until the body gets used to the new eating plan. Gradually, people will be able to spend weeks on the program.
The Pros
There are 4 advantages to the 8-Hour Diet:
- fasting is a proven way to lose weight.
- with no restrictions on food, dieters can still enjoy their favourite foods, albeit restricted to certain times of the day.
- with no restrictions on food, dieters can still enjoy their favourite foods, albeit restricted to certain times of the day.
- the 8-minute physical activity component will achieve results.
The Cons
As with most diets, there are a few drawbacks:
- potential for overconsumption during the 8-hour eating window. If somebody eats nothing but french fries and hamburgers for 8 straight hours, no weight loss plan will work.
- for people on the diet for more than a few days, the 8-minute exercise component could become problematic.
- by their very nature, 'diets' are a change from a person's typical eating habits. For this reason, there is a natural tendency for people to gain back weight after they have reached their goal weight. The best 'diet' is no diet at all - learn how to eat a healthy and balanced diet, and you will not need to go on a diet.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of the 8-hour diet is in its simplicity. The clock determines when you can eat, and the hope is that dieters begin to make healthy food choices when picking which calories they will be consuming for the day. Over time, the 16-hour fasting phase helps the body to recognize that late night 'grazing' is not really a symptom of being hungry, but rather a result of being bored. This is a good way to kick start a switch to healthy eating and is certain to help you drop a few pounds. The "power foods" can form a more permanent foundation for a life of healthy eating - if dieters make the connection between smart food choices and proper consumption levels, this diet will have accomplished something important.
The 8-Hour Food Window
For people starting this diet, the first thing to decide is when they will be fasting and which 8-hours of the day they will be allowed to eat. For most people, this will mean skipping breakfast and having the first food of the day in the late morning. Zinczenko and Moore suggest that dieters limit their food intake to a short-list of lean protein and vegetable based "power foods", but they stop short of forbidding any food on this diet. The hope is that people will start to make healthy choices as the connection is made between healthy eating and feeling well. For dieters who have never fasted before, a slow approach is recommended (ie 3 days on, 1 'cheat' day) until the body gets used to the new eating plan. Gradually, people will be able to spend weeks on the program.
The Pros
There are 4 advantages to the 8-Hour Diet:
- fasting is a proven way to lose weight.
- with no restrictions on food, dieters can still enjoy their favourite foods, albeit restricted to certain times of the day.
- with no restrictions on food, dieters can still enjoy their favourite foods, albeit restricted to certain times of the day.
- the 8-minute physical activity component will achieve results.
The Cons
As with most diets, there are a few drawbacks:
- potential for overconsumption during the 8-hour eating window. If somebody eats nothing but french fries and hamburgers for 8 straight hours, no weight loss plan will work.
- for people on the diet for more than a few days, the 8-minute exercise component could become problematic.
- by their very nature, 'diets' are a change from a person's typical eating habits. For this reason, there is a natural tendency for people to gain back weight after they have reached their goal weight. The best 'diet' is no diet at all - learn how to eat a healthy and balanced diet, and you will not need to go on a diet.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of the 8-hour diet is in its simplicity. The clock determines when you can eat, and the hope is that dieters begin to make healthy food choices when picking which calories they will be consuming for the day. Over time, the 16-hour fasting phase helps the body to recognize that late night 'grazing' is not really a symptom of being hungry, but rather a result of being bored. This is a good way to kick start a switch to healthy eating and is certain to help you drop a few pounds. The "power foods" can form a more permanent foundation for a life of healthy eating - if dieters make the connection between smart food choices and proper consumption levels, this diet will have accomplished something important.
About the Author:
Ryan is an author who writes across a wide spectrum on a number of subjects that hold a personal interest. Other diet related articles include Myths of Organic Food. He is passionate about helping new and experienced entrepreneurs earn money online and runs the How to Earn Money Online HQ blog.
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