We all know this meme; it surfaced around social media during quarantine.   Some named it the COVID 19, meaning the 19 pound weight gain you will have while being in lock down.  Although funny for some this is no joking matter for many.   Now that we are getting back into the real world many are struggling with how to lose that weight and what we can do that will really work.

I was talking to a close friend and telling her that in all my years, I have never received as many requests to lose weight as I have in the last week.  People are desperate, they want to spring into their summer body over night.    Well as you know, nothing is overnight. However there might be a way that not only will help you lose weight but will change the way you eat forever.

It is called intermittent fasting.   What is intermittent fasting?

There are different approaches to intermittent fasting. This diet focuses on when to eat rather than what you eat. There are a few variations to this diet but here are the three most popular methods. There’s the 16:8 method in which you fast for 16 hours and feast for 8 hours. One example would be eating between 12pm-8pm and fasting till the following day at 12pm. You can eat lunch, snack, and dinner just as long as you finish eating by 8pm. Another method is referred to as the 5:2 in which you fast for 2 days a week and eat healthy the other 5 days. The third option is the alternate day fasting in which you fast every other day. On fasting days, some people allow themselves to consume up to 500kcal/day.

Another plus- your health!   Intermittent fasting may help stop or slow down the progression of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other illnesses..

To get the most health benefits from this diet it is recommended to eat healthy foods on the days you are allowed to eat. Meals should consist of complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, vegetables), lean protein (chicken, fish tofu, turkey) and healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, peanut oil). Even dark chocolate can be part of a healthy diet. If you want to know more about this diet or any other nutrition topic, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Tracy Satov MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian ( www.tracysatovnutrition.com) and is Clinique Medic elle’s go to nutrionist. If you’d like to book an appointment please call the clinic at 514-788-2888