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Diet series: Intermittent fasting

Is when you eat more important than what you eat?

Proponents of intermittent fasting answer that question with a resounding, “Yes!” However, health care professionals advise caution be used when considering drastic changes to your eating habits.

Intermittent fasting is not a traditional diet with specific foods to eat and avoid. Intermittent fasting is a way of eating that schedules times when eating is allowed and times when fasting is practiced and no food is consumed.

Supporters of this approach claim it helps them lose weight, simplify their lives and improve their overall health. It’s important to talk to your doctor, registered dietitian or nutritionist so you can understand the health risks and determine if fasting will have benefits for you. 

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We acknowledge that you have a wide array of choices when it comes to feeding your body, and we will continue to provide educational resources to help you understand the different diet options. It is important that you know that dietary changes should be taken very seriously. Understanding the impact that dietary changes can have on your body is especially important for consumers with chronic illnesses or those with a history of heart disease. Our coverage of diet fads are simply meant to provide you with a high-level understanding of the essence of the diet. Before you make any changes to your diet, we strongly recommend you consult your primary care doctor or a nutritionist to ensure that you are making the right dietary decisions for your body.

At Providence, we understand how difficult and often times confusing it can be to optimize your eating habits and improve your health. Our experts can help you understand all your choices and their potential effects. 

Visit our provider directory to find a primary care doctor or specialist

 

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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

About the Author

We are all about food! The Providence Nutrition Team loves to talk about and share our expertise on how to help you find the right diet, food types and maintenance tactics to help you live life to the fullest...while also enjoying the best foods that mother nature has to offer.