Did you know that in many cultures, people follow intermittent fasting by not eating after sunset? Intermittent fasting 14/10 is a great technique for beginners to get started with intermittent fasting. The 14-hour fast is more than just a diet. It is a lifestyle change that can provide numerous health benefits.
The 14/10 approach is not just effective but also recommended for beginners. This blog will walk you through 14-hour fast benefits and more!
Intermittent fasting in a 14/10 format is a time-limited eating plan. With 14/10 intermittent fasting, you fast for 14 hours and eat within a 10-hour window. This approach has gained popularity recently due to its benefits, including weight management, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation.
It's a flexible approach for beginners that can be adapted to suit various lifestyles and health objectives. During the fast, no calories are consumed. However, water, herbal tea, and black coffee are often permitted.
Many people find this method relatively easy to follow than other intermittent fasting routines.
For instance, you might eat between 9 am and 7 pm, fasting from 7 pm to 9 am the next day. The specific timing can be adjusted to your personal preferences. However, it’s important to consult a dietician or a nutritionist before starting this plan.
The 14/10 approach is simple to implement daily. This makes it a viable fasting option for many people. You can reap numerous 14-hour fast benefits, including:
Weight Control: You naturally minimise your calorie intake by restricting your eating to 10 hours. This makes it easier to maintain or achieve a healthy weight.
Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Intermittent fasting 14/10 can improve your body's reaction to insulin. It assists in blood sugar regulation. This is especially useful for people who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Digestive Benefits: A longer overnight fast may allow your digestive system to relax and recuperate, lowering digestive discomfort and bloating.
Minimal Muscle Loss: When opposed to extended fasting approaches, there is less concern regarding muscle damage when fasting for a shorter period. This makes it ideal for those who want to maintain lean muscle mass.
Select foods that promote health and feelings of fullness during the eating window. On the other hand, avoid foods that may interrupt your fasting phase. Here are food tips to include and avoid:
Foods to Include | Foods to Avoid |
Lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu) | Calorie-containing beverages (soda, juice) |
Fruits and vegetables | Sugary snacks and desserts |
Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice) | Alcohol |
Nuts and seeds | Sugary or creamy coffee/tea |
Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil) | Any foods with added sugars |
Dairy or dairy alternatives (in moderation) | Full meals or snacks |
Plenty of water, herbal tea, black coffee |
Remember that during fasting, you should avoid consuming any calories. So, stick to water, herbal tea, or black coffee with no added sugar or cream. To maximise the benefits of intermittent fasting 14/10, prioritise nutrient-dense foods. Aim for a balanced diet once your eating window begins.
To get you started with intermittent fasting 14/10 diet, here's a sample diet plan. Remember to tailor the schedule and food options to your preferences and nutritional needs.
Time | Meal |
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Breakfast |
Vegetable omelette (2 eggs) | |
Whole-grain toast or roti (1 piece) | |
Fresh fruit (e.g., apple or papaya) | |
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Lunch |
Brown rice or quinoa (1/2 cup) | |
Grilled chicken or tofu (small portion) | |
Mixed vegetable curry or salad | |
Curd or raita | |
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Snack |
Handful of mixed nuts and seeds | |
Herbal tea or black coffee (no sugar) | |
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Dinner |
Lentil soup (dal) or chickpea curry | |
Steamed brown rice or whole wheat roti | |
A side of cooked vegetables | |
A small piece of fish or paneer (optional) | |
Fresh salad with a light dressing |
During fasting, drink plenty of water or herbal tea to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Portion sizes can be changed to meet your calorie requirements and appetite.
Include a variety of veggies and fruits in your meals to acquire a variety of nutrients.
This plan is adaptable. You can swap out food items or recipes to fit your preferences and nutritional needs.
Monitor your body's reaction to this plan. Make adjustments as needed to accomplish your health and fitness goals.
Intermittent fasting 14/10 is a more manageable fasting technique. It does, however, present its own set of issues. Here are common issues to consider when on this fasting regimen:
Food Cravings: You may have hunger pangs during fasting, particularly in the morning. It can be challenging to resist the impulse to eat, especially if you are used to eating breakfast.
Challenges in Selecting Foods: It is important to make healthy meal selections during the eating window. Overindulging in unhealthy meals can easily undermine the benefits of fasting.
Irritated Mood: Fasting can cause irritation or mood fluctuations, especially when accompanied by stress.
Digestive Issues: Some people may have digestive discomfort or irregular bowel movements when beginning intermittent fasting. It may take some time for your body to adjust.
Sleep Disruption: Eating late at night within the eating window may cause sleep disruption or poor quality sleep.
To solve these issues, you must plan and personalise your fasting routine. Please note that consulting a dietician or a doctor is necessary.
The 14/10 technique can be applied to both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term fasting can be done for a few days or weeks to kickstart weight loss or enhance metabolic health. It can become a sustainable lifestyle if it coincides with your goals.
If you initially find the 14/10 schedule difficult, gradually adjust.
To help lessen hunger, stay hydrated during the fasting time.
To make healthy dietary choices, plan your meals and snacks.
Experiment with different workout times to determine what works best for your schedule.
14/10 Intermittent fasting is a great way to begin your fasting journey. However, keep in mind that individual responses may differ. Maintain consistency to see the benefits.
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The 14/10 intermittent fasting plan includes going without food for 14 hours and limiting your daily eating window to 10 hours. You might eat between 10 AM and 8 PM, then fast between 8 PM and 10 AM the next day.
In intermittent fasting, a 14-hour fast includes avoiding calorie consumption for 14 consecutive hours, including sleep time. This method is also known as the 14/10 method since it requires you to take your daily meals within a 10-hour.
Your nutritionist should decide when to begin a 14:10 intermittent fasting plan. The recommended time to start the fast for early risers can be right after they get up.
The benefits of a 14-hour fast are:
Weight loss
Improved insulin sensitivity
Enhanced fat burning
Potential for better metabolic health
Intermittent fasting on a 14/10 schedule may help some people lose weight and improve metabolic health. However, individual outcomes may vary. Consistency and a balanced diet during your eating window are important success factors.
A 14/10 intermittent fasting plan can be useful for weight loss by limiting the time you consume calories and potentially reducing overall calorie intake. However, the effectiveness may differ from person to person.
The benefits of 14-hour fasting are:
Weight loss
Improved insulin sensitivity
Enhanced fat burning
Potential for better metabolic health
Here’s how to start a 14-hour fast for intermittent fasting:
Choose a start and end time for your fasting window.
Begin your fast after dinner or before bedtime.
Avoid consuming any calories during the fasting period.
Stay hydrated by drinking water
Beginners may benefit from the 14/10 intermittent fasting method. It allows for a relatively long fasting time without imposing severe limitations. This makes it easier to accept for individuals who are new to fasting.
During the 10-hour eating window in 14/10 intermittent fasting, you can consume:
Balanced meals with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats
Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish
Whole grains such as brown rice and oats
Fruits and vegetables
Nuts and seeds
Yes, you can drink water and black coffee without breaking your 14-hour fast. However, avoid adding sugar, milk, or cream to your coffee, which may include calories.
Lemon water is generally considered acceptable to drink during a fast because it contains minimal calories. It is important to avoid adding sweeteners if you want to maintain the positive effects of fasting.
Here’s how you can choose the best intermittent fasting method:
Consult a doctor if you have medical conditions.
Consider your lifestyle and daily routine.
Experiment with different ways to find what suits you.
Focus on sustainability and long-term adherence.
Listen to your body and adjust as needed.
Risks associated with 14/10 intermittent fasting are:
Nutrient deficiency
Possible overeating during the eating window
Irritation and mood changes
Sleep disruption
All the articles on HexaHealth are supported by verified medically-recognized sources such as; peer-reviewed academic research papers, research institutions, and medical journals. Our medical reviewers also check references of the articles to prioritize accuracy and relevance. Refer to our detailed editorial policy for more information.
Last Updated on: 28 December 2023
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