Everything you Must Know About 16:8 Intermittent Fasting

Author: Priyanka Saxena on Oct 01,2020

Do you know about 16:8 intermittent fasting? 

16:8 intermittent fasting also known as the 16:8 plan or 16:8 diet is about fasting for 16 hours and then consuming all the calories of the day in the remaining 8 hours. 

Most Silicon Valley magnate & the social media influencers suggest a 16:8 form of intermittent fasting. It is said that this kind of mealtime restriction -- intaking all the calories in just eight hours of the day & fasting for the other sixteen hours of the day -- helps the body in a number of ways.

16:8 intermittent fasting lowers the risk of chronic diseases, in addition to helping with weight loss. 

The only problem with this kind of an intermittent fasting scheme is that -- you’ll not plan your meals based on how full you are feeling and it makes for a restricted fasting & eating window. 

Let’s know more about the 16:8 intermittent fasting scheme before you start missing out on your meals:

16:8 intermittent fasting Benefits include fat loss and weight. It also helps with keeping at bay the type 2 diabetes and other conditions that may come up with obesity. 

What is 16:8 intermittent fasting?

16:8 intermittent fasting is time-restricted fasting where most people prefer fasting through the middle part of the day. Those who practice this form of intermittent fasting consume their foods all through eight hours of the day and will keep on fasting in the other 16 hours of the day. 

Experts believe that this form of fasting works by controlling the internal clock or the circadian rhythm of the body. Most people who are on intermittent fasting would avoid eating at night and in the morning parts of the days. They prefer consuming the part of the calories through the middle part of the day. 

And, the good news is, there are no restrictions on what you are eating through the 8-hour non-fasting window. 

How intermittent fasting is done? 

The most preferred way to follow the 16:8 intermittent fasting - is choosing that part of the day for the 16-hour fasting when the person is sleeping. Per some experts, it is better to choose to consume food in the earlier part of the evening, which is when metabolism slows down.  

However, this is not feasible in the case of every one. For some people, it is quite tough to have their meal before 7 p.m. This group of people can work with their 16:8 intermittent fasting by keeping fast for 2-3 hours before going to bed. 

Here is a list of 8-hour eating window you can choose from:

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

noon to 8 p.m.

If you are planning to go for 16:8 intermittent fasting, you can choose any of these time frames for eating your meals or snacks. It is also important to eat regularly so as to avoid the blood sugar spike or dip in sugar level. You can also experiment with each of these eating windows to find the time frame that works best for you. 

The 16:8 intermittent fasting plan does not specify anything about what you must eat, but you should make sure to focus on only healthy foods and avoid junk foods as much as possible. While there are no specifications in the 16:8 intermittent fasting itself, you must avoid relying on too much junk food, which can ultimately cause weight gain and various diseases. 

An important thing to note here is -- under the 16:8 intermittent fasting, you’ll be allowed to consume calorie-free drinks like unsweetened coffee & tea during the fasting window of 16-hours. You should make sure to drink plenty of water to yourself regularly hydrated. 

Here are some tips that will help you stick to the 16:8 intermittent fasting plan:

  • Drink cinnamon herbal tea during the fasting window.

  • Drink water regularly.

  • Unsubscribe food-related posts on social media.

  • Exercise regularly before the eating window.

  • During the fasting-window, try meditating. 

Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting:

Researches have been conducted on the health benefits of intermittent fasting for years. The results have found - it has the following benefits on human health & body:

  • Helps in fat loss and weight loss.

  • Helps in disease prevention including some cancers, type 2 diabetes & heart conditions.

  • It helps in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Helps with extended lifespan.

Takeaways.

In 16:8 intermittent fasting, the person has to eat only during the 8 hours of the day, which is called the eating window and will have to be on fasting in the other 16-hours of the day (under the fasting window). Intermittent fasting is beneficial in a number of ways including in weight loss and in curing various diseases. It is advised that people who are doing 16:8 intermittent fasting must rely on eating high fiber whole foods. Also, they should keep hydrated! If you have any underlying health issues, you should connect to a health expert.  

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Low Impact Workouts 2025: Joint-Friendly Fitness Guide

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Adaptogens food doesn't just fill you up - it interacts with your adrenal system, balancing cortisol (your stress hormone), improving resilience, and helping you recover from mental and physical fatigue.Some examples of classic adaptogens foods include:Ashwagandha - calming, supports sleep and reduces anxiety.Tulsi (Holy Basil) - clears the head, great for stress relief.Maca root - energy and hormone balance.Reishi mushrooms - grounding, immune supportive, calming.Licorice root - supports adrenal function, especially in times of burnout.The beauty of foods with adaptogens is that you don't need huge amounts. A small spoon of powder in your smoothie, a tulsi tea at night, or even an herbal snack ball can be enough.How Mood Boosting Foods and Adaptogens Work TogetherMood boosting foods cover your daily base: steady energy, brain support, and nutrient balance.Adaptogens foods come in as extra armor, especially during stress-heavy weeks or when you feel mentally drained.For example: oatmeal with berries and chia seeds is a solid mood-boosting food breakfast. Add a teaspoon of maca powder, and suddenly it becomes a meal that also falls into the "foods with adaptogens" category.Everyday Mood Boosting Foods to Keep AroundHere's a breakdown of everyday mood-boosting foods you can actually eat without hunting down rare ingredients:Fatty fish - Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are loaded with omega-3s. These fats keep brain cells flexible and directly impact mood regulation.Eggs - They pack protein, vitamin B12, and choline. Great for steady energy.Dark leafy greens - Spinach, kale, Swiss chard: magnesium powerhouses. Low magnesium is linked to higher stress and anxiety.Nuts and seeds - Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia, flax. They give you healthy fats and fiber.Berries - Antioxidant rich and naturally sweet. They fight oxidative stress, which is often overlooked in mood discussions.Dark chocolate - Real chocolate (70%+ cocoa), not candy bars. It improves blood flow in the brain and offers a quick mental lift.Fermented foods - Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut. Your gut and brain are connected, so a healthy gut = better mood.Whole grains - Brown rice, oats, quinoa. They prevent the sugar spikes and dips that wreck your mood.Keep these on rotation, and you'll notice fewer crashes and more mental stability.Also check: 10 Outrageously Delicious Sandwich Ideas To Blow Your MindAdaptogens Foods You Can Actually UseNow let's get specific with adaptogens food you can start with. These herbs may sound "wellness trendy," but they've been used for centuries in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and traditional healing.Ashwagandha: Best for people dealing with anxiety, irritability, or sleep struggles. Works well in warm milk or even chocolate drinks.Tulsi (Holy Basil): Excellent in tea form. It has a calming yet clear-headed effect, ideal for mid-day breaks.Licorice root: Often made into tea. Good for fatigue, but if you have blood pressure issues, use lightly.Maca: The easiest adaptogen to use. Toss a spoonful into smoothies or oatmeal. It has a nutty, earthy flavor.Reishi: Great for evenings because it calms the nervous system. Works best as tea or powder.Lion's Mane: A mushroom that supports focus and memory. Many people use it in coffee alternatives.These are not instant fixes - adaptogens foods work over time. Think weeks, not days.Recipes with Foods and AdaptogensAdding adaptogens doesn't have to feel complicated. Here are some easy examples inspired by Ayurvedic recipes:Tulsi Date Nut Balls - Blend dates, cashews, and sunflower seeds with a spoon of tulsi powder. Roll into bite-size snacks. You get healthy fats + fiber + adaptogens.Ashwagandha Hot Chocolate - Mix cocoa powder, a dash of cinnamon, and ashwagandha into warm almond milk. Sweeten with honey if you like.Maca Oatmeal Bowl - Make oatmeal, then stir in maca powder, berries, and a spoon of almond butter. That's mood boosting food plus adaptogens food in one bowl.Rose Licorice Latte - Steep licorice root with rose petals, then add warm milk. A calming drink for winding down.These little swaps are how you transform regular meals into foods with adaptogens without making your diet complicated.Building a Mood-Friendly Day of EatingHere's how you could structure meals to get a mix of mood-boosting foods and adaptogens foods:Breakfast: Oats with chia seeds, blueberries, walnuts, and a spoon of maca.Snack: Yogurt with flaxseed and a few dark chocolate chips.Lunch: Grilled salmon, quinoa, and spinach salad with olive oil.Afternoon: Tulsi tea with a tulsi date nut ball.Dinner: Stir-fry with chicken or tofu, colorful veggies, garlic, ginger, and brown rice. Add turmeric for extra antioxidants.Evening: Rose licorice latte or ashwagandha hot chocolate.This plan shows how both categories fit naturally into daily life.Things to Keep in MindStart small - especially with adaptogens. Half a teaspoon in tea or smoothies is plenty.Quality matters - not all powders or teas are pure. Buy from trusted brands.Don't skip basics - eating an occasional adaptogen while living on processed food won't work. The foundation is still balanced meals.Patience is key - mood boosting foods often show quick benefits, but adaptogens foods work slowly and steadily.Why This Matters NowStress, low energy, and anxiety are everywhere. People turn to caffeine or sugar for quick fixes, but those crash later. Building your diet around mood-boosting foods and sprinkling in foods with adaptogens is a smarter, long-term strategy. You feel better, sleep better, and handle challenges without burning out.Don't Miss: 9 Delicious Ice Cream Topping Ideas For Your Next Party!Final ThoughtsThe takeaway is simple: your plate is a powerful tool. Mood boosting food keeps you balanced day to day, while adaptogens food builds resilience over time. You don't need exotic rituals - just small additions like tulsi tea, dark chocolate with ashwagandha, or a maca oatmeal bowl.When you combine these consistently, your body doesn't just survive stress - it adapts to it. That's the difference between dragging yourself through the week and actually feeling steady, calm, and energized.