You might have heard wellness influencers talking about how WHEN you eat is as important as WHAT you eat. This notion has given rise to a new form of intermittent fasting—the Circadian Rhythm Diet. This diet encourages you to eat with the sun and promises to help maximize healthy weight loss, boost energy levels, reduce the risk of certain diseases, lower blood pressure, and more. But does it really work?
What is the Circadian Rhythm Diet?
The Circadian Rhythm Diet requires you to eat all your meals in a 12-hour window (between around 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) or whatever the daylight hours are according to the season. You should eat breakfast within two hours of waking, and make breakfast and lunch the most important meals of the day.
Hang On… What’s a Circadian Rhythm?
Circadian rhythms are mental, physical, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. These natural cycles respond to the sun and affect plants, microbes, animals, and of course, humans! Our circadian rhythms run in the background to carry out essential bodily functions and processes throughout each day.
Is the Circadian Rhythm Diet Healthy?
Promoting lots of fruits, veggies, and lean proteins, the Circadian Rhythm Diet certainly includes plenty of healthy foods. Many dieticians suggest that the 12-hour cycles of eating and fasting help to align your eating habits with your body’s most efficient metabolic windows for digestion, nutrient absorption, and rest. However, more research is needed to confirm the benefits of this diet. Be aware that any time-restricted eating plan could restrict your social life and lead to disordered eating.
