Brunches & the 16:8 Method!

These days it's not only about what to eat, it's also about When to Eat.

I picked this subject to write as I constantly struggle to fit into a given norm - on one hand we have a belief we had growing up that Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should not be skipped. And then there is the new norm in town - made famous by the GenZ & picked up by Millennials gradually - "Intermittent Fasting"...or skipping breakfast, something most of us are subconsciously doing anyways after landing a Job 😅

Intermittent fasting involves alternating between periods of eating and fasting, with the goal of improving health and weight loss. One popular intermittent fasting protocol is the 16:8 method, which involves fasting for 16 hours and consuming all your calories during an 8-hour eating window...well, the toughest part here is to overlook the midnight snacking here!

During the 8-hour eating period, you can eat two or three meals or several smaller snacks. For example, you might have your first meal at noon, a snack at 3 p.m., and your last meal at 7pm.. nah, let's move it to 9pm..coz we are Indians! During the 16-hour fasting period, you are not supposed to consume any calories, but water, tea, and coffee without added sugar or cream are generally allowed.

The 16:8 method is popular because it can be relatively easy to follow and fits well into many people's schedules. Also you spend 8 hour of it in happy slumber. It also may provide health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and better heart health. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or a history of disordered eating..pains me to say I am a nightowl myself & so addicted to 2am munchies. Touche.

If you're following the 16:8 method, you might choose to have brunch as your first meal of the day, and then have your last meal in the early evening, which would keep you within your 8-hour eating window. In this case, brunch could be a helpful way to get in some calories and nutrients to fuel you for the day, while still sticking to your intermittent fasting protocol.

Brunches can be useful in a number of ways, apart from sounding cool wen u mention it to colleagues & on nyour whatsapp family chat. Benefits include -

• Socialising: Brunches can be a great way to bring people together and socialize with friends and family.

• Time-saving: Brunches can save time by combining breakfast and lunch into one meal. This can be especially helpful if you have a busy schedule and don't have time for two separate meals.

• Relaxing atmosphere: Brunches often have a more relaxed atmosphere than other meals, with people taking their time to enjoy their food and drinks. This can be a great way to unwind and enjoy some downtime.

Having said that, Brunches may or may not be good for intermittent fasting, depending on how you structure your eating habits - read the pain part. if you're not following an intermittent fasting protocol and you consume a large, high-calorie brunch followed by other meals and snacks throughout the day, you may be consuming more calories than your body needs, which could lead to weight gain.

So, the bottom line is that brunches can be a helpful part of an intermittent fasting protocol, but it's important to be mindful of your overall calorie intake and how the brunch fits into your eating schedule. As with any diet or eating pattern, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting the 16:8 method or any other type of intermittent fasting to determine if it's safe and appropriate for you - in short, don't just take my word for it - Tu Tera Dekh, lol.