I Use Intermittent Fasting to Simplify My Life

I do it because it allows me to be more efficient, but it’s not for everyone

I started intermittent fasting three years ago. Multiple studies show that it has benefits for your body and brain, including lower inflammation and better blood sugar control (as well as side effects like weight loss) and increased growth of new neurons in the brain.

The benefits look great on paper. And for the past few years, intermittent fasting has received a lot of attention. The problem is that it is often presented as a silver bullet. Any research into intermittent fasting is still in very early stages or in animal models. It’s unclear whether cellular benefits people may gain from putting the body in a state of stress have physical benefits over the long term.

I understand this. Even though I think intermittent fasting is a good solution for me — I feel like it allows me to be more productive — I’m skeptical about all the promises. And yet, I still do it.

Why I started

In 2013, BBC journalist Dr. Michael Mosley published a book called The Fast Diet. The book was preceded by a documentary Mosley released in 2012 about intermittent fasting called Eat Fast, Live Longer. But scientists have been studying intermittent fasting for decades — mostly in mice — and early research suggests it could help lead to better aging, among other health perks.

Like many people, I’m interested in trying new things to improve my health, productivity, or just to feel better. I’ve learned that when I am low in energy, I can try all the productivity hacks in the world, but it won’t get me far. Health is an under-appreciated topic when it comes to our personal productivity and performance.

Intermittent fasting is a systematic way of approach your eating pattern and diet. I don’t have to think about what and when I have to eat.

One of my goals is to not take things too seriously. That’s why you will never see me counting calories or being meticulous about my workout schedule. So when intermittent fasting appeared on my radar, I was attracted to it because of the…