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What is the Eat Stop Eat diet?
Eat Stop Eat is a unique approach to intermittent fasting that’s characterized by the inclusion of up to 2 nonconsecutive (spaced apart) fasting days per week.
It was developed by Brad Pilon, author of the popular and aptly titled book “Eat Stop Eat.”
Pilon was inspired to write this book after researching the effects of short-term fasting on metabolic health at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada
According to Pilon, the Eat Stop Eat method isn’t your typical weight loss diet. Instead, it’s a way to reevaluate what you have been previously taught about meal timing and frequency and how that relates to your health
How it’s done
Implementing the Eat Stop Eat diet is relatively straightforward.
You simply choose 1 day or 2 nonconsecutive days per week during which you abstain from eating for a full 24-hour period. This period of not eating is called fasting.
For the remaining 5–6 days of the week you can eat freely, but it’s recommended that you make balanced food choices and avoid consuming more than your body needs.
Though it seems counterintuitive, you will still eat something on each calendar day of the week when using the Eat Stop Eat method.
For instance, if you’re fasting from 9 a.m. Tuesday until 9 a.m. Wednesday, you’ll make sure to eat a meal prior to 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Your next meal will occur after 9 a.m. on Wednesday. This way, you ensure you’re fasting for a full 24 hours — but not longer.
Keep in mind that even on fasting days of Eat Stop Eat, proper hydration is strongly encouraged.
Drinking plenty of water is the best choice, but you’re also allowed other types of calorie-free beverages, such as unsweetened or artificially sweetened coffee or tea.
Who is Eat Stop Eat for?
Eat Stop Eat is popular among people looking for a simple, straightforward way to lose weight or improve other aspects of health without having to restrict foods or count calories.
Some people like the flexibility that the Eat Stop Eat method affords.
Unlike many other popular diets promoted for weight loss, the Eat Stop Eat method doesn’t require a person to cut out any foods or follow set macronutrient ranges.
The only “rules” of the program are abstaining from eating for a full 24 hours one or two nonconsecutive days per week.
Of course, a person following any dietary pattern should make an effort to consume mostly nutrient-dense, whole foods to support optimal health. However, a special diet isn’t required when following Eat Stop Eat.