Intermittent fasting a recent dieting trend

Let the hunger games begin! Intermittent fasting is a popular health and fitness trend. It turns out you might not have to change what you eat, just when you eat. I’m not sure if it’s helpful or painful to learn about fasting with the holidays approaching. I just hope it doesn't make me hangry.

Intermittent fasting might seem new, but fasting has been around forever. Food fasting is an ancient spiritual practice for purifying or atoning for sins and most religions designate days or seasons of fasting. Another religious reason is to show humility and to remind one of the hardships faced by the less fortunate.

According to the Bible, Moses fasted before receiving the Ten Commandments. Jesus fasted 40 days before he started preaching.

Fasting is a very big part of Islam. Ramadan is a 28-30 day period in which food and drink are prohibited during daylight. In Christianity, limited fasting occurs during the 40 days of lent in preparation for Easter. Fasting in Hinduism is a form of self discipline that establishes a harmonious relationship between body and soul. Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, includes a day of fasting.

In prehistoric times humans were hunters and gatherers who survived for long periods without eating. Ancient fasting was utilized by the Greek physician, Hippocrates, who lived from 460 B.C. to 375 B.C. He recommended patients abstain from food and drink to cure ailments. Ancient Greek philosophers fasted to improve intelligence and perception.

Dr. Paul C. Bragg used water fasts in the early 1900s to purify the body, rest the digestive organs, improve heart health and live longer. Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar, touted for its health benefits, was founded by Paul Bragg in 1912.

The famous Indian lawyer and political figure Mohandas Gandhi fasted to help free himself of constraints of the body.

In the early 1900s, female Suffragettes in British prisons threatened to starve themselves in non-violent protest. Irish prisoners have embarked on hunger strikes to bring attention to injustices.

Now, with food handy 24/7, there’s a rise in health issues including obesity. According to a survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation intermittent fasting was last year's most popular diet. Celebrities Jennifer Aniston, Kourtney Kardashian and Jimmy Kimmel are open about their intermittent fasting practices bringing attention to the diet.

There are lots of variations to intermittent fasting. The 16:8 diet involves eating within an eight-hour window. The 5:2 diet involves eating only 25 percent of a normal calorie intake on two non-consecutive days per week. A 24-hour fast involves consuming no calories on one day of the week or month.

My husband and I are practicing fasting light, by eating within a daily time frame. One of our favorite ways to break the overnight fast is by enjoying a fried egg on toast. I am including a recipe from the Food Network website that looks delicious.

Quick and Easy Bacon, Egg and Cheese

2 large eggs 2 tablespoons whole milk Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 2 slices sharp Cheddar cheese, about 1 ounce (see Cook's Note) 2 slices cooked bacon (see Cook's Note) 2 slices toasted white bread or 1 kaiser roll, split Whisk the eggs, milk, a pinch of salt and a couple of grinds of black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and combined. Heat the vegetable in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.

Once the skillet is warm, pour the egg mixture in and allow it to cook undisturbed until the edges are set, about 1 minute. Use a spatula to gently lift the edges of the egg and allow the uncooked egg to run underneath. Once the egg is fully set, about 4 minutes, place the slices of cheese in the center of the egg. Carefully lift each side of the egg and folder it over the cheese to form a square package about the size of your toasted bread. Flip the eggs over gently, keeping the package intact, and allow the folded side to cook and melt the cheese, about 30 seconds more.

Assemble the sandwich by layering the bacon on 1 slice of toast and then topping with the warm eggs. Top with the remaining slice of toast and serve immediately.

dwyer@wilcosun.com