{"id":56431,"date":"2023-10-26T19:20:44","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T19:20:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=56431"},"modified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","slug":"18-hour-fast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/","title":{"rendered":"An 18-Hour Fast May Be Just What Your Body Needs for Optimal Health"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#What_Is_an_18-Hour_Fast\" >What Is an 18-Hour Fast?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#Is_Fasting_for_18_Hours_Good_for_You\" >Is Fasting for 18 Hours Good for You?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#What_Will_Fasting_for_18_Hours_Do\" >What Will Fasting for 18 Hours Do?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#18-Hour_Fast_Benefits\" >18-Hour Fast Benefits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#Super-Charge_Your_Weight_Loss\" >Super-Charge Your Weight Loss<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#Give_Your_Digestive_System_a_Break\" >Give Your Digestive System a Break<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#Support_Your_Immune_System\" >Support Your Immune System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#Super-Charge_Your_Cognitive_Function\" >Super-Charge Your Cognitive Function<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#What_to_Eat_After_an_18-Hour_Fast\" >What to Eat After an 18-Hour Fast<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#18-Hour_Fast_and_Exercise\" >18-Hour Fast and Exercise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#Do_you_burn_fat_on_an_18-hour_fast\" >Do you burn fat on an 18-hour fast?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#How_many_days_a_week_should_you_do_an_18-hour_fast\" >How many days a week should you do an 18-hour fast?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#Why_is_16_hours_the_magic_number_for_fasting\" >Why is 16 hours the magic number for fasting?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#Fasting_for_18_hours_vs_16_hours_%E2%80%93_which_is_better\" >Fasting for 18 hours vs 16 hours &#8211; which is better?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#What_is_the_best_time_for_an_18-hour_fast\" >What is the best time for an 18-hour fast?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#What_should_I_eat_after_an_18-hour_fast\" >What should I eat after an 18-hour fast?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#Is_it_better_to_fast_for_18_or_24_hours\" >Is it better to fast for 18 or 24 hours?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long should you fast? You&#8217;ve perhaps heard some people say that 12 hours is enough, whereas others swear by 16 or even 24 hours. You&#8217;ve read about these different fasting periods and wondered whether there&#8217;s a magic number that works for everyone. The truth is, there isn&#8217;t.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=18_hour_fast&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=18_hour_fast\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any fast that lasts for longer than 12 hours is considered an extended fast, and this is sometimes suggested for people with specific health goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you&#8217;re looking to improve your overall health and well-being, you may want to consider working your way toward an 18-hour fast. We know that going three-quarters of a day without a meal sounds intimidating, but it&#8217;s possible. Better yet, it may even be beneficial.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read on to understand why this may be just what your body needs for optimal health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_18-Hour_Fast\"><\/span><b>What Is an 18-Hour Fast?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An 18-hour fast is a form of <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/intermittent-fasting-how-it-affects-your-body-and-health\/\">intermittent fasting<\/a> where you eat all your daily calories within a six-hour window and fast for the remaining 18 hours. For example, you may choose to eat between 12 pm and 6 pm and fast from 6 pm to 12 pm the next day. A large part of this fast is spent asleep, so you only need to skip one meal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the fasting period, you are only allowed to consume <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/zero-calorie-drinks-for-intermittent-fasting\/\">zero-calorie drinks<\/a>, including water, black coffee, or tea. This means no snacking or even adding a dash of creamer to your morning coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Reasons why BetterMe is a safe bet: a wide range of calorie-blasting workouts, finger-licking recipes, 24\/7 support, challenges that\u2019ll keep you on your best game, and that just scratches the surface! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=18_hour_fast\">Start using our app and watch the magic happen<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Fasting_for_18_Hours_Good_for_You\"><\/span><b>Is Fasting for 18 Hours Good for You?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting for 18 hours is good for you, particularly when it is done right. By doing it right, we mean:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;ve taken time to understand exactly what fasting means and how it affects your body<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;ve consulted a doctor or health care professional to ensure you&#8217;re physically able to handle an extended fast<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;ve slowly worked your way toward an 18-hour fast, starting with shorter periods such as 12 or 14 hours first<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;ve researched <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/what-breaks-a-fast\/\">what breaks a fast<\/a> and you&#8217;re careful not to consume any foods or drinks that would affect the benefits of your fast<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You listen to your body and make adjustments if necessary<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have taken these steps, an 18-hour fast may be incredibly beneficial for your body. We&#8217;ll explain why in the next section and share solid, science-backed reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=18_hour_fast\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/7_1.png\" alt=\"18 hour fast\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Will_Fasting_for_18_Hours_Do\"><\/span><b>What Will Fasting for 18 Hours Do?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting 18 hours a day for a month is likely to have visible results regarding your energy, mood, and weight. Keeping it up for longer may benefit your overall health in many ways.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18-Hour_Fast_Benefits\"><\/span>18-Hour Fast Benefits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Can help you lose weight<\/li>\n<li>May lead to optimized digestion<\/li>\n<li>Support your immune system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Super-Charge_Your_Weight_Loss\"><\/span><b>Super-Charge Your Weight Loss<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The foundation of weight loss is rooted in the basic principle of creating a <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/caloric-deficit\/\">caloric deficit<\/a> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18025815\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Essentially, this means consuming fewer calories than you expend.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An 18-hour fast naturally results in fewer hours of eating during the day, making it easier to achieve this deficit without feeling deprived.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When fasting for an extended period, your body starts to increase lipolysis, the process of breaking down stored fats for energy. This occurs because, in the absence of readily available glucose from food, your body must tap into its reserve energy\u2014your stored fat (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK560564\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). The result? Theoretically, more fat burned and gradual weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting also enhances your metabolic flexibility, which is the ability of your body to switch between burning carbs and fats for fuel. Improved metabolic flexibility means that your body becomes more efficient at utilizing whatever fuel source is available, whether from the meals you eat or your fat stores (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/edrv\/article\/39\/4\/489\/4982126\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may worry that fasting can<a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/how-to-slow-down-your-metabolism\/\"> slow down your metabolism<\/a>, but interestingly, research has suggested the opposite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-term fasting can actually boost your metabolic rate by approximately 3.6%, which helps you burn even more calories (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/2405717\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0002916523071939?via%3Dihub\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). So 18:6 fasting for one month, or even up to six, may work for this purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, fasting is believed to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis, the process by which new and more efficient mitochondria (the powerhouses of your cells) are formed (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/jcsm.12611\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This means your cells become better at producing and using energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essentially, an 18-hour fast is thought of as being like hitting a reset button on your metabolism, which prompts your body to become more efficient and flexible in the way it uses energy. This is why it could be an effective strategy for weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Give_Your_Digestive_System_a_Break\"><\/span><b>Give Your Digestive System a Break<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An 18-hour fast provides your digestive system with a well-deserved break, which allows it to reset and restore optimal function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firstly, let&#8217;s talk about something called the migrating motor complex (MMC). This is a series of electrical waves that sweep through your intestines in between meals, approximately every 90 to 120 minutes (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5137267\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should think of MMC as the cleaning crew that comes in when the production line (your food processing line, in this case) is on a break. It helps clear out undigested material from your stomach and small intestine. It is a crucial process, but it only kicks in when you aren\u2019t actively digesting food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, an 18-hour fast gives MMC ample time to do its job, which may help mitigate issues such as bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So essentially, an 18-hour fast allows your body to tap into its natural mechanisms (such as MMC) to optimize digestion. This may make your system more efficient and help alleviate common digestive issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may seem counterintuitive\u2014less food, better digestion? But once you understand the science behind it, it all makes sense.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-the-best-fasting-schedule-for-you-pros-cons-and-everything-in-between\/\"><i>What Is The Best Fasting Schedule For You: Pros, Cons, and Everything In Between<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Support_Your_Immune_System\"><\/span><b>Support Your Immune System<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restricting your eating window is believed to boost your immune system through various mechanisms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As previously mentioned, an 18-hour fast may help reduce inflammation in the body (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/md-journal\/fulltext\/2021\/04160\/the_influence_of_fasting_and_caloric_restriction.64.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This is important because chronic inflammation has been linked to many diseases, including obesity and autoimmune disorders (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7147972\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, fasting may help regulate the production of immune cells and cytokines (messenger proteins that are involved in immune response), which may enhance your body&#8217;s ability to fight off infections and diseases (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/acel.13507\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A study on mice found fasting to be protective against intestinal salmonella infection, at least partially due to changes in the gut microbiome (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plospathogens\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.ppat.1009719\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, your immune system requires nutrients to function optimally, so it is likely that there is a point where fasting will become detrimental to the immune system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Super-Charge_Your_Cognitive_Function\"><\/span><b>Super-Charge Your Cognitive Function<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your brain may experience both short- and long-term benefits from an 18:6 fast. In the short term, an interesting phenomenon occurs in your brain when you fast\u2014it starts producing more of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2072-6643\/13\/9\/3166\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This protein helps promote the growth and maintenance of new neurons, which is essential for learning and memory. It also protects existing neurons from damage (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4697050\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, fasting has been linked to increased levels of human growth hormone (HGH), a hormone that plays a role in brain health (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC329619\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HGH can help improve cognitive function, learning, and memory. It also has neuroprotective effects, which means that it can help protect your brain against age-related decline (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/nrendo.2013.78\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It has been suggested that fasting has potential long-term benefits for conditions such as Alzheimer&#8217;s disease and Parkinson&#8217;s disease (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2072-6643\/13\/9\/3166\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=18_hour_fast\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/4_1.png\" alt=\"18 hour fast\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Eat_After_an_18-Hour_Fast\"><\/span><b>What to Eat After an 18-Hour Fast<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earlier, we recommended properly understanding what your body needs and finding a meal plan that works for you. And we stand by that 100%. Here are some general guidelines to get you started:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Break your fast gently to prevent any potential digestive discomfort. We recommend bone broth, which is nutrient-dense and easy to digest. You can also eat some cooked vegetables or a small portion of protein, such as eggs or fish.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After your initial meal, you should eat nutrient-dense whole foods such as lean proteins (chicken, fish, lentils), complex carbohydrates (vegetables, fruits, whole grains), and healthy fats (avocado, olive oil).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eat until you feel satisfied, not stuffed. Remember, it\u2019s not about restriction or deprivation, it&#8217;s about nourishing your body with foods that support its natural functions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18-Hour_Fast_and_Exercise\"><\/span><b>18-Hour Fast and Exercise<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, you may be wondering how fasting for 18 hours will affect your exercise routine. Our suggestion is that you experiment with one of these strategies:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Perform light exercise during your fasting window:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some people find that movement while they are fasting helps them feel more energized and focused. This may be because their bodies are already using fat as fuel, which makes the workout more efficient. However, this probably isn\u2019t the time for an intense workout.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Exercise after breaking your fast: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you prefer to work out with some fuel in your system, break your fast with a small meal or snack before you exercise. This will provide your body with the energy it needs to power you through your workout.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Adjust your exercise intensity: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting for 18 hours may make you feel more fatigued than usual, so you may want to adjust your exercise routine accordingly. You may need to lower the intensity or shorten the duration of your workout.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>BetterMe app will provide you with a host of fat-frying fitness routines that\u2019ll scare the extra pounds away and turn your body into a masterpiece! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=18_hour_fast\">Get your life moving in the right direction with BetterMe! <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_burn_fat_on_an_18-hour_fast\"><\/span><b>Do you burn fat on an 18-hour fast?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, when you fast for 18 hours, your body enters a state of ketosis where it starts burning fat for energy. This is because during the fasting window, your body depletes its stores of glucose (sugar) and starts using stored fat as fuel instead (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3946160\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_days_a_week_should_you_do_an_18-hour_fast\"><\/span><b>How many days a week should you do an 18-hour fast?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The idea behind 18\/6 <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/16-8-intermittent-fasting-for-seniors\/\">intermittent fasting<\/a> is to make it a regular part of your lifestyle, rather than a short-term diet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As it falls under the umbrella of time-restricted eating, it&#8217;s most effective when it is done daily. You can vary the length of your fasts throughout the week &#8211; they don\u2019t all need to be 18 hours. That being said, there are also versions of intermittent fasting where you fast every other day or a few times a week.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_16_hours_the_magic_number_for_fasting\"><\/span><b>Why is 16 hours the magic number for fasting?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 16-hour mark is often mentioned as it is believed to be around that time that the body enters ketosis and starts burning fat for fuel. This duration is also manageable for most people and fits well into a daily schedule with eight hours of eating time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fasting_for_18_hours_vs_16_hours_%E2%80%93_which_is_better\"><\/span><b>Fasting for 18 hours vs 16 hours &#8211; which is better?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fasting for longer may increase the benefits, such as autophagy and reduction of inflammation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2666149723000063\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, some people may find it more challenging to go for 18 hours without eating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting with shorter fasts, such as 12-16 hours, and working your way up to the 18-hour mark is recommended. It is also recommended to increase the frequency of your fasts gradually. For example, you could start with an 18-hour fast once a week before increasing it to multiple days.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_time_for_an_18-hour_fast\"><\/span><b>What is the best time for an 18-hour fast?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people prefer to skip breakfast and start eating in the afternoon, whereas others prefer to skip dinner. To ensure you make the right decision, you should consider your daily schedule and the time of day you feel most comfortable fasting. Experiment with different times to see what works best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_should_I_eat_after_an_18-hour_fast\"><\/span><b>What should I eat after an 18-hour fast?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After an 18-hour fast for weight loss, it&#8217;s best to break your fast gently. You should start with something light and easy to digest, such as bone broth or cooked vegetables. Then, you should eat nutrient-dense whole foods, such as lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_better_to_fast_for_18_or_24_hours\"><\/span><b>Is it better to fast for 18 or 24 hours?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both have their benefits and the best choice is dependent on your goals and how your body reacts to fasting. Fasting for 24 hours may offer more benefits in terms of weight loss and autophagy, but it can also be far more challenging.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should talk to a healthcare professional before you start longer fasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An 18-hour fast may initially seem daunting, but the potential benefits for your body and mind are worth considering. From improved digestion to enhanced immune protection, cognitive function, and weight loss, fasting can have a positive impact on a variety of aspects of your health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get the most out of your fast, make sure you have a proper understanding of the science behind it and consult a healthcare professional before you start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=18_hour_fast&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-12.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=18_hour_fast\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-12.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How long should you fast? You&#8217;ve perhaps heard some people say that 12 hours is enough, whereas others swear by 16 or even 24 hours. You&#8217;ve read about these different fasting periods and wondered whether there&#8217;s a magic number that works for everyone. The truth is, there isn&#8217;t.\u00a0 Any fast that lasts for longer than [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":56432,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[150],"tags":[],"coauthors":[117,87],"class_list":["post-56431","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fasting-diet"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>An 18-Hour Fast May Be Just What Your Body Needs for Optimal Health - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"An \u2605 18 HOUR FAST \u27a4 may be the key to unlocking numerous health benefits, from improved digestion to enhanced detoxification. Learn how to fast safely in this comprehensive guide.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"An 18-Hour Fast May Be Just What Your Body Needs for Optimal Health\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"An \u2605 18 HOUR FAST \u27a4 may be the key to unlocking numerous health benefits, from improved digestion to enhanced detoxification. Learn how to fast safely in this comprehensive guide.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/18-hour-fast-1024x576.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"576\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"ZindzyGracia, Kristen Fleming, RD\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"ZindzyGracia, Kristen Fleming, RD\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"ZindzyGracia\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/f1b0bb368e8e731db8d770a9db90970c\"},\"headline\":\"An 18-Hour Fast May Be Just What Your Body Needs for Optimal Health\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/\"},\"wordCount\":2199,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/18-hour-fast.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Fasting\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">How long should you fast? You've perhaps heard some people say that 12 hours is enough, whereas others swear by 16 or even 24 hours. You've read about these different fasting periods and wondered whether there's a magic number that works for everyone. The truth is, there isn't.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-value=\\\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=18_hour_fast\\\\&quot; mp4=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4.mp4\\\\&quot;]&quot;}\\\" data-sheets-userformat=\\\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\\\" data-sheets-formula=\\\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Any fast that lasts for longer than 12 hours is considered an extended fast, and this is sometimes suggested for people with specific health goals.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">However, if you're looking to improve your overall health and well-being, you may want to consider working your way toward an 18-hour fast. We know that going three-quarters of a day without a meal sounds intimidating, but it's possible. Better yet, it may even be beneficial.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Read on to understand why this may be just what your body needs for optimal health.<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>What Is an 18-Hour Fast?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">An 18-hour fast is a form of <a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/intermittent-fasting-how-it-affects-your-body-and-health\/\\\">intermittent fasting<\/a> where you eat all your daily calories within a six-hour window and fast for the remaining 18 hours. For example, you may choose to eat between 12 pm and 6 pm and fast from 6 pm to 12 pm the next day. A large part of this fast is spent asleep, s ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/\",\"name\":\"An 18-Hour Fast May Be Just What Your Body Needs for Optimal Health - BetterMe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/18-hour-fast.png\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"description\":\"An \u2605 18 HOUR FAST \u27a4 may be the key to unlocking numerous health benefits, from improved digestion to enhanced detoxification. 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The articles she writes focus on providing factual information \u2013 but never at the expense of providing an entertaining read. Her interest in health &amp; wellness was sparked by her motherhood journey. She realized just how much damage misinformation could cause, especially when it is targeted at new moms who are keen on postpartum weight loss. So for years, she has worked hard to demystify the seemingly complex concepts of health &amp; wellness. Eventually, she made one startling discovery that she wishes to share with all \u2013 there is no short cut. Consistency and hard work are the keys to a healthy mind and body. But, writing is not all she does. Being a mother to an energetic toddler means her free time is spent exploring the outdoors, arms laden with cotton candy and toys. 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Learn how to fast safely in this comprehensive guide.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"An 18-Hour Fast May Be Just What Your Body Needs for Optimal Health","og_description":"An \u2605 18 HOUR FAST \u27a4 may be the key to unlocking numerous health benefits, from improved digestion to enhanced detoxification. Learn how to fast safely in this comprehensive guide.","og_url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_modified_time":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":576,"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/18-hour-fast-1024x576.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"ZindzyGracia, Kristen Fleming, RD","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"ZindzyGracia, Kristen Fleming, RD","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/"},"author":{"name":"ZindzyGracia","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/f1b0bb368e8e731db8d770a9db90970c"},"headline":"An 18-Hour Fast May Be Just What Your Body Needs for Optimal Health","dateModified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/"},"wordCount":2199,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/18-hour-fast.png","articleSection":["Fasting"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long should you fast? You've perhaps heard some people say that 12 hours is enough, whereas others swear by 16 or even 24 hours. You've read about these different fasting periods and wondered whether there's a magic number that works for everyone. The truth is, there isn't.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1443&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=18_hour_fast\\&quot; mp4=\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4.mp4\\&quot;]&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any fast that lasts for longer than 12 hours is considered an extended fast, and this is sometimes suggested for people with specific health goals.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you're looking to improve your overall health and well-being, you may want to consider working your way toward an 18-hour fast. We know that going three-quarters of a day without a meal sounds intimidating, but it's possible. Better yet, it may even be beneficial.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read on to understand why this may be just what your body needs for optimal health.<\/span>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>What Is an 18-Hour Fast?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An 18-hour fast is a form of <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/intermittent-fasting-how-it-affects-your-body-and-health\/\">intermittent fasting<\/a> where you eat all your daily calories within a six-hour window and fast for the remaining 18 hours. For example, you may choose to eat between 12 pm and 6 pm and fast from 6 pm to 12 pm the next day. A large part of this fast is spent asleep, s ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/","name":"An 18-Hour Fast May Be Just What Your Body Needs for Optimal Health - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/18-hour-fast\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/18-hour-fast.png","dateModified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00","description":"An \u2605 18 HOUR FAST \u27a4 may be the key to unlocking numerous health benefits, from improved digestion to enhanced detoxification. 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The articles she writes focus on providing factual information \u2013 but never at the expense of providing an entertaining read. Her interest in health &amp; wellness was sparked by her motherhood journey. She realized just how much damage misinformation could cause, especially when it is targeted at new moms who are keen on postpartum weight loss. So for years, she has worked hard to demystify the seemingly complex concepts of health &amp; wellness. Eventually, she made one startling discovery that she wishes to share with all \u2013 there is no short cut. Consistency and hard work are the keys to a healthy mind and body. But, writing is not all she does. Being a mother to an energetic toddler means her free time is spent exploring the outdoors, arms laden with cotton candy and toys. 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