What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. Rather than focusing on what you eat, intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat.
Popular in the UK for weight management, metabolic health, and digestive benefits, intermittent fasting has become one of the most widely practised eating patterns.
Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Research suggests intermittent fasting may offer several health benefits:
- Weight management: Helps create a calorie deficit naturally
- Metabolic health: May improve insulin sensitivity
- Digestive rest: Gives your digestive system time to rest and recover
- Mental clarity: Many people report improved focus during fasting windows
- Simplified eating: Fewer meals to plan and prepare
Popular Intermittent Fasting Schedules
NutraSafe supports all major intermittent fasting protocols:
16:8 Method
Fast: 16 hours
Eat: 8 hours
The most popular method. Fast overnight and through the morning, eating between 12pm-8pm or 1pm-9pm.
18:6 Method
Fast: 18 hours
Eat: 6 hours
For more experienced fasters. Eating window typically 2pm-8pm or 3pm-9pm.
Custom Schedules
Your choice
Create your own fasting schedule to match your lifestyle. Track any fasting window length.
Tips for Successful Intermittent Fasting
Start Gradually
If you're new to intermittent fasting, start with a 12-hour overnight fast and gradually extend your fasting window. Many people find 16:8 easiest to maintain long-term.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water during your fasting window. Black coffee and unsweetened tea are also acceptable during fasting periods.
Focus on Nutrition Quality
Use NutraSafe's nutrition tracking to ensure you're getting adequate protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients during your eating window. Quality matters when you have fewer hours to eat.
Listen to Your Body
Intermittent fasting isn't suitable for everyone. If you experience persistent discomfort, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms, consult your GP.
More Than Just a Fasting Timer
NutraSafe combines intermittent fasting tracking with comprehensive nutrition features:
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Complete Food Database
Scan thousands of UK products from Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, and more.
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Macro & Micronutrient Tracking
Monitor daily intake of protein, carbs, fats, and all major vitamins and minerals.
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Ingredient & Additive Scanner
Check food additives, E-numbers, and ultra-processed ingredients.
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Food Reaction Tracking
Log how you feel after eating. Combine intermittent fasting with elimination diets.
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Expiry Date Tracking
Track use-by dates and reduce food waste. Never wonder if food is still safe to eat.
Intermittent Fasting FAQs
Can I track 16:8 and 18:6 fasting windows?
Yes. NutraSafe supports 16:8, 18:6, and custom fasting windows with timers. Choose from preset schedules or create your own fasting window to match your lifestyle.
Does it remind me when to start and stop fasting?
Yes. Set reminders for fasting start and eating windows so you stay on schedule. NutraSafe's built-in timer shows exactly where you are in your fasting window.
Can I log food and micronutrients too?
Yes. NutraSafe logs meals, macros, and micronutrients alongside your fasting schedule. Track calories, protein, carbs, fats, and all major vitamins and minerals during your eating window.
