Running on Empty: Does Fasting Help or Hurt?

Intermittent fasting is just taking times of fasting and working them into your lifestyle. This can be either daily or a couple times a week. The Los Angeles Times reports that science is beginning to confirm its benefits.

Something about the way Americans eat isn't working -- and hasn't been for a long time.

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Taking that inclination into account, some people are adopting an unusual solution to overeating. Rather than battling temptation in grocery stores, restaurants and their own kitchens, they simply don't eat. At least not at certain times of the day or specific days of the week.

Called intermittent fasting, this rather stark approach to weight control appears to be supported by science, not to mention various religious and cultural practices around the globe. The practice is a way to become more circumspect about food, its adherents say. But it also seems to yield the benefits of calorie restriction, which may ultimately reduce the risk of some diseases and even extend life. Read more