Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 21, 2025
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that.
It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health.
However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on its terrific health benefits.
Until now…
Intermittent fasting’s rewards come from how it affects our metabolism.
After you eat, the carbohydrates you’ve consumed are digested and broken down into glucose. Your metabolism triggers your cells to use some of that glucose for immediate energy.
However, the rest gets converted into fat for later use.
Intermittent fasting causes your body to switch from burning glucose to burning stored fat. This leads to weight loss and improved metabolism.
Now, research has revealed a way to get those same metabolic benefits without severe calorie restriction.
Twelve overweight or obese volunteers were recruited for the new study. They all followed two one-day dieting scenarios:
- a very low-carbohydrate diet
- a severely calorie-restricted diet (about 75 percent fewer calories than usual)
The next morning, both groups were given a high-fat, high-sugar meal to see how efficiently their bodies burned fat afterward.
The shift to fat burning and improved fat handling was nearly identical following both diets.
In other words, restricting carbs delivered the same favorable metabolic effects as fasting.
If you’re interested in the health benefits of intermittent fasting but find it too difficult to stick to, this new research shows you how to get the best of both worlds.
Consider restricting your carbohydrates for a couple of days each week while still eating satisfying amounts of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. This approach can help you reap similar metabolic rewards without the challenge of extended fasting periods.
P.S. Night Owl habit is linked to metabolic mayhem. Here’s how to reset your body clock…
Source:
Biyikoglu, H., Robertson, M.D. & Collins, A. Isolating the acute metabolic effects of carbohydrate restriction on postprandial metabolism with or without energy restriction: a crossover study. Eur J Nutr, 64, 133 (2025).
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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