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.
View More Free Articles
Study Reveals How Diabetes "Hijacks" Your Brain's Memory Center
The damage uncontrolled diabetes can do—from your eyes to your kidneys—is well known. But now, alarming new research shows it could also be damaging your brain in ways we never imagined. In fact, researchers have found that type 2 diabetes may “rewire” the brain in ways eerily similar to early Alzheimer’s. Here’s what you need...
Weird Tea Trick Calms Your Mind While Boosting Focus
You know the drill… If you want to feel more alert, coffee gives you the jolt you need. But when it’s calm that you seek, chamomile tea soothes you to sleep. But what if you could drink a beverage that can do both at the same time? A natural compound found in certain teas offers...
Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First
Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...
Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...