“Placing the eating window earlier in the morning (finishing the 8-hour window by 2-3 p.m.) may have more benefits for glucose control,” says Gabel. Jamshed agrees, noting that early TRE may be the most effective option when it comes to metabolic health, weight loss, and mood.
However, both also acknowledge that this eating pattern may be harder for some people to follow, as many people prefer socializing in the evenings and enjoying dinner with family or friends.
Jamshed emphasizes that there’s no single “best” type of TRE for everyone, as the most appropriate option can vary depending on many individual factors. “It’s important to choose a TRE method that is sustainable and enjoyable, and to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary or lifestyle regimen,” she says.
Ultimately, it may be best to tailor your eating pattern to your individual schedule and experiment with the precise timing to find what works for you.
And as far as how long to fast, if you’re new to time-restricted eating, consider checking out 18:6 and 16:8 fasting plans, both of which involve abstaining from food for 18 or 16 hours each day, respectively.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to time-restricted eating, these are two of the most popular and beginner-friendly variations.
