Keto and Intermittent Fasting: How to Combine Them

This guide explains how a ketogenic (keto) diet and intermittent fasting (IF) interact, what the combination can and can’t be expected to do, how to plan meals, common mistakes, who should avoid it, sample days of eating, troubleshooting, and how to ease in gradually.

In short: keto changes what you eat (very low carbohydrate), while intermittent fasting changes when you eat. Both push the body toward burning more fat and making ketones, so some people find they fit together well. There is little research on the combination specifically, and for weight loss the main driver is still eating fewer calories overall. It is also a restrictive combination that is not suitable for everyone, so read the safety section before starting.

Safety note: if you have diabetes, especially if you take insulin, sulfonylureas, or SGLT2 inhibitors, do not combine keto and fasting without your healthcare team’s guidance. These medicines can cause dangerous low blood sugar or, in the case of SGLT2 inhibitors, a serious condition called ketoacidosis when carbohydrate intake is very low.

How Keto and Intermittent Fasting Fit Together

Keto and fasting are separate approaches, but they overlap in how they affect fuel use:

More Fat Burning

A ketogenic diet keeps carbohydrate intake very low (commonly under about 20-50 g of net carbs a day), so the body relies mainly on fat for fuel. During a fast, once readily available glucose and liver glycogen run low, the body also shifts toward burning stored fat.

Ketone Production

When carbohydrate is scarce, the liver turns fatty acids into ketones, which many tissues, including the brain, can use for energy. Both keto eating and longer fasts raise ketone levels.

Lower Insulin

Insulin rises most after carbohydrate-rich meals. Keto meals cause a smaller rise, and insulin stays low during fasting periods. Low insulin makes it easier for the body to release stored fat.

Why Some People Find Them Easier Together

  • Less hunger for some people: Many people report that a low-carbohydrate diet reduces their appetite, which can make a fasting window easier to keep. Ketosis may play a role, although responses vary.
  • Fewer swings in blood sugar: Low-carbohydrate meals cause smaller rises in blood glucose, which some people find helps with energy dips and cravings.
  • Simpler routine: Two keto meals in a set window can be easier to plan than several meals and snacks.

Others find the combination too restrictive, particularly at first. Doing both at once means two big changes, so a gradual approach is usually easier (see Transition Strategies).

What the Combination Can and Can’t Do

Claims about keto plus fasting often go well beyond the evidence. Here is a more measured view.

Weight Loss

Both keto and IF can help people eat less, mainly by reducing appetite or limiting eating opportunities. In controlled studies where calories and protein are matched, low-carbohydrate diets have not been shown to produce meaningfully more fat loss than higher-carbohydrate diets. Similarly, intermittent fasting trials generally show weight loss similar to ordinary calorie reduction. So the combination may help if it makes eating less easier for you, but it isn’t a metabolic shortcut. Early weight loss on keto is partly water, as glycogen stores (which hold water) are used up.

Blood Sugar and Insulin

Low-carbohydrate diets can lower blood glucose and insulin levels, and some studies in people with type 2 diabetes have found improvements in blood sugar control. These changes can happen quickly, which is exactly why medication may need adjusting under medical supervision. Evidence on combining keto with fasting specifically is limited.

Cholesterol and Heart Health

Responses vary. Some people see improvements in triglycerides and HDL cholesterol on a low-carbohydrate diet, while others see a noticeable rise in LDL cholesterol, particularly with a lot of saturated fat. If you follow keto long-term, it is sensible to have your cholesterol checked. See fasting and cholesterol.

Energy and Focus

Some people report steady energy and good focus once they have adjusted; others feel tired or foggy, especially during the first weeks. There is little rigorous evidence that keto or fasting improves cognitive performance in healthy people.

Autophagy and Longevity

Fasting and ketones are studied in relation to autophagy (the body’s process for recycling cell components) and ageing, but most of this research is in cells and animals. It has not been shown that keto plus fasting slows ageing or prevents disease in humans. See autophagy and fasting.

Keeping Perspective

Individual responses vary a lot with genetics, health, sleep, stress, and activity. Judge the approach by how you feel, whether you can sustain it, and your health markers, not by ketone readings alone.

Fasting and Getting Into Ketosis

On a strict ketogenic diet, most people start producing measurable ketones within a few days, though it can take longer for some. Fasting also raises ketones, because the body turns to fat once glycogen runs low. A daily fasting window may therefore help some people reach ketosis a little sooner, but timelines vary widely and there is no need to rush.

What Helps

  • Keeping carbohydrate consistently low: Hidden carbs are the most common reason people don’t reach ketosis
  • A moderate overnight fast: A 12-16 hour fast is enough for most people; long fasts are not necessary to start keto
  • Light activity: Walking and other gentle exercise use up some glycogen
  • Patience: Feeling unwell for the first days (“keto flu”) is common and usually eases

Measuring Ketosis

Ways to Measure Ketones

  • Urine strips: Inexpensive but less reliable over time, because they measure ketones lost in urine, which varies with hydration and adaptation
  • Breath meters: Measure acetone in the breath; accuracy varies between devices
  • Blood ketone meters: Measure beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) directly and are the most accurate home option, but test strips are relatively expensive

Ketosis range: Nutritional ketosis is commonly described as blood BHB of roughly 0.5-3.0 mmol/L. Higher readings are not necessarily better. Very high ketones together with high blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain can signal ketoacidosis, which is a medical emergency, especially in people with diabetes.

Testing is optional. Many people follow keto successfully without measuring ketones at all.

Transitioning Safely and Comfortably

  • Make sure you get enough fluid and salt, particularly in the first week or two, unless you have been advised to limit salt
  • If you’re new to both, consider starting keto alone for a couple of weeks before adding a fasting window
  • Start with a short fasting window and extend it gradually
  • Ease off if symptoms are severe or don’t improve

Meal Planning for Keto Intermittent Fasting

With fewer meals and a restricted food list, planning matters. The aim is to eat enough protein and nutrients within your window while keeping carbohydrate low.

Typical Keto Macronutrient Ranges

Keto diets are usually described roughly as:

  • Carbohydrate: commonly under about 20-50 g of net carbs per day
  • Protein: a moderate amount, enough to maintain muscle
  • Fat: the remainder of your energy, usually the majority of calories

Note: Fat provides about 9 calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrate provide about 4.

Eating Enough in a Shorter Window

Avoid Excessive Restriction

A short eating window plus a restrictive diet can lead to eating too little. Very low intake increases the risk of nutrient shortfalls, muscle loss, and fatigue.

Protein Adequacy

Prioritise protein at each meal. The standard adult reference intake is about 0.8 g per kg of body weight per day, and many people aim higher when losing weight, older, or very active. If you have kidney disease, ask your doctor about protein intake.

Nutrient Density

With fewer meals and fewer food groups, every meal should count. Include plenty of low-carb vegetables, and vary your protein and fat sources.

Fibre

Keto cuts out many high-fibre foods such as whole grains, beans, and most fruit. Non-starchy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and avocado help fill the gap.

Meal Timing Options

1

Two Meals in an 8-Hour Window (16:8)

A common pattern, for example a meal at noon and dinner around 7 PM. See the 16:8 guide.

2

Two Meals in a 6-Hour Window (18:6)

Meals need to be more substantial. For example, a first meal at 1 PM and a second around 6:30 PM, with a small snack in between if needed. See the 18:6 guide.

3

One Meal a Day (OMAD)

Fitting enough protein, fibre, and nutrients into one keto meal is difficult. OMAD is not appropriate for everyone and is best treated as an occasional option. See the OMAD guide.

4

Choosing Your Window

Common windows include 10 AM-6 PM, noon-8 PM, or 1 PM-7 PM. Choose based on your schedule, family meals, and when you tend to be hungriest.

Building a Balanced Keto Meal

  • Protein: fish, poultry, meat, eggs, or tofu and tempeh, roughly a palm-sized portion or more
  • Non-starchy vegetables: leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, courgette/zucchini, peppers, aiming for about half the plate
  • Fats: olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, oily fish, with butter and cheese in moderation
  • Flavour: herbs, spices, vinegar, lemon; check sauces for hidden sugar

Meal Ideas

First Meal Options

  • Protein salad: grilled salmon or chicken over mixed greens with avocado, olives, cucumber, and olive oil dressing
  • Omelette: eggs with spinach, mushrooms, and a little cheese, with avocado on the side
  • Keto bowl: cauliflower rice with seasoned minced beef or turkey, salsa, and guacamole
  • Fish and greens: baked salmon with asparagus and sautéed spinach

Second Meal Options

  • Tray bake: chicken thighs with broccoli, cauliflower, and peppers roasted in olive oil
  • Stir-fry: beef, prawns, or tofu with low-carb vegetables
  • Bunless burger: burger patty in lettuce with cheese, avocado, and tomato, plus a side salad
  • Courgette/zucchini noodles: with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and grilled chicken or prawns

Snacks (If Needed)

  • A small handful of nuts
  • Cheese and olives
  • Celery with nut butter
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Plain full-fat Greek yogurt with a few berries

Meal Prep Tips

  • Batch cook proteins: roast chicken or cook minced meat in bulk
  • Prep vegetables ahead: wash and chop so meals come together quickly
  • Keep staples in stock: canned fish, eggs, frozen vegetables, cauliflower rice
  • Keep it simple: protein + vegetables + a source of fat

Hydration and Electrolytes

Very low-carbohydrate eating and fasting both tend to increase the loss of water and sodium through the kidneys, which contributes to headaches, fatigue, and dizziness early on (often called “keto flu”).

  • Sodium: Many people feel better with some extra salt at first, for example salting food or drinking broth. If you have high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease, ask your doctor first.
  • Potassium and magnesium: Get them from foods such as avocado, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, and mushrooms. Don’t take potassium supplements without medical advice, especially if you have kidney problems or take blood pressure medication.
  • Water: Drink regularly and more in hot weather or with exercise.

See our electrolytes guide for more.

Common Mistakes When Combining Keto and Fasting

Mistake: Starting Both at Once, at Full Intensity

The problem: Jumping straight into strict keto and long fasts means two big adjustments at once, which can make side effects worse and the approach harder to stick with.

Better approach: Start one change first, then add the other after a couple of weeks.

Mistake: Not Enough Protein

The problem: Focusing on fat while under-eating protein, combined with fewer meals, can make it harder to maintain muscle, particularly for older or active people.

Better approach: Build each meal around a protein source, then add vegetables and fat.

Mistake: Neglecting Salt and Fluids

The problem: Extra water and sodium loss in the early weeks can cause headaches, fatigue, and cramps.

Better approach: Drink regularly and include some salt and potassium-rich foods, unless you have a medical reason to limit salt.

Mistake: Being Unclear About What Breaks Your Fast

The problem: Cream in coffee, “bulletproof” coffee, or broth add calories. They may not affect ketosis much, but they do mean you’re not strictly fasting, and the calories count.

Better approach: Decide what you allow during your fasting window and be consistent. Water, black coffee, and plain tea are the simplest choices.

Mistake: Eating Too Little

The problem: A short window plus appetite suppression can lead to a very large calorie deficit, with fatigue, poor sleep, hair shedding, muscle loss, and, in women, cycle changes.

Better approach: Eat satisfying, adequate meals within your window. Aim for gradual weight loss rather than the fastest possible.

Mistake: Skipping Vegetables

The problem: Meals built only on meat, cheese, and fat are low in fibre and many vitamins, and often lead to constipation.

Better approach: Fill about half your plate with non-starchy vegetables.

Mistake: Training Hard During Adaptation

The problem: High-intensity exercise relies heavily on carbohydrate, so performance often drops on keto, especially early on.

Better approach: Reduce intensity for the first few weeks and schedule hard sessions within your eating window. Some people who train hard find they need more carbohydrate.

Mistake: Guessing Carb Content

The problem: Carbs hide in sauces, snacks, and “keto” products.

Better approach: Track your food for the first few weeks, using a food-tracking app or labels, to learn what your carb limit looks like in practice.

Mistake: Overeating When the Window Opens

The problem: Very large, high-fat meals after a fast can cause digestive discomfort, and calories still count.

Better approach: Start with a moderate meal, eat slowly, and let hunger guide the rest of the window.

Hidden Carb Sources

  • Sauces and condiments (ketchup, barbecue sauce, sweet dressings)
  • Processed “keto” products
  • Higher-carb vegetables such as onions, carrots, and tomatoes in large amounts
  • Some nuts, especially cashews, which are easy to overeat
  • Milk (lactose); cheese and plain yogurt are lower
  • Sugar alcohols in “sugar-free” products, some of which affect blood sugar

Signs Something Needs Adjusting

  • Persistent fatigue: may indicate too few calories, too little protein, or low salt
  • Constant intense hunger: your window or deficit may be too aggressive
  • Hair shedding: often linked to rapid weight loss, too little protein or energy, or nutrient shortfalls
  • Menstrual changes: a sign of too much restriction or stress
  • Poor sleep: can relate to hunger, eating too late, or stress
  • Preoccupation with food or bingeing: a reason to stop and seek support

If problems persist, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Combine Keto and Fasting

Who Might Consider It

  • Healthy adults who have tried one approach, found it manageable, and want more structure
  • People who find low-carbohydrate eating reduces their hunger and makes a fasting window easier
  • People with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, only with medical supervision, because blood sugar can change quickly and medication often needs adjusting

Who Should Not Combine Keto and IF

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women: nutritional needs are higher and restrictive eating is not advised
  • Children and teenagers: growing bodies need consistent, varied nutrition
  • People with a history of eating disorders: restrictive rules can trigger relapse
  • People with type 1 diabetes: not without specialist guidance, because of the risk of hypoglycaemia and ketoacidosis
  • People taking SGLT2 inhibitors: very low-carbohydrate diets and fasting increase the risk of ketoacidosis
  • People who are underweight
  • People with kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, or certain rare metabolic disorders: keto may be unsafe without medical supervision

Talk to Your Healthcare Provider First If You

  • Take medication for diabetes or blood pressure (doses may need adjusting)
  • Have had gallstones (rapid weight loss can increase risk)
  • Take several regular medications, some of which need to be taken with food
  • Have a heart condition or high cholesterol
  • Have had gout (uric acid can rise when starting keto)
  • Are over 65 (muscle maintenance and adequate nutrition need more attention)
  • Have any other chronic health condition

Considerations for Women

Some women find restrictive eating affects their menstrual cycle, mood, or sleep. If you notice missed periods, significant mood changes, hair loss, poor sleep, or extreme fatigue, ease off and speak to a doctor. A gentler approach, such as a shorter fasting window (12-14 hours), a less strict carbohydrate limit, or not fasting every day, may suit you better. See our women’s fasting guide.

Athletes and Active People

  • High-intensity and strength training: strict keto can impair performance because these efforts rely on carbohydrate; some people add carbohydrate around training
  • Endurance training: keto increases fat burning during exercise, but evidence of better performance is limited; see endurance training and fasting
  • Everyone: very active people usually need a wider eating window to eat enough

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • Do I have any medical conditions or take any medication that means I should check with a doctor first?
  • Do I have a history of disordered eating?
  • Can I realistically keep this up around work, family, and social life?
  • Am I willing to adjust or stop if it isn’t working for me?

Sample Days of Eating

These examples show how keto meals can fit into different fasting windows. Portions, and therefore calories and macros, depend on your size, activity, and goals, so adjust amounts to suit you. If you have specific targets, a registered dietitian can help.

Example 1: 16:8 With Two Meals (Noon-8 PM)

Noon

  • Large salad: mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, a little red onion
  • Grilled salmon
  • Half an avocado and a spoonful of pumpkin seeds
  • Olive oil and vinegar dressing

7 PM

  • Steak or chicken thighs
  • Roasted broccoli and cauliflower with olive oil or butter
  • Side salad
  • A small handful of nuts

Fasting window (8 PM-noon)

  • Water, sparkling water, black coffee, plain tea

Example 2: 18:6 With Two Meals (1 PM-7 PM)

1 PM

  • Omelette with cheese, spinach, and mushrooms
  • Half an avocado
  • Sautéed kale with garlic

6 PM

  • Roast chicken thighs
  • Courgette/zucchini noodles with pesto
  • Large side salad with olive oil
  • A few pecans or walnuts

Example 3: Occasional OMAD (One Meal Around 5 PM)

  • A mug of broth to start
  • Burger patty with cheese, a large salad with dressing, a whole avocado, and roasted Brussels sprouts
  • A small portion of nuts or a square or two of very dark chocolate

Note on OMAD: Eat slowly. Many people find it hard to eat enough protein and vegetables in one sitting, so this works better occasionally than daily.

Tracking and Adjusting

A food-tracking app can help for the first few weeks. After that, many people can estimate portions well enough. Adjust based on:

  • Energy (persistent tiredness may mean you’re eating too little)
  • Hunger (persistent hunger may mean too little protein or too aggressive a deficit)
  • Progress toward your goals
  • Exercise performance (some people need more carbohydrate around training)
  • Health markers such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, checked with your doctor

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Keto Flu

Symptoms: headache, fatigue, muscle cramps, brain fog, irritability, nausea, dizziness, poor sleep, usually in the first days to weeks.

Likely causes: fluid and sodium loss, plus adjusting to very low carbohydrate intake.

  • Drink regularly and add some salt to food or have broth, unless you’ve been told to limit salt
  • Eat potassium- and magnesium-rich foods
  • Shorten or pause fasting while you adjust
  • If symptoms are severe, reduce carbohydrate more gradually
  • Seek medical advice if you have vomiting, severe weakness, confusion, or palpitations

Persistent Hunger During Fasting

  • Meals too small: make sure your meals include enough protein, vegetables, and fat to be satisfying
  • Window too long too soon: go back to 12:12 or 14:10 and extend gradually
  • Thirst or habit: try a drink of water or a distraction first
  • Still adjusting: hunger often eases over the first few weeks

Not Losing Weight

  • Calories still matter: fat-rich foods such as oils, nuts, and cheese are calorie-dense and easy to overeat
  • Hidden carbs: track carefully for a week
  • Sleep and stress: both affect appetite and food choices
  • Water shifts: the scale can fluctuate day to day; look at trends over weeks and consider waist measurements too
  • Plateaus are normal: see breaking a fasting plateau

A common myth is that eating “too much protein” will stop ketosis. For most people, moderate-to-high protein intake has little effect on ketone levels, and adequate protein is important for keeping muscle.

Digestive Problems

Constipation: increase non-starchy vegetables, nuts, and seeds; drink enough; stay active; consider a fibre supplement such as psyllium with plenty of water.

Diarrhoea: often from increasing fat too quickly (especially MCT or coconut oil) or sugar alcohols; reduce these and increase gradually. See a doctor if it persists.

Low Energy or Poor Exercise Performance

  • Some drop in performance is common during the first weeks; reduce intensity temporarily
  • Make sure you’re eating enough calories and protein
  • Schedule harder workouts within your eating window
  • If high-intensity performance stays low, a small amount of carbohydrate around training, or a less strict approach, may suit you better

Sleep Problems

  • Finish eating a couple of hours before bed, but don’t go to bed very hungry
  • Avoid caffeine late in the day
  • Some people sleep better with a small portion of carbohydrate at dinner
  • Keep a consistent sleep schedule in a cool, dark room

Eating Out and Social Situations

  • Check menus ahead and choose protein with vegetables or salad instead of starchy sides
  • Ask for sauces on the side
  • Decide in advance whether an occasion is worth being flexible for
  • Focus on the company rather than the food

Hair Loss

Temporary hair shedding a few months after starting a restrictive diet is often related to rapid weight loss or eating too little protein or energy. Make sure you’re eating enough, and see your doctor to rule out other causes such as iron deficiency or thyroid problems.

Menstrual Changes

  • Shorten your fasting window (for example 12-14 hours)
  • Eat more overall and consider a less strict carbohydrate limit
  • Don’t fast every day
  • Reduce training load if it is high
  • If periods stop, pause fasting and see a doctor

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Symptoms that get worse rather than better after two to three weeks
  • Vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, or rapid breathing (possible signs of ketoacidosis, especially if you have diabetes): seek urgent care
  • Significant hair loss, missed periods, or persistent fatigue
  • Persistent digestive problems
  • Any concerns if you have a pre-existing condition

Transition Strategies: Getting Started Safely

A gradual start is usually more comfortable and easier to stick with than changing everything at once. Here are three options.

Option 1: Keto First, Then Add IF

1

Weeks 1-3: Keto Only

Eat keto meals at your usual times. Learn which foods fit, set up cooking routines, and manage early side effects with fluids and salt.

2

Week 4: 12:12

Stop eating after dinner and have breakfast about 12 hours later (for example 8 PM to 8 AM).

3

Weeks 5-6: 14:10, Then 16:8 If Comfortable

Delay your first meal by an hour or so at a time. There is no need to go beyond a window you feel well on.

4

After That: Settle Into a Routine

Keep the schedule that fits your life and leaves you feeling well. Longer fasts are optional, not a goal.

Option 2: IF First, Then Add Keto

1

Weeks 1-2: Start a Fasting Window

Begin with 12:12 or 14:10, eating your normal foods.

2

Week 3: Cut Back on Sugar and Refined Carbs

Reduce sugary foods and refined grains while still eating some carbohydrate.

3

Weeks 4-5: Move to Keto

Lower carbohydrate to keto levels, keep protein adequate, and fill up on vegetables and healthy fats.

4

Week 6+: Review

Assess how you feel and adjust your window or carbohydrate level.

Option 3: Change Both Gradually

Weeks 1-2

12:12 fasting and a moderate reduction in carbohydrate, cutting out sugary and ultra-processed foods first.

Weeks 3-4

14:10 fasting and a lower-carbohydrate diet.

Weeks 5-6

16:8 if comfortable, and carbohydrate at keto levels.

Week 7+

Adjust based on how you feel.

Supporting Your Transition

  • Meal prep: have keto meals ready so you’re not deciding when hungry
  • Fluids and salt: plan for them from the start, within any medical limits
  • Sleep: aim for 7-9 hours
  • Exercise: keep moving but ease off intensity in the first weeks
  • Flexibility: if something isn’t working, adjust rather than pushing through

Signs It’s Going Well

  • Hunger during your fasting window feels manageable
  • Energy is steady after the first few weeks
  • You can stick to the routine without constant struggle
  • Sleep, mood, and (for women) menstrual cycles are unaffected

Long-Term Sustainability

Long-term research on combining keto and fasting is lacking, and many people find strict keto hard to maintain for years. A sustainable approach adapts to your life and keeps your health markers in check.

Principles

  • Flexibility within structure: allow room for travel, holidays, and special occasions
  • Listen to your body: if something consistently feels wrong, change the approach
  • Periodic review: every few months, check whether it still suits your goals and life, and ask your doctor about routine checks such as cholesterol
  • Quality of life: if the approach is harming your relationships or wellbeing, modify it

Flexible Variations

  • Lower-carb rather than strict keto: a more moderate carbohydrate limit with a daily eating window
  • Carbohydrate around training: keto most of the time, with some carbohydrate around hard workouts
  • Varied windows: 16:8 on some days, 12:12 or 14:10 on others
  • Weekend flexibility: more structure during the week, more relaxed at weekends

Handling Life Changes

  • Travel: keep a routine where you can but allow flexibility
  • Stressful periods: shorten fasts or relax carbohydrate limits temporarily
  • Illness: pause fasting and focus on recovery
  • More training: you may need more food, a wider window, or more carbohydrate
  • Pregnancy or planning pregnancy: stop fasting and talk to your doctor about your diet

Long-Term Pitfalls

  • Nutrient gaps: keep your diet varied and discuss testing with your doctor if concerned
  • Plateaus: normal over time; avoid responding with ever-stricter restriction
  • Social isolation: find ways to take part in shared meals
  • Preoccupation with food: if the approach becomes all-consuming, step back and seek support

Stepping Back or Moving On

  • Reintroduce carbohydrate gradually; some weight regain from water and glycogen is expected and normal
  • You can keep a fasting window while relaxing keto, or the reverse
  • Keep the useful habits: whole foods, plenty of vegetables, and a regular eating routine

The best eating pattern is one you can maintain while supporting your health and quality of life. Consistency matters more than perfection.

The Bottom Line

Keto and intermittent fasting both shift the body toward burning fat and producing ketones, and some people find a low-carbohydrate diet makes a fasting window easier to keep. The combination can help with weight loss if it helps you eat less, but it is not a metabolic shortcut, and research on the pairing specifically is limited.

If you try it, start gradually, prioritise protein and vegetables, get enough fluids and salt early on, and watch for signs you’re eating too little. The combination is not suitable for everyone: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of eating disorders, have diabetes or take medication, or have kidney, liver, or heart conditions, talk to your healthcare provider first.

Track Your Fasts

Use our free browser-based fasting timer to keep track of your fasting windows, and explore our nutrition guides for more meal ideas.