Intermittent fasting is a relatively new trend in “dieting” where you restrict the number of calories consumed a few days a week (not back-to-back days) and/or you restrict the number of hours per day you consume calories. For instance, if you prefer to “fast” several days a week and allow yourself a “normal” diet the other days, consume about 500 calories on the “fast” days, follow choice #1. If you can’t control your intake below 500 calories a day, all is not lost, you can follow the other intermittent fasting plan (limited number of hours a day you are allowed to eat).

A friend of mine visited a few weeks ago and looked fabulous! I asked her how she lost the weight that she had battled for years, and she said, “intermittent fasting”, she only ate between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm 3-4 days a week; the other days she consumed a normal diet. Now I’m motivated, right? First problem, coffee cream counts, yep, if you use it in your 5:30 am cup of joe, your clock is ticking, now you have to eat dinner at 2:30! So, okay, maybe this wasn’t the best plan for me!

All of that said, a recent study indicates that intermittent fasting may actually be a healthy choice for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)! Imagine, if giving up your coffee cream and following an intermittent fasting diet a few days a week could provide anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective advantages! Obviously, all studies have flaws and limitations but if you or someone you love is living with MS, isn’t it worth a try? What do you have to lose but maybe a few pounds and some inflammation, both would improve quality of life! Stay the course, stay informed, and stay well!