NUTRITION
NOTSO
BY CHARIS TORRANCE
IS INTERMITTENT FASTING THE WELLNESS WORLD’ S HOLY GRAIL OR JUST ANOTHER DIET DRESSED UP IN NEW SCIENCE?
Intermittent fasting( IF) isn’ t exactly new, but it has become one of the most talked about diet trends of the past decade. Some people swear by it – others say it’ s no better than any other calorie restrictive diets … so what’ s the truth?
WHAT IS IF?
“ Intermittent fasting, or intermittent energy restriction, is a special diet consisting of intermittent pauses in eating,” explains Dr Charlene Wolberg, a GP with a Master’ s in Nutritional Science practising at Netcare Linksfield Hospital.
There are many variations of IF, but the three that have been researched the most are:
1. ALTERNATE DAY FASTING( ADF)
Alternate day fasting( ADF) consists of a fast day alternating with a feast day.
“ Individuals can choose what to do on fast days, either consume only water( zero calorie alternate day fasting) or consume about 500kcal
54 INBOUND SA / APRIL 2026