Over quarantine, many people began to look for new ways to stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight. Intermittent fasting became the new diet trend among many, including some students at the school.

“I think it has many health benefits if done correctly. By intermittent fasting, you give your body the time it needs to rest from the digestion process and repair body cells,” Health teacher Mrs. Alina Muir said.

Intermittent fasting is a type of fasting in which one separates periods of the day for eating and fasting. For example, in one cycle some people fast for 18 hours and then eat for 6 hours. However, this is just one of many cycles of intermittent fasting.

“I tried several different types of fasting cycles and thought that the 16:8 cycle was the best for me. In this fasting you have an 8 hour eating period, and then a 16 hour non eating period,” junior Allison King, said.

She thought this fasting cycle was most effective for her, and made her feel best. With intermittent fasting becoming popular, people sought new ways to keep track of their fasting cycle.

“I really enjoyed intermittent fasting, and was able to keep track through an App called ‘Zero’, which was made specifically for intermittent fasting. I thought it made it really simple to keep track of my fasting cycles,” junior Annie Larrea said.

To keep track of eating cycles, there are several apps which can be used. Apps such as ‘Zero’, ‘Fastient’, and ‘BodyFast’, help with keeping track of fasting patterns.

However, while many did enjoy intermittent fasting, some people thought it was not for them.

“I thought fasting was a good diet to do during quarantine, but when I started volleyball I didn’t enjoy it and eventually stopped it because I felt I didn’t have enough energy at my practices,” junior Karla Risi said.

She explains how, while fasting is good, it isn’t necessarily for everyone.

According to Healthline magazine, Rachel Link, a registered dietician, explains how if the person’s diet in eating periods of fasting does not have sufficient nutrients it can be harmful, especially if one actively participates in vigorous physical activity. On the same note, if intermittent fasting is not done properly, athletes’ endurance and muscle power can be reduced.

Ultimately, all the people interviewed explained how, while intermittent fasting can be beneficial, it is not for everyone.