Early Time-Restricted Feeding

Definition

Early time-restricted feeding is a dietary practice that involves consuming all meals within a specific timeframe earlier in the day, usually within a 6-8 hour window, such as 7 AM to 3 PM.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Early time-restricted feeding is a form of intermittent fasting where individuals eat their meals in alignment with the body's circadian rhythms. The eating period typically occurs earlier in the day, which may optimize metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity by synchronizing with natural metabolic peaks.

Benefits

• May improve insulin sensitivity
• Potential to enhance weight loss
• Could improve cardiovascular health
• May improve metabolic health
• Potential to reduce inflammation

Examples

• Eating all meals between 8 AM and 2 PM
• Consuming breakfast at 7 AM, a lunch at 11 AM, and finishing with a light meal before 3 PM

Additional Information

• effects: This eating pattern aligns food intake with the body's natural daily rhythms, potentially improving metabolic outcomes and reducing the risk of metabolic diseases.

Related Terms

• Intermittent Fasting
• Circadian Rhythms
• Meal Timing
• Metabolic Health

References

• Early Time-Restricted Feeding Improves Insulin Sensitivity, Blood Pressure, and Oxidative Stress Even Without Weight Loss in Men with Prediabetes
• Circadian alignment of early onset caloric intake with cognitive performance and cardiometabolic health