Intermittent fasting has become a popular diet plan that also helps with inflammation and, this time of year, it can aid you in shedding some holiday pounds. Fasting allows your gut to reset, producing and identifying good probiotic bacteria. Once your body stops attacking itself, conditions as varied as arthritis to eczema stop flaring up. There are two types of generally accepted intermittent fasting plans. The first is the five-two schedule where each week consists of five normal days and two days which are restricted to around 500 calories. Registered Nurse at Succeed Health Jody Anderson talks about the 16-to-eight method.

For those who wish to fast for longer than 24 hours, that is okay, but Anderson suggests making the most of the calories you are allotted. Proteins found in meat and vitamins from fruits and vegetables are important and you should avoid empty calories in processed foods such as cookies and snacks.