What is Circadian Diet? Who should avoid this type of diet?

Losing extra kilos and maintaining health is the prime reason for following any type of diet. Be it calorie counting, the Mediterranean diet, or the keto diet, the aim is ultimately to stay fit and healthy.

Nowadays, the Circadian diet has become quite popular. It is also known as the body clock diet. So, can everyone follow this diet?

What is a circadian diet?

It is a type of meal that supports the natural circadian rhythm of the body. It is designed to match the 24-hour internal clock regulating various activities of the body like hormone production, sleep-wake cycle, and similar other bodily functions. The concept behind this diet is that by eating at particular timings of a day, it is possible to optimize metabolism and improve complete health.

The theory says that eating most of your calories during the day and limiting the food intake after sunset aligns with the natural rhythm of the body and thus can improve energy levels and digestion, and help weight management.

The circadian diet also emphasizes the fact that you should enjoy nutrient-dense food that must include whole grains, healthy fats, vegetables, and whole grains.

Difference between the Circadian diet and intermittent fasting

Both are different approaches to dieting and are based on the timings of meals. However, both of them have different rules. While the Circadian diet allows you to eat all through the day and very less in the evening, in intermittent fasting a long gap of 14 to 16 hours is expected between the last meal and the first meal of the next day.

Importantly, in intermittent fasting, you can eat only twice a day and there should be a gap of 6 to 8 hours between this daytime meal.

Both types of dieting are aimed at promoting weight loss, better metabolism, and fitness. However, these types of dietary approaches should be followed only after consulting healthcare experts, especially those who are on medications for hypertension or diabetes.

Also, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid this type of diet. Patients who are suffering from cancer and undergoing chemotherapy should also avoid it.