Finding the Intermittent Fasting Style That Fits You (16:8 vs 5:2 vs 12:12)
Hello! This is SimFast, the app that helps you fast in a healthy way. “Intermittent fasting sounds good… but there are so many types. Where do I start?” If this sounds like you, don’t worry! Just as every face is different, the perfect fasting style depends on your body and lifestyle.
Today, SimFast will help you find the right fasting method for your lifestyle by comparing the three most popular types in a simple and fun way!
There’s no single best method. The most important thing is to find one you can stick to and enjoy. Let’s go through them one by one!
🐣 1. 12:12 Fasting: “The Beginner’s Course for a Gentle Start”
What is it? You fast for 12 hours out of 24 and eat during the remaining 12 hours. For example, if your last meal is at 8 p.m., you can eat again at 8 a.m. the next day. Simple, right?
Recommended for: Absolute beginners who are a bit scared of fasting People who can’t skip breakfast * Those who snack late at night and want to practice creating a fasting window after dinner
Pros: Easy to start without big lifestyle changes Low mental stress, making it sustainable * Helps your body adapt to fasting as a warm-up
Things to note: * Because it’s mild, results appear more slowly than with other methods.
SimFast says: “The gentlest key to open the door of intermittent fasting! If you just want to start, try 12:12 comfortably.”
🔥 2. 16:8 Fasting: “The Popular Standard Course”
What is it? Fast for 16 hours a day, and eat 2 meals within the remaining 8 hours. Usually this means skipping breakfast and eating lunch and dinner.
Recommended for: People who already skip breakfast naturally Those with a regular daily routine * Anyone who wants to see solid effects like weight loss and autophagy
Pros: Strong, proven results Easy to turn into a habit with a set pattern * Plenty of information and community support
Things to note: The hunger in the morning can be tough at first (but you’ll adapt!) Social breakfasts or late dinners may make it tricky to keep schedule
SimFast says: “The nation’s favorite fasting method! If you want steady results, 16:8 might be the answer.”
✨ 3. 5:2 Fasting: “Flexible but Intense – The Strategist’s Plan”
What is it? Eat normally 5 days a week and on 2 non-consecutive days limit your calories to about 500–600. You don’t fast every day—just focus on those 2 days.
Recommended for: People who find daily fasting too restrictive Those with frequent dinners or irregular schedules * Those who want to eat freely during the week but manage on chosen days
Pros: No stress about food for 5 days Freedom to enjoy various foods * Perfect for flexible lifestyles
Things to note: The fasting days can feel tough with hunger Requires calorie tracking on fasting days * Overeating on free days cancels out the effects
SimFast says: “A smart plan for flexible lifestyles! Balance your week with 5:2.”
📊 Fasting Methods at a Glance
| Method | Recommended for | Pros | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:12 | Beginners, late-night snackers | Easy, low stress, habit forming | Slower results |
| 16:8 | Skip-breakfast types, regular routine | Strong results, popular | Morning hunger at first |
| 5:2 | Flexible schedules, strategic types | Free 5 days, flexible | Hunger on fasting days, calorie tracking needed |
Which one feels right for you?
The key is not to be perfect, but to start today and listen to your body. Starting with the easiest 12:12 and moving to 16:8 once you’re ready is a great approach.
SimFast will always be here cheering you on for a healthy challenge! 💪