The one diet celebs like James Corden and Jennifer Aniston swear by to keep fit

A timeless dieting method beloved by a host of A-listers is gaining traction for its simplicity and flexibility, allowing indulgence in virtually any food within a certain timeframe. Intermittent fasting isn't new to the scene but it's certainly star-studded, with big names like Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Jackman, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Aniston, Kourtney Kardashian, Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, and Reese Witherspoon singing its praises.

Talk show titan James Corden has credited intermittent fasting as a cornerstone of his impressive six stone weight loss journey, alongside boxing workouts and conscious eating. Speaking to The Sun, Corden mentioned his typical day begins with a punchy morning box session and might often include just an apple to start, yet he ensures not to limit himself.

"I have a trainer who I box with most mornings, and so far today I’ve had an apple. I try to eat healthily and not deprive myself," shared the acclaimed television host. But let's demystify intermittent fasting – particularly the popular 16:8 variant.

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It's essentially a diet that divides the day into two distinct phases – a 16-hour fasting window and an 8-hour eating window, designed to streamline one's eating schedule and promote weight loss. Here’s the run-down on how to navigate the 16:8 approach and what foods are best when diving into this dietary routine.

The 16:8 diet, a form of intermittent fasting, involves a daily cycle where individuals fast for 16 hours—during which they can only consume water, unsweetened soft drinks, or milk-free beverages—and then eat all their daily calories within the remaining 8-hour window. There are no specific food or quantity restrictions during the eating period.

The extended fasting is designed to allow the body ample time to process food and burn excess fat. This diet operates on an hourly schedule, with an eight-hour timeframe for eating followed by 16 hours of fasting.

This dietary approach aids weight loss by reducing calorie intake and enhancing metabolism. After several hours without food, the body depletes its sugar stores and begins to burn fat through "metabolic switching."

This natural occurrence kicks in when the body's immediate energy from food is used up, prompting it to draw energy from ketones found in fat cells, thus facilitating weight loss.

Additionally, the 16:8 diet can accelerate metabolism due to an increase in norepinephrine, a stress hormone that mobilizes more fat for the body to burn. A faster metabolic rate means even simple activities like sitting, eating, and sleeping burn more calories.

While muscle mass development is also encouraged, exercising during the fasting period can further enhance weight loss results.

For those contemplating shedding a few pounds, it's advisable to seek guidance from a GP.