Intermittent Fasting 14/10: Meal Plan, Benefits & Results

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
Written by Sangeeta Sharma, last updated on 28 December 2023
Intermittent Fasting 14/10: Meal Plan, Benefits & Results

Did you know that in many cultures, people follow intermittent fasting by not eating after sunset? Intermittent fasting 14/10 is a great technique for beginners to get started with intermittent fasting. The 14-hour fast is more than just a diet. It is a lifestyle change that can provide numerous health benefits. 

The 14/10 approach is not just effective but also recommended for beginners. This blog will walk you through 14-hour fast benefits and more!

About 14/10 Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting in a 14/10 format is a time-limited eating plan. With 14/10 intermittent fasting, you fast for 14 hours and eat within a 10-hour window. This approach has gained popularity recently due to its benefits, including weight management, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation. 

It's a flexible approach for beginners that can be adapted to suit various lifestyles and health objectives. During the fast, no calories are consumed. However, water, herbal tea, and black coffee are often permitted.

Many people find this method relatively easy to follow than other intermittent fasting routines.

For instance, you might eat between 9 am and 7 pm, fasting from 7 pm to 9 am the next day. The specific timing can be adjusted to your personal preferences. However, it’s important to consult a dietician or a nutritionist before starting this plan.

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Benefits of 14/10 Intermittent Fasting Method

The 14/10 approach is simple to implement daily. This makes it a viable fasting option for many people. You can reap numerous 14-hour fast benefits, including:

  1. Weight Control: You naturally minimise your calorie intake by restricting your eating to 10 hours. This makes it easier to maintain or achieve a healthy weight.

  2. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Intermittent fasting 14/10 can improve your body's reaction to insulin. It assists in blood sugar regulation. This is especially useful for people who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

  3. Digestive Benefits: A longer overnight fast may allow your digestive system to relax and recuperate, lowering digestive discomfort and bloating.

  4. Minimal Muscle Loss: When opposed to extended fasting approaches, there is less concern regarding muscle damage when fasting for a shorter period. This makes it ideal for those who want to maintain lean muscle mass.

Foods to Include and Avoid

Select foods that promote health and feelings of fullness during the eating window. On the other hand, avoid foods that may interrupt your fasting phase. Here are food tips to include and avoid:

Foods to Include

Foods to Avoid

Lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu)

Calorie-containing beverages (soda, juice)

Fruits and vegetables

Sugary snacks and desserts

Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice)

Alcohol

Nuts and seeds

Sugary or creamy coffee/tea

Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil)

Any foods with added sugars

Dairy or dairy alternatives (in moderation)

Full meals or snacks

Plenty of water, herbal tea, black coffee


Remember that during fasting, you should avoid consuming any calories. So, stick to water, herbal tea, or black coffee with no added sugar or cream. To maximise the benefits of intermittent fasting 14/10, prioritise nutrient-dense foods. Aim for a balanced diet once your eating window begins.

14/10 Intermittent Fasting Diet Plan

To get you started  with intermittent fasting 14/10 diet, here's a sample diet plan. Remember to tailor the schedule and food options to your preferences and nutritional needs.

Time

Meal

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Breakfast


Vegetable omelette (2 eggs)


Whole-grain toast or roti (1 piece)


Fresh fruit (e.g., apple or papaya)

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Lunch


Brown rice or quinoa (1/2 cup)


Grilled chicken or tofu (small portion)


Mixed vegetable curry or salad


Curd or raita

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Snack


Handful of mixed nuts and seeds


Herbal tea or black coffee (no sugar)

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Dinner


Lentil soup (dal) or chickpea curry


Steamed brown rice or whole wheat roti


A side of cooked vegetables


A small piece of fish or paneer (optional)


Fresh salad with a light dressing

Points to Consider

  1. During fasting, drink plenty of water or herbal tea to stay hydrated throughout the day.

  2. Portion sizes can be changed to meet your calorie requirements and appetite.

  3. Include a variety of veggies and fruits in your meals to acquire a variety of nutrients.

  4. This plan is adaptable. You can swap out food items or recipes to fit your preferences and nutritional needs.

  5. Monitor your body's reaction to this plan. Make adjustments as needed to accomplish your health and fitness goals.

Challenges While on 14/10 Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting 14/10 is a more manageable fasting technique. It does, however, present its own set of issues. Here are common issues to consider when on this fasting regimen:

  1. Food Cravings: You may have hunger pangs during fasting, particularly in the morning. It can be challenging to resist the impulse to eat, especially if you are used to eating breakfast.

  2. Challenges in Selecting Foods: It is important to make healthy meal selections during the eating window. Overindulging in unhealthy meals can easily undermine the benefits of fasting.

  3. Irritated Mood: Fasting can cause irritation or mood fluctuations, especially when accompanied by stress.

  4. Digestive Issues: Some people may have digestive discomfort or irregular bowel movements when beginning intermittent fasting. It may take some time for your body to adjust.

  5. Sleep Disruption: Eating late at night within the eating window may cause sleep disruption or poor quality sleep.

To solve these issues, you must plan and personalise your fasting routine. Please note that consulting a dietician or a doctor is necessary.

  1. The 14/10 technique can be applied to both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term fasting can be done for a few days or weeks to kickstart weight loss or enhance metabolic health. It can become a sustainable lifestyle if it coincides with your goals.

  2. If you initially find the 14/10 schedule difficult, gradually adjust.

  3. To help lessen hunger, stay hydrated during the fasting time.

  4. To make healthy dietary choices, plan your meals and snacks.

  5. Experiment with different workout times to determine what works best for your schedule.

Takeaway

14/10 Intermittent fasting is a great way to begin your fasting journey. However, keep in mind that individual responses may differ. Maintain consistency to see the benefits.  

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Suggested Reads

Right Way to Break Intermittent Fasting - Expert's Guide
30 Days Intermittent Fasting Results - Ultimate Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 14/10 intermittent fasting method?

The 14/10 intermittent fasting plan includes going without food for 14 hours and limiting your daily eating window to 10 hours. You might eat between 10 AM and 8 PM, then fast between 8 PM and 10 AM the next day.

How does a 14-hour fast work in intermittent fasting?

In intermittent fasting, a 14-hour fast includes avoiding calorie consumption for 14 consecutive hours, including sleep time. This method is also known as the 14/10 method since it requires you to take your daily meals within a 10-hour.

What is the best time to start intermittent fasting 14/10?

Your nutritionist should decide when to begin a 14:10 intermittent fasting plan. The recommended time to start the fast for early risers can be right after they get up.

What are the benefits of a 14-hour fast?

The benefits of a 14-hour fast are:

  1. Weight loss

  2. Improved insulin sensitivity

  3. Enhanced fat burning

  4. Potential for better metabolic health

Can I see results with 14/10 intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting on a 14/10 schedule may help some people lose weight and improve metabolic health. However, individual outcomes may vary. Consistency and a balanced diet during your eating window are important success factors.

Is 14/10 intermittent fasting effective for weight loss?

A 14/10 intermittent fasting plan can be useful for weight loss by limiting the time you consume calories and potentially reducing overall calorie intake. However, the effectiveness may differ from person to person.

Tell me about the 14-hour fasting benefits.

The benefits of 14-hour fasting are:

  1. Weight loss

  2. Improved insulin sensitivity

  3. Enhanced fat burning

  4. Potential for better metabolic health

How do I start a 14-hour fast for intermittent fasting?

Here’s how to start a 14-hour fast for intermittent fasting:

  1. Choose a start and end time for your fasting window.

  2. Begin your fast after dinner or before bedtime.

  3. Avoid consuming any calories during the fasting period.

  4. Stay hydrated by drinking water

Is the 14/10 intermittent fasting method suitable for beginners?

Beginners may benefit from the 14/10 intermittent fasting method. It allows for a relatively long fasting time without imposing severe limitations. This makes it easier to accept for individuals who are new to fasting.

What can I eat during the 10-hour eating window in 14/10 intermittent fasting?

During the 10-hour eating window in 14/10 intermittent fasting, you can consume:

  1. Balanced meals with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats

  2. Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish

  3. Whole grains such as brown rice and oats

  4. Fruits and vegetables

  5. Nuts and seeds

Can I drink water or coffee during the 14-hour fast?

Yes, you can drink water and black coffee without breaking your 14-hour fast. However, avoid adding sugar, milk, or cream to your coffee, which may include calories.

Does lemon water break a fast?

Lemon water is generally considered acceptable to drink during a fast because it contains minimal calories. It is important to avoid adding sweeteners if you want to maintain the positive effects of fasting.

How do I choose the best intermittent fasting method?

Here’s how you can choose the best intermittent fasting method:

  1. Consult a doctor if you have medical conditions.

  2. Consider your lifestyle and daily routine.

  3. Experiment with different ways to find what suits you.

  4. Focus on sustainability and long-term adherence.

  5. Listen to your body and adjust as needed.

Are there any risks of the 14/10 intermittent fasting method?

Risks associated with 14/10 intermittent fasting are:

  1. Nutrient deficiency

  2. Possible overeating during the eating window

  3. Irritation and mood changes

  4. Sleep disruption

References

All the articles on HexaHealth are supported by verified medically-recognized sources such as; peer-reviewed academic research papers, research institutions, and medical journals. Our medical reviewers also check references of the articles to prioritize accuracy and relevance. Refer to our detailed editorial policy for more information.


  1. Vasim I, Majeed CN, DeBoer MD. Intermittent Fasting and Metabolic Health. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 31;14(3):631. doi: 10.3390/nu14030631. PMID: 35276989; PMCID: PMC8839325.link
  2. Shalabi H, Hassan AS 4th, Al-Zahrani FA, Alarbeidi AH, Mesawa M, Rizk H, Aljubayri AA. Intermittent Fasting: Benefits, Side Effects, Quality of Life, and Knowledge of the Saudi Population. Cureus. 2023 Feb 7;15(2):e34722. doi: 10.7759/cureus.34722. PMID: 36909028; PMCID: PMC9998115.link
  3. Mandal S, Simmons N, Awan S, Chamari K, Ahmed I. Intermittent fasting: eating by the clock for health and exercise performance. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2022 Jan 7;8(1):e001206. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001206. PMID: 35070352; PMCID: PMC8744103.link
  4. Patterson RE, Laughlin GA, LaCroix AZ, Hartman SJ, Natarajan L, Senger CM, Martínez ME, Villaseñor A, Sears DD, Marinac CR, Gallo LC. Intermittent Fasting and Human Metabolic Health. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015 Aug;115(8):1203-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.02.018. Epub 2015 Apr 6. PMID: 25857868; PMCID: Plink
  5. Collier R. Intermittent fasting: the science of going without. CMAJ. 2013 Jun 11;185(9):E363-4. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.109-4451. Epub 2013 Apr 8. PMID: 23569168; PMCID: PMC3680567.link
  6. Stockman MC, Thomas D, Burke J, Apovian CM. Intermittent Fasting: Is the Wait Worth the Weight? Curr Obes Rep. 2018 Jun;7(2):172-185. doi: 10.1007/s13679-018-0308-9. PMID: 29700718; PMCID: PMC5959807.link
  7. Rynders CA, Thomas EA, Zaman A, Pan Z, Catenacci VA, Melanson EL. Effectiveness of Intermittent Fasting and Time-Restricted Feeding Compared to Continuous Energy Restriction for Weight Loss. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 14;11(10):2442. doi: 10.3390/nu11102442. PMID: 31614992; PMCID: PMC6836017.link
  8. Longo VD, Di Tano M, Mattson MP, Guidi N. Intermittent and periodic fasting, longevity and disease. Nat Aging. 2021 Jan;1(1):47-59. doi: 10.1038/s43587-020-00013-3. Epub 2021 Jan 14. PMID: 35310455; PMCID: PMC8932957.link

Updated on : 28 December 2023

Reviewer

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES

12 Years Experience

Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More

Author

Sangeeta Sharma

Sangeeta Sharma

BSc. Biochemistry I MSc. Biochemistry (Oxford College Bangalore)

6 Years Experience

She has extensive experience in content and regulatory writing with reputed organisations like Sun Pharmaceuticals and Innodata. Skilled in SEO and passionate about creating informative and engaging medical conten...View More

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