What is 4:3 fasting?
4:3 fasting is a type of intermittent fasting in which you eat normal food for four days a week and fast for three days, greatly reducing your calorie intake. This is a balanced method in which you balance the time between fasting and eating so that you can improve your metabolism.
When you count calories, you have to track your food intake every day. But in 4:3 fasting, you just focus on when to eat, not how much. This is more sustainable in the long term and you don't feel much stress.
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PIC CREDIT - LEONARDO AI |
Benefits of 4:3 fasting
1. Weight Loss and Fat Reduction
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Fasting dinon mein aapke insulin levels kam hote hain, jisse body stored fat ko energy ke liye use karti hai.
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Isse natural calorie deficit create heat, which isse weight loss steady aur sustainable hota hai.
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Fat burning ko boost karne ke liye yeh ek acha tareeka hai, bina apni khurak ko extreme tarike se restrict kiye.
2. Metabolic Health Improvement
- Fasting regulates blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, which reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- It makes your metabolism flexible, in which the body can use fats and glucose for energy.
3. Cellular Repair and Longevity
- Fasting stimulates your body's autophagy (removal of damaged cells) process.
- This process renews your cells, which slows down aging and improves overall health.
4. Better Digestive Health
- Fasting gives your digestive system time to relax. It reduces bloating and balances the gut microbiome.
- If you are facing digestive issues like IBS or acid reflux, then fasting can give you relief.
5. Sustainable and Flexible Dieting
Scientific Evidence Behind 4:3 Fasting
Multiple studies suggest that intermittent fasting has health benefits. There was a study in the New England Journal of Medicine that said intermittent fasting improves metabolism, supports weight loss, and extends lifespan. There was also a study in Cell Metabolism that suggested it may reduce the inflammatory effects of fasting and increase longevity.
Which one is better?
Both methods have their own benefits, but 4:3 fasting gives you extra metabolic and hormonal benefits. While calorie counting only tracks calories, fasting optimizes your insulin levels, boosts autophagy, and makes fat burning sustainable.
If you don't want the pressure of constant tracking and calculations, 4:3 fasting may be better for you. This way you don't have to stress about eating, and you can manage your meals naturally.
How to start 4:3 fasting?
- Plan fasting days: Fast for 3 days every week, like Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- Eat healthy foods: Eating protein- and fiber-rich foods is a must on fasting days. Like grilled chicken, vegetable soups, or salad.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water, herbal tea, or black coffee. These will give you energy on fasting days.
- Adjust: If you feel a little tired, you can adjust your fasting schedule.
- Don't overeat on non-fasting days: Enjoy your food, but don't overeat.
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PIC CREDIT - PIXABAY |
Common mistakes that should be avoided
- Overeating on non-fasting days: If you overeat on non-fasting days, it negates the benefits of fasting. Eating balanced meals is a must.
- Drinking less water: Dehydration can cause headaches and tiredness.
- Eating processed foods: Avoid fast food and junk food as they undermine the benefits of fasting.
- Expecting quick results: Fasting takes time to show results. Be patient and let your body adjust.
Conclusion
4:3 fasting is one way you can improve your health and achieve weight loss without extreme restrictions. This method improves your insulin sensitivity, boosts fat burning, and regulates your metabolism. When you calorie count, you are just tracking calories, but fasting is a holistic approach.
If you are tired of constant tracking and want a flexible approach, give 4:3 fasting a try. It will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle!