What is the 16 8 diet?
The 16:8 diet is a form of intermittent fasting where you fast for 16 hours and eat all your daily calories within an 8-hour window. For example, you might eat between 12 PM and 8 PM, then fast from 8 PM to 12 PM the next day. MyCalorieCounter's photo tracking makes it easy to monitor your calories during your eating window without tedious manual logging.
Track Your 16:8 Diet - Download FreeHow the 16:8 Diet Works
The 16:8 diet, also known as the 16:8 intermittent fasting method, divides your day into two periods: a 16-hour fasting window and an 8-hour eating window. During the fasting period, you consume only water, black coffee, or plain tea. During the eating window, you consume all your daily calories and nutrients.
The most popular schedule is eating from 12 PM to 8 PM (fasting from 8 PM to 12 PM), but you can adjust the timing to fit your lifestyle. The key is consistency - maintaining the same eating window each day helps your body adapt and maximize the benefits.
⏰ Make 16:8 Diet Easier with Photo Tracking
Track your eating window calories effortlessly - just snap photos of your meals and get instant nutrition data.
Simplify Your 16:8 TrackingCommon 16:8 Diet Schedules
12 PM - 8 PM Eating Window
Fast: 8 PM - 12 PM next day
Most popular schedule, skips breakfast
10 AM - 6 PM Eating Window
Fast: 6 PM - 10 AM next day
Good for early risers
2 PM - 10 PM Eating Window
Fast: 10 PM - 2 PM next day
Ideal for late eaters
11 AM - 7 PM Eating Window
Fast: 7 PM - 11 AM next day
Balanced schedule option
Scientific Benefits of 16:8 Intermittent Fasting
Research shows that 16:8 intermittent fasting can provide several health benefits beyond weight loss:
Weight Loss
Studies show 3-8% weight loss over 3-24 weeks with 16:8 fasting
Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Fasting periods can improve insulin sensitivity by 20-31%
Cellular Repair
Autophagy (cellular cleanup) increases during fasting periods
Heart Health
May reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular markers
Why Calorie Tracking Still Matters on 16:8
While 16:8 intermittent fasting can naturally reduce calorie intake by limiting your eating window, tracking your calories is still important for optimal results. Many people make the mistake of overeating during their 8-hour window, which can negate the benefits of fasting.
MyCalorieCounter's photo-based tracking is perfect for 16:8 dieters because it eliminates the tedious manual logging that can be especially challenging when you're fitting all your meals into a shorter time window. Simply snap photos of your meals and get instant calorie and nutrition data.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting 16:8
Choose Your Eating Window
Pick an 8-hour period that fits your lifestyle and schedule. Most people start with 12 PM - 8 PM.
Calculate Your Calorie Needs
Determine your daily calorie goal based on your age, weight, activity level, and goals.
Track Your Eating Window
Use MyCalorieCounter to track all calories consumed during your 8-hour window with simple photo logging.
Stay Consistent
Maintain the same eating window daily for best results. Your body will adapt within 2-3 weeks.
Common 16:8 Diet Mistakes to Avoid
Overeating During Eating Window
Many people consume too many calories during their 8-hour window, thinking they can eat unlimited amounts. Track your calories to avoid this mistake.
Inconsistent Timing
Constantly changing your eating window prevents your body from adapting. Stick to the same schedule daily.
Poor Food Choices
Fasting doesn't give you permission to eat junk food. Focus on nutrient-dense foods during your eating window.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Proper hydration is crucial during fasting periods. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
How MyCalorieCounter Supports Your 16:8 Journey
MyCalorieCounter is the perfect companion for 16:8 intermittent fasting because:
Quick Photo Logging
When you have limited time to eat, quick photo logging is faster than manual entry.
Accurate Portion Control
AI recognition helps ensure you're getting the right calories during your eating window.
Macro Balance
Track protein, carbs, and fats to ensure balanced nutrition in your compressed eating schedule.
Progress Monitoring
See how your 16:8 diet is working with clear progress tracking and goal monitoring.
16:8 Diet vs. Other Intermittent Fasting Methods
| Method | Fasting Period | Eating Window | Difficulty | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16:8 Diet | 16 hours daily | 8 hours daily | Moderate | High |
| 14:10 Method | 14 hours daily | 10 hours daily | Easy | Very High |
| 18:6 Method | 18 hours daily | 6 hours daily | Hard | Moderate |
| 5:2 Diet | 2 days per week | 5 days normal eating | Hard | Low |
The 16:8 method strikes an ideal balance between effectiveness and sustainability, making it the most popular intermittent fasting approach. With MyCalorieCounter's photo tracking, you can maximize your 16:8 diet success without the stress of manual calorie counting.
Make Your 16:8 Diet Easier with Photo Tracking
Maximize your 16:8 intermittent fasting results with MyCalorieCounter's effortless photo-based calorie tracking. No more manual logging stress during your eating window.
No manual logging required • Available on iOS • Perfect for 16:8 dieters