Struggling to lose weight despite trying every new diet trend? If you’re someone who’s been skipping meals or eating at odd hours and still not seeing results, it’s time to rethink your approach.
That’s where the 16/8 intermittent fasting method comes in, a smart eating style where you fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window, helping your body burn fat more efficiently while still allowing you to enjoy satisfying meals.
This blog provides a balanced 16/8 intermittent fasting 7-day indian meal plan for reference, walking you through each day with easy-to-make meals to stay consistent, all while keeping your plate colourful and your belly full. Let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
1. Intermittent Fasting (16:8 Method)
2. Different Types of Intermittent Fasting Explained
3. Sample 16:8 Intermittent Fasting Meal Plan (Indian Version – 7 Days)
4. Top Indian Foods to Include in Your Intermittent Fasting Diet
5. How Much Weight Can You Lose in a Week With 16:8 Intermittent Fasting?
6. The Final Say
7. Faqs
8. References
Intermittent Fasting (16:8 Method)
Intermittent Fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting. It doesn’t focus on what you eat, but rather when you eat.The most popular form, the 16/8 method, involves fasting for 16 hours and eating during an 8-hour window—typically from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Intermittent fasting allows the body to burn fat by extending the time between meals. When you fast, your body uses up stored sugar (glycogen) and then switches to burning fat for energy—this is called metabolic switching.
In regular eating patterns with frequent meals and snacks, the body continuously runs on incoming calories and rarely accesses fat stores. Fasting helps break this cycle.
After about 10–12 hours without food, glycogen levels drop, triggering fat burning. This shift supports weight loss, improves energy use, and may benefit metabolism and cellular repair.
How It Works
- Fast: 16 hours (e.g., 8 p.m. – 12 p.m.)
- Eat: 8-hour window (e.g., 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
- During fasting window:
- Drink water, black coffee, or unsweetened tea
- During eating window:
- Eat 2–3 balanced meals
- Focus on protein, fiber, and healthy fats
Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks
Different Types of Intermittent Fasting Explained
1. 16/8 Method
16/8 is a popular intermittent fasting method where individuals fast for 16 hours each day and consume all their meals within an 8-hour window.
2. 5:2 Method
In this method, you eat normally for five days of the week and drastically reduce calorie intake on the two non-consecutive days.
3. Alternate-Day Fasting
As the name suggests, in this method, individuals alternate between fasting days, where they consume very few calories or none at all and regular days, where they consume their daily calorie intake.
4. Eat-Stop-Eat
This is another effective intermittent fasting diet plan where you fast for a full 24 hours once or twice a week and then consume regular meals the next day.
5. Warrior Diet
In the warrior diet, you will fast during the day and have only one substantial meal in the evening. This has to be continued every day till you see the results, and it requires great determination and discipline.
Sample 16:8 Intermittent Fasting 7 Day Meal Plan (Indian Version)
Day 1
Time | Meal | Notes |
12:00 PM (Lunch) | Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens | Grilled chicken breast, cucumber, tomatoes, olive oil dressing. |
4:00 PM (Snacks) | Apple Slices with Almond Butter | Rich in fiber and healthy fats, keeps you full. |
7:30 PM (Dinner) | Lentil Soup with Whole Wheat Bread | High-protein, high-fiber dinner with whole grains. |
Day 2
Time | Meal | Notes |
12:00 PM (Lunch) | Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables | Includes bell peppers, zucchini, onion, feta, lemon vinaigrette. |
4:00 PM (Snacks) | Greek Yogurt with Berries & Nuts | Antioxidants + protein + healthy fats. |
7:30 PM (Dinner) | Baked Salmon with Steamed Broccoli | Omega-3 rich and nutrient-dense. |
Day 3
Time | Meal | Notes |
12:00 PM (Lunch) | Chickpea & Veg Curry with Brown Rice | Fiber-packed, plant-based protein. |
4:00 PM (Snacks) | Hard-Boiled Eggs (2) | Simple, satisfying protein source. |
7:30 PM (Dinner) | Chicken Stir-Fry with Mixed Vegetables | Lean protein and vibrant veggies. |
Day 4
Time | Meal | Notes |
12:00 PM (Lunch) | Whole Wheat Wrap with Hummus & Veggies | Spinach, cucumber, carrots in a wholesome wrap. |
4:00 PM (Snacks) | Pear with a Handful of Walnuts | Fiber and healthy fats combo. |
7:30 PM (Dinner) | Pasta with Marinara & Lentils | Comforting, protein-boosted plant-based dinner. |
Day 5
Time | Meal | Notes |
12:00 PM (Lunch) | Leftover Pasta with Lentils | Delicious and zero food waste! |
4:00 PM (Snacks) | Cottage Cheese with Pineapple Chunks | Light, protein-packed, and naturally sweet. |
7:30 PM (Dinner) | Grilled Chicken Skewers with Bell Peppers | Colorful, nutrient-rich and satisfying. |
Day 6
Time | Meal | Notes |
12:00 PM (Lunch) | Tuna Salad (Greek Yoghurt) on Crackers | Lighter version with protein and crunch. |
4:00 PM (Snacks) | Orange | Refreshing dose of Vitamin C and hydration. |
7:30 PM (Dinner) | Vegetarian Chilla + Dollop of Greek Yogurt | Savory, high-fiber vegetarian option. |
Day 7
Time | Meal | Notes |
12:00 PM (Lunch) | Grilled Shrimp Salad | Fresh veggies with lean seafood protein. |
4:00 PM (Snacks) | Handful of Mixed Nuts & Seeds | Great for energy, heart health, and satiety. |
7:30 PM (Dinner) | Homemade Veggie Pizza on Whole Wheat Crust | Customizable and loaded with fiber-rich veggies. |
This approach is simple and easy to integrate into most routines.Unlike traditional diets, It helps regulate insulin levels and promotes fat burning during the fasting phase.Many choose IF for its potential benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, better focus, and metabolic health.
It’s a flexible and sustainable lifestyle change, but should be personalized based on individual health and daily routine.
Top Indian Foods to Include in Your Intermittent Fasting Diet
Consuming a variety of nutrient-rich, healthy foods for weight loss is key to a well-rounded diet. Aim to create balanced meals of diverse whole foods like:
- Fruits (like apples, berries, and bananas)
- Vegetables (including leafy greens, broccoli, and cucumbers)
- Whole grains (such as oats, quinoa, and rice)
- Healthy fats (like avocados and olive oil)
- Various protein sources (like eggs, fish, legumes, and nuts)
To truly leverage the dietary advantages of intermittent fasting, prioritise consuming wholesome, nutrient-dense foods and drinks during your eating windows.
How Much Weight Can You Lose With 16:8 Fasting In A Week?
With the 16:8 intermittent fasting method, you can expect to lose between 0.5 and 2 pounds (0.23 to 0.9 kg) per week.
Several factors influence weight loss
- Your starting weight
- Diet during your eating window
- Activity level
- Metabolism,
- Genetics, and consistency with the fasting schedule
Some individuals may experience more rapid initial weight loss due to fluctuations in water weight, while others may see a steady decline.
It is essential to remember that sustainable weight loss for a healthy body weight index is typically considered to be in the range of 0.5 to 1 kg (1 to 2 pounds) per week. Focusing on long-term healthy habits rather than rapid weight loss is key for maintaining results.
The Final Say
Relying on this 16/8 intermittent fasting 7-day meal plan offers a structured yet adaptable approach to time-restricted healthy eating.
This plan serves as a starting point, encouraging you to explore nutritious whole foods within your eating window and experience the proven benefits of this dietary strategy.
As you progress, feel free to customize it to your preferences and needs, always prioritising a balanced and healthy approach to eating for sustainable wellness.
FAQs
1. What is a 16/8 intermittent fasting Indian diet plan?
It's a way of eating where you eat your meals within an 8-hour window of the day and don't eat for the other 16 hours. An Indian diet plan includes healthy Indian foods during mealtime.
2. What is a good 16/8 fasting schedule?
A good schedule fits your daily life. Many people eat from 12 PM to 8 PM because it means skipping breakfast but eating lunch and dinner. You can also try eating from 9 AM to 5 PM if that works better for you.
3. What is the 16/8 pattern for intermittent fasting?
The 16/8 pattern means you fast for 16 hours each day and eat all your meals within an 8-hour window. This cycle repeats every day.
4. How to do 16/8 intermittent fasting for beginners?
Start by picking an 8-hour window to eat. Then, refrain from eating for the next 16 hours. Drink water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee when you're fasting. Eat healthy foods during your eating window. You can set reminders for when to start and stop eating.
References
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/intermittent-fasting-4-different-types-explained
- https://www.hexahealth.com/blog/7-day-meal-plan-for-intermittent-fasting
- http://karetrip.com/blogs/intermittent-fasting-7-days-indian-diet-plan
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327398
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/intermittent-fasting-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/intermittent-fasting
- https://greatist.com/eat/what-to-eat-on-an-intermittent-fasting-diet
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