Intermittent or alternate-day fasting requires routinely alternating between eating little or no food and then feasting in your daily diet. It has become a growing weight loss trend in the US, the UK and other regions around the world.

"We basically showed that they both produce a clinically significant amount of weight loss," said Krista Varady, a professor of nutrition at the University of Illinois in Chicago and lead author of the study.

"Instead of being better than calorie restriction, it's the same," she said of alternate-day fasting. "So it's kind of like an alternative to calorie restriction."

The study involved 100 obese adults in Chicago and was conducted between 2011 and 2015. The adults were randomly assigned to three groups. For one year, each group had to adhere to an alternate-day fasting diet, a calorie-restriction diet or no diet.

For the alternate-day fasting diet group, participants could eat only about 25% of the calories that are recommended for a daily diet on fasting day, which was about 500 calories, and they fasted every other day. Fasting days alternated with feasting days, during which each participate could eat up to about 125% of the recommended calories.

For the calorie-restriction diet group in the new study, participants simply restricted their daily calorie intake to about 75% of what's recommended.

Members in the fasting and calorie counting groups were provided meals for the first three months of the study and then were on their own for the last nine months, Varady said. Throughout the study, all participants were provided with counseling on portion sizes and how to monitor calories and read food labels, she said.

By the end of the yearlong diet sessions, those in the alternate-day fasting group lost about 6% of their original body weight, whereas those in the calorie restriction group lost 5.3%, Varady said.

Even though both the alternate-day fasting and calorie restriction groups experienced similar weight loss amounts on average, the researchers found that a higher percentage of participants in the fasting group cheated on their diets compared with the calorie-restriction group.

The dropout rate in the alternate-day fasting group was 38%, versus 29% in the daily calorie-restriction group, the researchers found.

"Even if the weight loss was a primary end point, I think that the question is really: What is the best strategy to get people to stick to a diet?" said Eric Ravussin, a professor at Louisiana State University's Pennington Biomedical Research Center and a co-author of the new study.

"We know daily calorie restriction -- if you have to count your calories every day and all that -- it's a tough one. I think that there's some hope that this alternate-day fast, or modified fast, would be a better or easier strategy, but ... the dropout rate is kind of alarming," Ravussin said.

Varady said that, before the study, she thought alternate-day fasting would be an easier diet to adhere to because it allowed for a "break" from dieting every day.

"We were a little bit shocked to see that it was actually the calorie-restriction group that seemed like they could stick better to their daily calorie goals. Whereas the alternate-day fasting group, they were kind of wavering," said Varady, who authored a book about alternate-day fasting called "The Every-Other-Day Diet."

"Instead of eating the 500 calories on the fasting days, they were eating a couple hundred calories more on those days," she said.

Varady is hoping to conduct followup research to track the various diets over a longer period of time, she said.

She would like to explore whether allowing study subjects to voluntarily opt to join either a fasting or calorie-restriction group might influence study results.

All in all, the new study showed that alternate-day fasting may be difficult to follow but can be effective in reducing obesity, said Valter Longo, a professor at the University of Southern California and director of the university's Longevity Institute. He was not involved in the study.

However, "because it requires a major effort every other day, it is unlikely to be applicable to the great majority of the obese population, particularly in the absence of the close monitoring carried out in the clinical study," Longo said.

For overweight or obese adults who might be interested in alternate-day fasting as a weight loss approach, Varady advised taking the time to really determine whether it is the best option.

"Alternate-day fasting doesn't seem to work very well in people who are frequent snackers. People who need to eat every two hours, they don't tend to fare well on this diet, whereas people that just naturally tend to go a long period of time without eating, like four to five hours ... those people actually tend to do much better," Varady said.

"I really think people just need to find what works for them," she said. "Not one diet fits everyone."

Additionally, fasting could be harmful for people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes -- so consult your doctor before attempting any major changes in your daily diet, such as alternate-day fasting.

"I don't think there's anything magical to the diet at all," she said of alternate-day fasting. "I think it's just another way of tricking people into eating less food or helping people to kind of monitor how much food intake there is or how much food they're taking in."

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Does fasting on alternate days work? A new study weighs in - CNN

If you count carbs, fat, sodium content or total calories, then you've read the label on everything you bring home from the grocery store.

Are you equally as diligent when it comes to labels on lawn and landscape products? They line shelves at the hardware store, garden center and some are even in the grocery store. The labels on these products are just as important to read as the ones on the soup can. Here's why.

RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB

Whether you're zapping dandelions or controlling a serious pest, the product you use needs to be the right one for the job as well as applied correctly and safely. Some products have caution statements to protect the safety of the person who applies them as well as pollinators, edibles and other plants nearby. If you spray some products on dandelions in the lawn, then they will kill only the dandelion and leave the grass in tact. Other products, however, will not only zap the dandelion, but also the lawn. Labels and knowledgeable professionals can help you sort this out.

Apply the carpenter's rule to measure twice and cut once to the array of lawn and garden products. Read the label carefully at least twice and apply once. If you need to treat again, then follow the label guidelines. More is not necessarily better and precautions are there for a reason.

Follow safety measures when using products labeled "natural," which we tend to think of as non-toxic. That's not necessarily so. Just as many plants are as poisonous as they are pretty, natural products can be as harmful as they are ecological. Even natural products have the potential to cause harm if they are not handled properly.

While many plants have developed toxins to protect themselves from pests, a product made from plant derived toxins can be toxic to humans. The toxins are sold in concentrations much higher than found naturally in plants. All chemicals, including natural ones, have the potential to cause harm if they are mishandled.

DIY or hire a professional?

If you suspect an insect or disease problem in your yard, then it's often smarter in the long run to consult a professional. Industry professionals are trained to follow Integrated Pest Management strategies that will determine if and when a treatment is needed.

The best solution may be something as simple as pruning or changing watering practices. Sometimes introducing a predator insect can solve a problem. Other health issues may need a treatment akin to a prescription drug for humans. That's when a pesticide may be necessary because the condition warrants it to save the plants and protect your landscape investment.

When you consult with a professional, you tap into their science-based training and horticultural knowledge. If they need to apply a pesticide, then they are the professionals who are licensed by the state of Colorado to do the work. They know the importance of following label instructions and observing safety precautions because they, themselves, are the front-line applicators.

If you read food labels because you need to follow a special diet, then apply the same strategy to lawn and garden products. Health is health whether it's about people or plants. We are, after all, participants in the same ecosystem.

Becky Garber is a member of the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, of which Neils Lunceford, a landscaping company, is a member. You may contact them at 970-468-0340.

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Do you read product labels? If you don't, then you should - Vail Daily News

Im about to do something very difficult; rewrite an article that hundreds of authors have already taken on and challenge something that is on a steady rise to stardom in the strongman society. This subject can best be addressed in a FAQ style format to just cover the basics. I would love to start dialectics on the topic and know that this is the best way to find some common ground on the subject of:

Nutrition. I am constantly asked for strongman programming and training advice. Its been that way for over a decade. Elite competitors know that there is a science to getting stronger and peaking for an event. There are often things that experienced coaches can see that others are unaware of. Many of these aspects are small in detail but huge in payoff. The results are often immediate and amazing. To my shock the subject of nutrition has come up more and more frequently in the last year. While I find it great that athletes are taking an interest in upping every part of their game I feel they are over investing in the subject without educating themselves first.

Provide adequate nutrition for training, recovery, and competition, all while maintaining an ideal weight for the athlete to compete at. Sometimes the athlete must gain or lose weight to accommodate their goals and the diet is going to be mostly responsible for this task.

Humans are biological machines, not mechanical ones, and sometimes small changes in eating will affect one person more than another. In cases like this a where your diet is extremely sensitive a pro can really help out. Also, sticking to the plan all the time helps understand how the system is succeeding or failing the athlete. This leaves room for human error and makes perfecting the diet more difficult.

Paleo, Ketogenic diet for athletes, Zone, If It Fits Your Macros? All different styles of diets. They simply differ in ratios of proteins, fats, and carbs eaten and what the sources of those foods are. But they have one thing in common that must be understood:

Many diets share one commonality: control calories.

Depending on the foods you like you can find a diet that fits your schedule and goals. A mass diet and weight loss diet really only vary in one aspect: are the calories more or less than you need to maintain weight?

Quite honestly (and this is a huge take away point from this article) the diet probably worked so well because Athlete X was free eating (no plan and just eating whatever) and started to control their calories because they paid money to be on a diet. This is part of the placebo effect. X wanted the diet to work, followed the diet exactly, hence cutting much junk food from their daily routine. The fact that they paid for it will have a greater impact on their commitment and their ability succeeded. By all means, if you need nutrition help and the only way you stay on plan is to pay for it, then do so.

There is literally a calculator for your metabolic rate and calorie outline on the internet for every single diet plan out there, free. If you are willing to take control of your food choices and consumption you can do this yourself.

I have worked with and been friends with a large number of NFL and NHL athletes. The abilities of these people are in the top one percent of the one percent. To the amazement of many fans, their diets are often that of a college frat boy. The same is true for many strongmen, too. While they may say they have a tight nutrition plan, just observe them eating at contests. Plate after plate of food is consumed with little thought to any fact other than the enjoyment. Protein first, and then pile it on.

Its difficult to be undernourished in the United States. Food is relatively inexpensive and easy to get. Your body tells you if you are hungry and fatigue levels should indicate that you may not be consuming enough. Humans are also super efficient at saving calories for later and adjusting the metabolism to deal with the food they are given. Consistent weight gain or weight loss is often a challenge.

Athletes want to believe they are doing everything they can to be a success. Making sure the diet is working is part of that process Never forget health and wellbeing are important too. This is a short career for anyone and you should be concerned about the long term effects of your diet choices. Also some diets (like Keto) are touted to have medical benefits that may help people with illnesses. Make sure the program fits the situation.

Visible muscles have no impact on the outcome of an event. Some athletes perform their best at 7 percent body fat others at 20. May athletes assume they will perform better if they are more muscular. This Rocky IV effect isnt always true. Muscle costs a lot of energy to run. Plan around performance not vanity.

This topic wouldnt leave my thoughts after having a 90 minute conversation with Dr. Trevor Kashey, most likely the smartest guy in the sports nutrition field today. One of the points he made was that he spends more of his time trying to talk his athletes and normal clients out of doing complicated plans, but instead having a better relationship with food. His concern seemed centered around anyone being able to get it together for 90 days, but is this really the best plan for long term success?

When I work with my my athletes, I explain that following the plan I set up long term (years, not months) will have them see the best gains for their entire career. Basic exercises combined with the correct volume and frequency scheme will provide the athlete with a great amount of strength and foundation. Eating whole food (like meats, vegetables and starches) in reasonable amounts is the same way to think about athletic nutrition. Build a foundation that you can work with day in and day out and you only then need minor adjustments to fit your competition schedule during the year.

Featured image: @savickas_bigz in Instagram

Editors note: This article is an op-ed. The views expressed herein are the authors and dont necessarily reflect the views of BarBend. Claims, assertions, opinions, and quotes have been sourced exclusively by the author.

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8 Questions Strength Athletes Should Ask About Their Diets - BarBend (blog)

Pippa Middleton's pre-wedding diet is one you've most likely never heard of before.

According to E!, the 33 year old is a fan of the Sirtfood diet, which concentrates on 20 foods that help to speed up your metabolism and burn fat.

SEE ALSO: Pippa Middleton visits her wedding venue as the big day approaches

These foods include strawberries, kale, arugula, red wine, cocoa, walnuts, strawberries and coffee. They are high in polyphenols, which supposedly help activate a person's "skinny genes."

But don't be fooled, it gets a little wild.

RELATED: Pippa Middleton and her fianc, James Matthews

7 PHOTOS

Pippa Middleton and fiance

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BUCKLEBURY, BERKSHIRE - DECEMBER 25: Pippa Middleton and James Matthews attend church on Christmas Day on December 25, 2016 in Bucklebury, Berkshire. (Photo by Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage)

KING'S LYNN, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 08: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Pippa Middleton and James Matthews attend the Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham on January 8, 2017 in King's Lynn, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 06: Pippa Middleton and James Matthews attend day nine of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at Wimbledon on July 06, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 06: Pippa Middleton and James Matthews attend day nine of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at Wimbledon on July 06, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 06: Pippa Middleton and James Matthews attend day nine of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at Wimbledon on July 06, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Pippa Middleton (L), her fiance James Matthews (C) and her father Michael Middleton (back to camera) leave after attending the morning Christmas Day service at St Mark's Church in Englefield, near Bucklebury in southern England, Britain, December 25, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Matthews/Pool

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The diet is broken down into two phases. Week one requires you to only consume 1,000 calories a day for the first three days, through three Sirtfood juices and one meal a day. Then, you consume 1,500 calories a day with two juices and two meals for the rest of week one.

Next follows a "maintenance" phase where you can eat three SirtFood meals and one juice a day.

Dietitian Brigitte Zeitlin told The Cut that the diet is actually quite dangerous, saying, "It's unhealthy and unsafe to eat below 1,200 calories a day."

She added that after a person gets off of the diet, they are probably going to gain the weight back again.

RELATED: Pippa's style transformation

73 PHOTOS

Pippa Middleton Style

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Pippa looked breezy in a lilac wrap dress while out in London.

Pippa attended a book launch in a pretty black dress with lce sleeves.

Pippa attended Sotheby's Summer Party in a bright summery dress.

Pippa wore this black and white belted dress to a book launch party.

Middleton looked beautiful in a beaded gown at a charity gala in London.

Pippa wore an Issa dress to the label's show at London Fashion Week.

The socialite attended theDay-Glo Midnight Roller Disco alongside her sister, Kate, wearing a sequined mini.

Pippa attended the End of Summer Ball in a flowing v-neck gown.

Pippa chose this bright blue frock for the 10th Anniversary celebration of Claridge's Bar.

Pippa wore this stunning white wrap dress to a polo match with white wedges.

Kate's younger sister wore a tiered yellow dress to Tatler's 300th Anniversary Party.

Pippa added a pop of red to her simple black dress with a bold belt.

Pippa attended a fundraiser in a metallic-embellished dress.

Pippa wore a black tiered jacket and bright pink fascinator to a friend's wedding.

The day before Kate's wedding, the family arrived together. Kate wore a patterned Issa dress while her sister was pretty in pink.

Pippa was dressed in an Alexander McQueen gown for her sister Kate Middleton's wedding to Prince William.

The morning after the Royal Wedding, the Middleton clan left their hotel. Pippa was spotted in bright white pants and a blue Zara blazer.

Pippa accessorized her all-denim look with a neutral bag.

The Duchess' younger sister stepped out carrying her favoriteModalu bag, wearing jeans and a bright pink top.

Pippa chose a blush colored Maje top and carried her Modalu bag while out in London.

Pippa wore a crocheted white dress and a jean jacket to theAEGON Championships.

Out for a shopping trip, Pippa chose a pretty blue and white wrap dress.

Middleton attended a Wimbledon match in a navy version of her crocheted sweater dress.

Pippa met up with friends wearing this casual denim dress by Whistles.

Pippa wore this pretty two-tone Zara dress while out in London.

Pippa dressed up aplaidMaje top with red flats and a Prada messenger bag.

Middleton wore Temperley London's classic fan dress during London Fashion Week.

Pippa stunned in London wearing a tiered silk dress by French Connection with a tan Whistles jacket.

Pippa got coffee with friends in a white Issa dress, adding a pop of color with her Prada bag and matching red flats.

Pippa glowed at the Boodles Boxing Ball in a red gown byTemperley.

The Duchess' younger sister looked pretty in plaid by Zara and black skinny jeans.

Pippa looked chic in a longsleeved LBD, an Alice by Temperley animal-print scarf and a Prada bag.

Pippa attended a charity event in a stunning floral gown byProject D.

Pippa wore a cobalt blue turtleneck dress with a chic black blazer and lace-up booties.

The socialite bundled up in a funnel-neck grey Fay coat and black boots.

We're slightly obsessed with Pippa's blueSara Berman coat with suede trim which she wore with a black dress and booties.

While out in London, Pippa wore a chic army green Faycoat with black skinny pants and a bag by Loewe.

The royal-in-law wore a snowy white coat with black boots and gloves.

Pippa went for a stroll in bright pink jeans by SuperDry, a plaidMaje top and Zara blazer.

Pippa wore a navy Orla Kiely jacketas she and brother James Middleton smile for the camera.

Pippa attended a Wimbledon match in anavy dress and macram jacket by Orla Kiely.

Pippa wore this and white Alice Temperleydress to the premiere of Shadow Dancer, completing the look with strappy heels.

Pippa wore a bright colorblocked Paper London dress to the U.S. Open.

Our favorite royal-in-law went out shopping in NYC carrying a Kate Spade bag, and wearing a casual but bright outfit.

Pippa attended the U.S. Open in a bright yellowPhase Eight frock.

Pippa wore Stella McCartney to promote her book Celebrate: AYear of Festivities for Families and Friends.

Pippa hosted a Halloween Party for children in London while promoting her book, wearing abrocade Markus Lupfer dress.

She attended a party for W&W Jewellery, a British jewelry company in a metallic skirt and neutral top.

Pippa traveled in style weraing a pretty eggplant coat.

Pippa promoted her book Celebrate in Amsterdam wearing a bright purple peplum dress by Beulah London.

Pippa looked cozy at the Cheltenham Festivalin aKatherine Hooker mustard yellow coat and the same Aquatalia boots her sister Kate loves.

As the new ambassador for the Mary Hare School for the Deaf, Pippa opened the "Murray House" in head-to-toe Tory Burch.

Kate's sister stepped out in London wearing a top and skirt by Sandro, jacket byAlice by Temperley, Alice + Olivia heels, and the Catherine Street Pippa bag by Kate Spade New York.

Pippa attended a party in a pink floral dress byTabitha Webb.

The middle-Middleton was out and about in silk ikat pants byAlice by Temperley.

Pippa out and about with boyfriend Nico in London, wearing a chic black dress.

Pippa wore a pretty green sweater dress and matching cardigan at the AEGON Championshipswith her mother Carole.

Attending a friend's wedding, Pippa looked lovely in a black and white peplumTabitha Webb dress andOlivia Roat Millinery fascinator.

Pippa looked chic in a powder blue blazer over a matching dress at Wimbledon.

Pippa attended Spectator Magazine's summer party in a pretty white lace dress.

Pippa went to another game at Wimbledon with boyfriend Nico, wearing a striped coral dress byTemperley London.

Leaving Andy Murray's match, Pippa looked vibrant in the coral dress.

Pippa attended the Queen's Coronation ceremony in afloral Tabitha Webb dress with a lace overlay, and carried a clutch byLamb 1887.

Pippa attends the wedding of James Meade and Lady Laura Marsham.

Pippa and Nico Jackson pose at the Boodles Boxing Ball 2013 on September 21, 2013 at the Grosvenor House in London,England.

Pippa attends a donors dinner hosted by Michael Bloomberg & Graydon Carter to celebrate the launch of the new Serpentine Sackler Gallery.

Pippa and James Middleton arrive at Chapel Royal in St James's Palace in central London to attend the christening of Prince George of Cambridge.

Pippa and boyfriend Nico Jackson attend the Sugarplum Ball.

Pippa attends a memorial service for Sir David Frost at Westminster Abbey.

Pippa attends day two of the Aegon Championships at Queens Club.

Pippa Middleton seen arriving at Wimbledon.

Pippa attends the GQ Men of the Year awards.

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More on AOL.com: Kim Kardashian will be attending the 2017 Met Gala without Kanye West How HGTV's Christina El Moussa realized she was undereating Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' surprising diet revealed

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Pippa Middleton's pre-wedding diet may actually be dangerous - AOL

An estimated 20 percent of American adults suffer with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although most prefer not to discuss it publicly.

It is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine (colon), causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. No one knows exactly what causes it, and there is no way for a doctor to make a definitive diagnosis. However, there are a variety of factors that affect IBS, including diet, stress, hormonal changes and activity level.

IBS can be managed with diet and lifestyle changes.

Foods often can cause flare-ups, so identifying ones that are personal triggers help people know which foods to avoid. Research has identified certain foods, called Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols commonly referred to as FODMAPs that might cause IBS symptoms.

FODMAPs are carbohydrates that are poorly digested, causing them to be fermented by bacteria in the digestive system. They also change the chemistry in the large bowel, which affects how quickly things pass through the body. Those two processes trigger many of the symptoms of IBS, but not all FODMAPs will pose problems for all people.

Some foods that are included in the FODMAP group are wheat products, onions, lentils, broccoli, beans, Brussels sprouts, soy-based products, dairy products, honey, mangos, watermelon, high-fructose corn syrup, apples, pears, cauliflower, and sugar substitutes containing xylitol or sorbitol.

Health care providers might recommend a controlled FODMAP diet for patients who have IBS. The diet starts with a low-FODMAP period. Working with a registered dietitian nutritionist who can give guidance on foods to avoid is recommended. With the help of an RDN, the patient will gradually reintroduce certain FODMAP-containing foods. During the reintroduction period, patients will keep track of signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal distress to help identify food triggers.

Dietitians work with patients to maintain adequate nutrition and develop an eating plan to meet their needs. The diets are supported by scientific evidence for use in medical nutrition therapy to manage symptoms of IBS.

How we eat also is important. Eating quickly can wreak havoc on digestion.

Eating small meals throughout the day helps prevent the stomach from becoming overloaded. Having a regular schedule for meals helps the body get used to a routine. Eat slowly, taking time to relax and chew your food.

Stress can trigger physiological changes in the digestive system, which can lead to IBS symptoms. People can benefit from using stress-management techniques such as massage, yoga, meditation and deep breathing.

Exercise also plays a role in healthy digestion of food. When you are active in your daily life, your stomach will be healthier and better regulated.

Some people might be tempted to control the symptoms of IBS with over-the-counter laxatives or antidiarrheal medication. Be sure to check with a health care provider before taking that approach.

Lisa McCoy is a family and consumer-sciences educator with University of Maryland Extension in Washington County. Her columns regularly appear in Wednesday's Food section in The Herald-Mail.

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Diet, lifestyle changes might help those with IBS - Herald-Mail Media