The best books on intermittent fasting are the most comprehensive, easy to digest, engaging books on the topic. There are a good number of books about intermittent fasting out there. Some are much better than others. Many share a different purpose depending where you are at in your intermittent fasting journey.
We are here to share the BEST!
What are the best books on intermittent fasting?
A quick look at our top picks:
#1: The Complete Guide to Fasting:
Author(s): Dr. Jason Fung and Jimmy Moore
Summary: This is pretty much a holy grail for intermittent fasting resources. This book is a complete manual on all these related to intermittent fasting. Key topics include how intermittent fasting amplifies weight loss and improves other health conditions like Type II Diabetes, how to successfully fast alongside specific eating preferences like low carb or keto, and what you should expect when you start fasting. The book also includes a day kick start fasting plan and 20 recipes.
Pros
- Thorough, 304 pages
- Discusses many different fasting schedules
- Features tips and tricks to help your fasting journey
Cons
- Long
- Little pricer
- Is repetitive with content at times
#2: Intermittent fasting: Beginner’s Guide To Weight Loss For Men And Women Over 50:
Author(s): Koorosh Naghshineh
Summary: The book sets the scene well for why intermittent fasting is an amazing tool for weight loss, especially once you hit 50. It really describes how intermittent fasting can be a long term strategy to lose weight and live a healthier life. The guide includes tips, tricks, and recipes to get you started on implementing intermittent fasting into your routine FAST! A full 21 day meal plan is even included if you didn’t have enough of a good reason to get started.
Pros:
- Chapters are broken down well
- Includes lots of practical tips and “how-tos”
- Geared for individuals 50 years and older
Cons:
- A little wordy
- Not best for individuals younger than 50 years
#3: The Obesity Code
Author(s): Jason Fung, MD
Summary: Dr. Jason Fung has been considered one of the founders of intermittent fasting and has set out to bust the most prominent myths we’ve been fed about obesity and weight gain. The book describes the role of insulin and insulin resistance in an easy to understand manner for ANYONE. He provides a ton of examples to prove each fact. This book represents the WHY behind intermittent fasting perfectly.
Pros:
- Easy to understand
- Describes the WHY behind intermittent fasting
- Gives examples to support reasoning
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide as much tips, recipes, etc. as other books
#4: Delay, Don’t Deny: Living an Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle
Author(s): Gin Stephens
Summary: This book explains why calorie counting and food elimination diets are a thing of the past. Not only will you learn about the science behind intermittent fasting, but the book also describes the various intermittent fasting plans to work for your own routine and lifestyle. The motivation is STRONG throughout this book in order to get started NOW!
Pros:
- Very motivational
- Describes various intermittent fasting plans
- Easy to follow presentation of content
Cons:
- Not as science based as other books
#5: Eat Stop Eat
Author(s): Brad Pilon
Summary: Eat Stop Eat was one of the first books about intermittent fasting back in 2007. The book is concise and to the point on the key factors related to the benefit of intermittent fasting. It is a quick, easy read and your won’t regret it.
Pros:
- Provides excellent examples
- Very concise
- Easy to read
Cons:
- Doesn’t share tips, recipes, etc. as much as others
- Older (2007)
#6: The Longevity Diet
Author(s): Valter Longo
Summary: The Longevity Diet describes the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) as designed by author Valter Longo. Longo describes how this diet can activate stem cells and promote regeneration in multiple organs in order to reduce your risk for cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease. diabetes, and obesity. The book includes 30 recipes for an everyday diet based plan.
Pros:
- Describes benefits of intermittent fasting beyond weight loss
- Includes easy to follow plan
- Includes recipes
Cons:
- Not completely weight loss related
- Fasting method isn’t geared towards everyday intermittent fasting
#7: The Fast Diet:
Author(s): Dr. Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer
Summary: Updated with new science, recipes, and tips for easy fasting. The Fast Diet describes a specific type of intermittent fasting consisting of 2 days per week with a calorie intake of 500-600 calories. The program comes alongside the latest research to support the benefits (lose weight, reduce risk of chronic disease).
Pros:
- Features specific type of intermittent fasting plan to follow
- Includes latest research
Cons:
- Can be redundant
#8: The Switch:
Author(s): James W. Clement
Summary: This book describes what the “switch” is for your metabolism and how intermittent fasting, protein cycling, and keto can help you initiate fat burning and protect cells from becoming dysfunctional. The Switch dives in deep to all things metabolism related featuring guidelines to follow for results. Mark Hyman claims as a “must read”.
Pros:
- Extremely comprehensive
- Easy to follow science to understand the “switch” mechanism
Cons:
- A little lengthy
- Doesn’t feature recipes, programs, etc.
#9: Intuitive Fasting
Author(s): Dr. Will Cole, Gwyneth Paltrow
Summary: Dr. Will Cole is a functional medicine expert who describes instinctive eating patterns and mindfulness throughout this book to describe an intuitive fast. He covers metabolic flexibility as a hallmark for optimal body function. The book includes a 4 week flexible fasting plan and more than 65 recipes.
Pros:
- Unique plan
- Addresses widespread misconceptions
- Contains meal plans/recipes
Cons:
- Driven by a singular idea for intermittent fasting (intuition)
#10: Fast. Feast. Repeat
Author(s): Gin Stephens
Summary: Fast. Feast. Repeat includes a variety of intermittent fasting approaches focused on mindset, research, and practice. Gin Stephens started a large online community who have learned the Delay, Don’t Deny intermittent fasting lifestyle.
Pros:
- Includes 28 day FAST start
- Easy read
Cons:
- Repeats content at times
How can a book on intermittent fasting benefit you?
All of these books have a ton of incredible information and practical advice on how to get started. Many take a deep dive into the WHY behind intermittent fasting which, of course, is important to set the stage and gain some motivation. For anyone new to the idea of intermittent fasting, this can be a great starting point to get your feet wet with a book. For anyone more advanced, these books have fantastic recipes and new ideas to try in order to make your intermittent fasting routine as efficient and practical as possible for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
There are fortunately SO many great books on intermittent fasting. The world needs to learn more about this long term lifestyle strategy. We have plenty of resources to help along the way no matter where you are at in your understanding…
Take your pick!
Let us know what you choose!
Marissa is a licensed Occupational Therapist, certified personal trainer, and weight loss specialist living in Baltimore, MD.
