Twelve hours is a good first step

People often ask me for the perfect eating window. I start with a simpler answer: try to fit your food and drinks, other than water, into twelve hours.

For many people that alone is a real change. Once twelve feels easy, some narrow it to ten or eight hours, depending on their health, their work and their family life.

Consistency matters more than the number. The same window on most days gives your body a rhythm it can predict.

If you take medication for diabetes or another condition, talk with your doctor before you change when you eat.