What is intermittent fasting, and is it healthy?

By Jacqueline Andriakos, Health.com

Updated 1255 GMT (2055 HKT) June 8, 2016

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

The good news: Americans are consuming fewer calories. The bad news: Americans still have a long way to go in how they divvy up calories.
Photos: American diet trends
The good news: Americans are consuming fewer calories. The bad news: Americans still have a long way to go in how they divvy up calories.
Hide Caption
1 of 6
Americans in almost every age and ethnic group have been weaning themselves off soda and fruit drinks and substituting for healthier choices like water.
Photos: American diet trends
Water over sugary drinks – Americans in almost every age and ethnic group have been weaning themselves off soda and fruit drinks and substituting for healthier choices like water.
Hide Caption
2 of 6
Increasing our intake of fruits and veggies could play a part in improving the U.S. diet. There has been only a slight uptick in consumption of these healthy foods since 2003.
Photos: American diet trends
Not enough fruits and veggies – Increasing our intake of fruits and veggies could play a part in improving the U.S. diet. There has been only a slight uptick in consumption of these healthy foods since 2003.
Hide Caption
3 of 6
Americans have made huge strides in improving their diet by eliminating trans fats -- although much of that is due to changes in the manufacturing process.