B2 – Upper Intermediate
Intermittent fasting is a diet trend that has become so popular these days.
Scientific studies have backed overnight fast it having some health benefits. However, a new study found that people who only eat less than eight hours a day are more likely to be at a much higher risk of suffering or in worst case, dying from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke.
Read the article about how intermittent fasting affects heart health.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0l6ye6xe12o
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “without the drudgery of something” mean? “It promises to hack biology without the drudgery of counting calories or cutting carbs: simply change when you eat, not necessarily what you eat.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “run counter to something” mean? “That runs counter to the popular belief – supported by short-term studies lasting only a few months to a year – that time-restricted eating improves heart and metabolic health.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “frailty” mean? “For older adults or those with chronic conditions, prolonged fasting may worsen frailty or accelerate muscle loss.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the promise and pitfalls of intermittent fasting?
- What are your thoughts about this diet? Is it a helpful practice or health risk?
- Share your opinion on this, “The study doesn’t prove cause and effect. But the signal is striking enough to challenge the narrative of fasting as a risk-free path to better health.”
- Share your insights on this advice, “Until the evidence is clearer, the safest bet may be to focus less on the clock and more on the plate.”
- Talk about another diet that you know of. How is it done and what are its known benefits and negative effects?