Intermittent Fasting Interventions on Brain Health in Women

Adults experience high psychological stress due to many factors such as school, workplace, or personal life. Adult women are known to experience higher stress levels than men. Current evidence shows that fasting improves mental health outcomes in men. The research is unclear on fasting interventions and their potential impact on stress levels in women. In this study, investigators will compare two fasting diets over 8 weeks. There will be a control group, one group that fasts for two days per week, and a final group that only eats for 8 hours in the morning. Mental health surveys, brain tests and a blood draw will be done during the study to see any mental or physical changes from the diets. Investigators will study the motivation of women to continue the diet during and beyond the study through online surveys.

Inclusion Criteria:English speakerAssignment of female sex at birthBMI between 18.5-24.9 kg/m^2Current engagement in less than 150 minutes of physical activity per dayNormal menstrual cycle length (21-40 days) for at least 3 monthsNon-smokerConsumption of no more than one alcoholic beverage per dayModerate or higher levels of stress as indicated by a score of 19 or higher on the stress sub-set of the DASS-21 questionnaireExclusion criteria:Pregnant or breastfeedingTaking of medication known to alter metabolic profile (i.e., medication used for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol)Diagnosed chronic disease (cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, reproductive, renal, neuromuscular, or any other disease or condition as assessed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Get Active Questionnaire)Diagnosed psychiatric disorder (i.e., anxiety, depression)Diagnosed eating disorderParticipation in a weight-loss program in the last 3 monthsLoss of 5% of body weight or more in the last 3 months