"Time-restricted" eating is a popular way to lose weight, and a new study suggests it can offer shift-workers a way to eat more healthfully. Time-restricted eating is a form of intermittent fasting, where people limit themselves to eating within a certain time window each day. Outside of that window, they swear off everything other than calorie-free drinks.
Time restriction has become a popular weight-loss strategy, largely because it's simple. Instead of counting calories, people only have to watch the clock. And small studies have shown that narrow eating windows — six hours being a popular one — can help people shed some pounds.
There is also some evidence of benefits other than weight loss, according to Dr. Pam Taub, a cardiologist and professor at the University of San Diego School of Medicine.