Intermittent fasting (IF) is an umbrella term describing a variety of approaches to restricting food and fluid intake for an extended period of time, usually greater than 12 hours. The concepts of significance for sports dietitians are to identify the specific IF protocols that most positively impact the parameters of interest including body composition, inflammation, immune function and exercise performance.

Therefore, this presentation will dually focus on a review of the specific IF protocols with the most evidence-based data regarding these parameters and identify the specific categories of athletes who might most benefit from this dietary pattern. The second half of the presentation will include a culinary demonstration highlighting key menu enhancement techniques to consider for athletes planning to engage in an IF approach. The focus will be on menu planning, with specific ingredients and focal nutrient parameters for IF to be successfully incorporated into the athlete's plate.