Book excerpt: The original intermittent fasting plan: easy to follow, effective, and science-basedThe Alternate-Day Diet is based on scientific and clinical studies that show how restricting calories only every other day activates a gene called SIRT1?the ?skinny? gene?which results in reduced inflammation, improved insulin resistance, better cellular energy production, and releasing fat cells from around the organs to promote weight loss. This easy-to-follow two step plan will enable readers to enjoy these remarkable and measurable benefits: ? Lose fat easily and quickly without deprivation, discomfort, or stress ? Improve fat metabolism and avoid regaining lost fat ? Slow the aging process ? Find relief from symptoms of asthma, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and menopause-related hot flashes