For years, breakfast was treated as non-negotiable. Eat early. Eat often. Don’t skip.
But in recent years — and especially heading into 2026 — more people are choosing a different rhythm: intermittent fasting.
Not as a diet. Not as a rule. But as a way to listen to their bodies, simplify eating, and create more space between meals.
In Bali, where mornings can be slow, active, or deeply personal, intermittent fasting has quietly become part of many daily routines — from surfers and yogis to busy creatives and digital nomads.
So what is it really? And is it for you?
What Is Intermittent Fasting, Really?
Intermittent fasting isn’t about what you eat — it’s about when you eat.
The most common approach is the 16:8 method:
- Fast for 16 hours
- Eat within an 8-hour window
For many people, that simply means:
✔ Dinner around 7–8pm
✔ First meal around 11am–1pm the next day
No complicated rules. Just fewer eating windows.
Other variations include:
- 14:10 (more gentle)
- 18:6 (more advanced)
- Occasional longer fasts (less common, more intentional)
Why Some People Thrive Without Breakfast
For some bodies, skipping breakfast feels natural. Instead of hunger, they experience:
Steadier Energy
Without early insulin spikes, many people report more consistent energy through the morning — fewer crashes, less mid-morning fog.
Clearer Focus
Fasted mornings can feel sharper. Some people find they think more clearly before their first meal, especially for creative or focused work.
Metabolic Flexibility
Fasting teaches the body to switch more easily between using glucose and fat for fuel — something linked to metabolic health.
Simpler Eating
Fewer meals often mean:
- Less snacking
- More intentional main meals
- Less food decision fatigue
In a lifestyle-driven place like Bali, this can fit naturally with morning movement, coffee by the beach, or slow starts without rushing to eat.
When Intermittent Fasting Might Not Be a Good Fit
Intermittent fasting isn’t for everyone — and that’s important.
It may not suit people who:
- Have a history of disordered eating
- Are pregnant and or breastfeeding
- Have blood sugar regulation issues
- Train very intensely in the morning
- Feel weak, dizzy, or overly hungry when fasting
Some bodies genuinely do better with morning fuel. That’s not failure — that’s biology.
The Bali Factor: Fasting on Island Time
Bali’s lifestyle makes fasting easier for some and harder for others.
What helps:
- Morning movement (yoga, walking, surfing)
- Coffee culture (black coffee, espresso, herbal teas), for sure without sugar
- Late brunch culture
- Flexible work hours
What can make it tricky:
- Early temple ceremonies
- Long days in the sun
- Physically demanding activities
- Social breakfasts and hotel spreads you don’t want to miss
Context matters. So does enjoyment.
What a Break-Fast Meal Looks Like
When you do eat, quality matters more than timing.
A strong first meal often includes:
- Protein: eggs, tofu, fish, yogurt
- Fiber: vegetables, greens, whole grains
- Healthy fats: avocado, nuts, olive oil
- Minerals: coconut water, sea salt, leafy greens
This helps prevent overeating later and supports stable energy.
Not Eating Breakfast Isn’t a Failure
In 2026, the wellness conversation has shifted.
It’s no longer about rules — it’s about responsiveness.
Some people feel best with:
- Early breakfast
- Small, light morning meals
Others feel best with:
- Late first meals
- Coffee + water + movement
- A longer fasting window
Both can be healthy
Intermittent fasting isn’t magic. It’s a tool.
For some, it creates clarity, simplicity, and better energy. For others, it creates stress, hunger, and imbalance.
The real win in 2026? Not forcing a trend — but finding a rhythm that fits your body, your lifestyle, and your version of Bali living.
