ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

Which of the following diets focuses on meal timing rather than specific types of food?

1. Mediterranean diet

2. Paleo diet

3. Intermittent fasting

4. Zone diet

The correct answer is: Intermittent fasting

The focus of intermittent fasting is on when to eat rather than what to eat. This dietary approach involves cycles of eating and fasting, which can vary in length and frequency, allowing individuals to choose specific time windows during which they can consume food. The method emphasizes the timing of meals and the periods of fasting that separate these eating windows, rather than restricting specific food groups or macronutrients. In contrast, diets like the Mediterranean and Paleo place significant emphasis on the types of foods consumed—prioritizing whole foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and fresh produce, and often discouraging processed foods. The Zone diet also has a specific macronutrient ratio that must be followed, focusing on balancing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats at each meal. Hence, the key distinction of intermittent fasting is its unique approach to meal timing rather than specific dietary content.