Dieting by time: Intermittent fasting the newest diet trend

Most people eat their first meal of the day in the morning. But for Melissa Gouley, it's around noon.

"I'll have a banana, just something kind of light and then a half hour later I'll have my salad as I normally would for lunch," said Gouley.

She has incorporated intermittent fasting into her lifestyle. A large part of the new diet trend relies on when you eat.

"I'm doing 16 hours of not eating and then, the following eight hours, I eat," Gouley explained. "So, eight o'clock in the evening, I have my last meal."

Everyone's reason for changing their diet - and lifestyle - is different. Gouley is doing it to relieve some digestive issues.

"I just feel like giving myself a break from constantly digesting food," said Gouley.

Registered dietician Sarah Krieger said intermittent fasting can have other health benefits.

"Most people do it for weight loss, but there is some research, mostly in animal studies, that show that longevity with life is one of the [potential benefits], preventing Alzheimer’s is one," said Krieger.

But she pointed out there can be drawbacks to timed eating, such as becoming "hangry" - when someone gets angry because they are hungry.

"And then maybe you don't even plan what you're going to be eating and then you just kind of eat whatever," Krieger said.

As with any diet, what you eat is important.

"Protein and fiber and, of course, as many food groups as possible when they break that fast," said Krieger.

It's not a plan fit for everyone.

Psychologist Dr. Thomas Quinlan said children, teens, and people who have a history of or are at risk for eating disorders should ask their doctor before trying intermittent fasting.

Gouley said she has noticed a change, and she plans to stick with it "for as long as it feels good."