The Warrior Diet, created by Ori Hofmekler, is, in short, a diet based on extended periods of daytime under-eating followed by brief periods of nighttime over-eating. The theory is that humans are, by their very nature, nocturnal eaters. Fasting during the day allows your body to detoxify and burn fat. The ‘warrior’ or prehistoric man HAD to eat this way. During the day, physical activity (exercise) was always necessary and the threat of danger was constant. At night, the ‘warrior’ could safely rest and enjoy one large daily meal.

So how does this translate to a stay-at-home parent? Let’s take a look.

1. It doesn’t disrupt family dinner time.

For many families, the 6pm (or 5pm, or 7pm) dinner hour is sacred. It is the one time of the day that everyone can count on. The older kids are home from soccer practice. The younger kids are awake from their naps. The spouse is home from a long day at work. It’s time to gather ‘round the table, break bread and talk about the day that has passed. Too many diets demand restrictions that affect this familial ritual. That is not the case with the Warrior Diet. Fast all day. Eat at night. That’s the deal. The precious family dinner is the perfect time to break your fast.

2. It doesn’t require special recipes.

The Warrior Diet doesn’t require specific foods, so much as it requires specific times to eat. If you’ve fasted all day, when it comes time to eat (around 6pm, give or take), you can enjoy as much of whatever you’d like. That means that family favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, stir fried chicken and pepperoni pizza can stay on your menu.

3. It actually increases your daytime productivity.

During your daytime fast, you’ll kick into gear your sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The SNS activates when emergencies occur, causing the ‘fight’ or ‘flight’ reaction to stressful situations. Calling your fast an emergency is a touch dramatic. But the truth is, when your SNS activates energy is generated and fat is burned: both good things! Not only are you losing weight with the Warrior Diet, but your energy levels during the day will increase dramatically. Whoever says being a stay-at-home parent isn’t a full-time job has clearly never been one; extra energy is essential.

Diets are a dime a dozen. Each year another nutrition craze hits the media. The Warrior Diet is unique in its simplicity and accessibility. It’s not the type of diet that will make you miserable, broke or unhealthy. In fact, because it’s a lifestyle decision, not a temporary quick-fix, you’ll see results not only in your weight, but in your mental health as well.