I have seen studies done for mice that alternate daily between 50% calorie diet and 150% calorie diet. The results were nearly as positive as those for intermittent fasting. This seems much easier to do.
I remember reading some studies where the results very not nearly as good for the 50% calorie diet group than the one that had near 0% calories during the fast day. And yes there are also studies that show benefits with both 50% and 0% regime. So it seems there might be
some benefits with the 0% regime that are not achieved with 50% regime. I really can't say anything for certain as I haven't read the studies that thoroughly.(Which I should and intend on doing when I have time).
As for it being easier to do, I really don't see that as an issue. I follow a 24h fast/24h free eating schedule and other than the first few days when starting out, I have not felt any hunger nor food cravings during the fast.
I use 4pm as a cut off time at which point I start or end my fast. Doing it like this makes it easier, as I do get to eat every day. The first day from 4pm onwards and the next day from morning till 4pm.
Exercise should be done on days were one is not fasting, correct? Or should it be done early in the day during a fast? I hear the benefits of a fast and exercise come from the body learning to cope with stress, but I don't know if they should be done together.
Personally I wouldn't do any heavy training on fasting days. Even more so if one intends on building muscle. For my schedule I see the optimal time for training being soon after the eating period has started. This way I have almost 24h to eat and build muscle before the next fast.
Also I like to break the fast with something light, like a salad, around 4pm and maybe an hour or so later take my pre-workout shake/meal. This isn't based on any strong science, but more on a gut feeling that it might be better to start with something lighter and slowly digesting.
Furthermore, how would one's supplementation regimen be affected? Would less, more, or different supplements be needed? Any supps to avoid while fasting? Any to increase?
This is something I've been wondering myself. As of now I do not take any supplements during the fast except vitamin c(and green tea if you can call that a supplement). I do take supplements every day though, but I take them during my eating periods.
I strongly suggest you head over and check out the Intermittent fasting group on yahoo
http://tech.groups.y.../group/fasting/The group is quite active and there is also a fair share of posts regarding the science behind IF.