What is autophagy, the secret diet of the stars?

Celebrities including Beyonce, Miranda Kerr and Hugh Jackman are believed to be following this new fad of intermittent fasting to lose weight and stay healthy.

Time and again we hear about stars and their secret new ways to staying fit and in shape.

The latest diet fad to have gripped Indians inspired from the international circuit is autophagy.

Scientifically autophagy, meaning 'self eating' is a natural process where the cells destruct itself to form new cells.

A lot of celebrities including Miranda Kerr, Beyonce, Hugh Jackman and Ben Affleck have reportedly exploited the benefits of autophagy in dieting smartly to lose weight and stay fit.

According to this process, stars indulge in a high protein diet for up to eight hours and spend the remaining 16 hours of the day fasting, trying to break it down.

This type of intermittent fasting helps the body to store and burn fat during those long hours.

In her interview to Oprah, Beyonce admitted how the Master Cleansing diet helped her lose weight. 

'So I decided I wanted to lose weight and make a physical transformation. And it was difficult because I love food. I love to eat. I did a fast -- a master cleanser for 14 days. Everybody was eating Krispy Kremes around me. I was grouchy, but I did it and I lost the weight,' the singer shared.

However experts suggest that you must intake plenty of water to flush out toxins released during the process.

Along with weight loss, one can also get glowing skin and hair.

But autophagy-inspired dieting has its side effects too. Frequent fasting without proper guidance can lead to muscle loss and malnutrition.

It is important to take timely breaks between fasting schedules in a week.

You can do it once or twice a week for better results.

Also, instead of eating a heavy meal, it is advisable to eat smaller healthy portions over a period of eight hours.

 Photograph: Courtesy Beyonce/Instagram