How do you guys feel about fasting?

SummerSkinn
SummerSkinn Posts: 20
in Food and Nutrition
I have been looking up a few sites that say fasting is good for you AND your weight loss.
I'm very curious to know if this is true or just a scam.
I was planning on doing my MFP 1200 calorie goal, 5 days a week, and fasting 2 days a week (Tuesday and Thursday.)
Is this a bad idea?
I have a very busy schedule and usually don't have time to work out until after 8pm, which is bad?
(that's what I've been told anyways.)
So I usually do a 15 minute work out on my lunch breaks, but it doesn't seem to be getting me anywhere.
Will fasting help me get to my goal a little quicker?
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Replies

  • kbmnurse
    kbmnurse Posts: 2,484 Member
    CRAZY. Definitely not a good idea.
  • mmstgr
    mmstgr Posts: 578 Member
    If I don't eat all day (or for a few hours for that matter), I turn into a superb!tch. i will become lazy, unfocused, cold, and tired. Have fun with that.
  • essjay76
    essjay76 Posts: 465 Member
    If you're doing it to detox and flush your system, I think it's a great idea! If you're doing it for religious regions, awesome! But if you're doing it as some short term fix to lose weight quickly, hmmm... you might be playing with metabolism fire. Any kind of starvation is not something one should make a habit out of.
  • EmilyMae12
    EmilyMae12 Posts: 61 Member
    I was actually planning on asking this question today! I have done a 21 day water fast before, but it was for a religious thing. I actually was considering doing another religious fast, but I don't know. I think if you take all the precautions and begin the fast and most importantly END the fast correctly it can have it's positive effects. I think it really just depends on the reason why your fasting.
  • EmilyMae12
    EmilyMae12 Posts: 61 Member
    I would say your plan would not be the best idea..
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    I get really sick if I fast. I'll spend all the following day throwing up and shaking.
  • Captain_Tightpants
    Captain_Tightpants Posts: 2,215 Member
    Intermittent fasting (1 day a week) has been shown in several studies to have beneficial effects.

    Here's an interesting article over at Mark's Daily Apple:
    http://www.marksdailyapple.com/fasting/#axzz1oO4RKMb0

    My concern with IF is twofold:

    1) if you're prone to low blood sugar you could cause a hypoglycemic episode. So you might want to be checked out by your doc before beginning such a routine.
    2) if you're prone to binging, the deprivation period could have a bad rebound effect.

    Other than that I think it's fairly safe if done for short periods. As to whether it helps weight loss or not, who knows. I suspect it's contextual success based on the individual metabolisms and needs of the people involved... for example, if fasting reduces insulin resistance then an insulin resistant individual might see benefits from it that a non-insulin resistant individual would not.

    I personally wouldn't do it, I like eating too much.
  • gp79
    gp79 Posts: 1,799 Member
    It's personal preference, but if that's something you're considering, figure out what you're total calories are across a week in order to maintain your weight, then build in a weekly deficit. Being at a HUGE deficit is probably not the best idea because that would put you in a position where you're not getting enough nutrition to feed your body with what it needs.

    I eat once per day, with the exception of Sunday's. I eat all my calories between 5pm - 9pm at night. It works for me. There is no huge advantage to fasting in terms of weight loss (that I've read). Its simply a way that I find it easy to manage my calories.
  • Silverkittycat
    Silverkittycat Posts: 1,997 Member
    eh. Not my thing.

    There are plenty of people fasting for various reasons and if it works for you, great. If I'm running around busy in the AM (after coffee) I'll skip breakfast, otherwise, I like eating. Just me. :smile:
  • Yanicka1
    Yanicka1 Posts: 4,564 Member
    i fast everyday , 16 hours a day and it work great for my lifestyle. I suggest www.leangains.com
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    If you're doing it to detox and flush your system, I think it's a great idea!

    Specifically how does fasting "detox and flush" your system? If you're not eating there's nothing passing through to flush.

    This is an honest question. Detox is one of those words that gets bandied about as if it had almost mystical significance but I have yet to have anyone explain what it really means, what toxins are being removed from your body and how it may be superior to what mother nature has already given us (liver, kidneys etc)
  • SeaStar
    SeaStar Posts: 113
    Buhhh I always hate the idea of fasting... as long as I am eating healthy there is no need to clean out the system. Fasting for two days along with a calorie allowance of only 1200 is going to drive you crazy. You're bound to have binge episodes to regain energy. I enjoy eating every day far too much to deprive myself from it.
  • TriforceRaven
    TriforceRaven Posts: 115 Member
    Honestly, I fast every so often not only for the benefits, but because I like it. I like the feeling. It also really makes me appreciate the taste of healthy, low-cal food and other things. During it, I REALLY appreciate the taste of water and juice! I'm on a fast right now. :)
  • SeaStar
    SeaStar Posts: 113
    Just have patience... don't try to rush your body into weight loss or it's bound to fail
  • cmt610
    cmt610 Posts: 1
    low cal plus the fasting might work against your goals by slowing your metabolism. Others may disagree but I say to exercise when you can fit it in.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I have a very busy schedule and usually don't have time to work out until after 8pm, which is bad?
    (that's what I've been told anyways.)
    So I usually do a 15 minute work out on my lunch breaks, but it doesn't seem to be getting me anywhere.
    Will fasting help me get to my goal a little quicker?

    Forget fasting as a weight loss tool, for long term success you need a plan that you can stick with for the rest of your life.

    I'm going to let you in on a little known fitness secret, the best time of day to work out is whenever you have time. If that's in the evening great, if it's in the morning that's great too. All that counts is that you have the time and energy to do it, my own personal preference is running at 5:00AM but that's me not you.
  • CaseRat
    CaseRat Posts: 377 Member
    Read this online book, and when I say read, I don't mean skip to the summary pages.

    http://www.precisionnutrition.com/intermittent-fasting/introduction

    It gives you an insight into all the different sorts of fasting while recording a lot of facts and figures about how they all went for this guy.



    After researching this for a little while; my opinion is that it works IF you do it properly.
    I'm going to try it out after my current cut cycle, using the 16 hour fast - 8 hour feeding window otherwise known as the leangains fast, as talked about by it's 'creator' on this website:
    http://www.leangains.com/p/my-transformation.html


    Don't listen to people who just say "NO DON'T FAST IT'LL RUIN YOU!!' - They have no idea.
  • byronguy74
    byronguy74 Posts: 45
    If you're doing it to detox and flush your system, I think it's a great idea!

    Specifically how does fasting "detox and flush" your system? If you're not eating there's nothing passing through to flush.

    This is an honest question. Detox is one of those words that gets bandied about as if it had almost mystical significance but I have yet to have anyone explain what it really means, what toxins are being removed from your body and how it may be superior to what mother nature has already given us (liver, kidneys etc)

    I did a juicing fast in January for 11 days. I had really good results from it and it put me in a position to really continue the journey I started. I am not claiming any kind of flushing or detoxing but it gave me a 19 pound jump start. I have since been fasting a few days a week and watching what I eat on the days when I am not fasting. I can see myself juicing for the rest of my life so in really has promoted a lifestyle change for me.
  • duetwithjosh
    duetwithjosh Posts: 121
    Don't do it!

    I like IF -- I've done 24 hour fasts once a week a couple of times, and each time I feel great. Fasting for me is nice because it breaks the 'ritual' of eating. I feel in control of what I eat, and when I start eating again, it's deliberate, conscious, and more enjoyable. As an added perk, my muscle recovery is remarkably improved in a fasted state -- soreness dissipates really quickly for some reason.

    With that said, 2 days a week + low calorie is excessive, and is *especially excessive* considering your already low daily calorie goal. You'd be eating only 3600 calories a WEEK--if you're very active, your body can burn that in a DAY. Your weekly deficit is simply too large. I would suggest something more like1400 calories a day with a one day a week fast. See how you feel, and up/reduce your calories accordingly.

    I've talked to a few different anatomy and physiology professors at my school about fasting, and they all seemed to more or less agree that a once a week fast was healthy and beneficial, *or* a 72 hour fast once a month. They said that with either of those two cases, your unfasted metabolism will be largely unaffected, but cautioned that any longer or more often and impacts on unfasted metabolism are possible.
  • SeaStar
    SeaStar Posts: 113
    Read this online book, and when I say read, I don't mean skip to the summary pages.

    http://www.precisionnutrition.com/intermittent-fasting/introduction

    It gives you an insight into all the different sorts of fasting while recording a lot of facts and figures about how they all went for this guy.



    After researching this for a little while; my opinion is that it works IF you do it properly.
    I'm going to try it out after my current cut cycle, using the 16 hour fast - 8 hour feeding window otherwise known as the leangains fast, as talked about by it's 'creator' on this website:
    http://www.leangains.com/p/my-transformation.html


    Don't listen to people who just say "NO DON'T FAST IT'LL RUIN YOU!!' - They have no idea.

    Hah, after reading your post I realized I myself went from my own opinion on the subject to stating that it wont work.. She asked how I felt! But you're right, there are people out there who have success. I just don't know if two days a week isn't too extreme with such low calories!
  • EmmieSu
    EmmieSu Posts: 136
    If you're doing it to detox and flush your system, I think it's a great idea! If you're doing it for religious regions, awesome! But if you're doing it as some short term fix to lose weight quickly, hmmm... you might be playing with metabolism fire. Any kind of starvation is not something one should make a habit out of.


    I fast several times a yr for spiritual reasons. Everytime I do, I realize how much time I spend thinking about food. Not that. I eat it, but the shopping, preparing, cleaning, cooking of it. Then as soon as a meal is over, being a mom I have to start planning for the next meal. Then there is the emotional aspect, that we tie to our food. Fasting for me has opened my eyes to to many of my issues with food. I say start slow and be prepared for some moments of discomfort. Headache, nausea, and dizziness often occupany fasting.
  • glenr79
    glenr79 Posts: 283 Member
    definitely the worst idea ever..... when you fast your insulin levels spike, when you finally eat again everything you eat will get stored as fat... also in those fasting days how are you going to get protein for muscles? carbohydrates for energy? nutrients and vitamins for your immune system? and even 1200 calories is not enough to supply the body with the fuel it needs...... just eat a lot of small well balanced meals every 3 hours and you will speed your metabolism, starving yourself is not the answer
  • CaseRat
    CaseRat Posts: 377 Member
    ust eat a lot of small well balanced meals every 3 hours and you will speed your metabolism

    Eating every 3 hours does not 'speed up' your metabolism...and it certainly won't die out if you don't feed yourself for 6 hours, or more.
    Case in point: Not sure about you, but I like my 8-9 hours sleep. I don't get up in the middle of the night to eat, and I'm fairly certain most sane people don't. Fasting isn't bad, if you do it properly.

    However I will agree; to the OP - 2 days fasting a week on only 1,200 calories? Definitely not a good idea.
  • Oo_BrookeNicole_oO
    Oo_BrookeNicole_oO Posts: 165
    I wouldn't think it's a good idea. I have a friend who fasts once a week for religious purposes. She becomes totally unlike herself. It's frightening actually. It's something the church doesn't talk about, so it took me a few weeks to figure out why she was acting like that. I did notice most members were actually quite thin.
  • kathryndietplan
    kathryndietplan Posts: 2
    Ok! Everyone. The MFP doesn't indicate that Fasting is required. I does indicate that on average a member of MFP should consumpe at least 1200 calories so that your body doesn't think that you are starving and hold back the Calories and turn to fat for later. Just remember that the body fat was accummulated over time and you have to work with what you have. Also exercise will start to tone your muscles and muscle is heavier than fat. Don't worry thing will even out. Also when you start the program your first weight loss will be right away and than you level out. Work past this time. Exercise at anytime is helpful. When I go shopping I walk the whole store shopping and mark it at 2mph slow pace. This burns fat at a lower rate but it works. Also House cleaning and cooking meals burns fat as well. Keep going and you will be happy. Good Luck.............
  • feduh86
    feduh86 Posts: 790 Member
    Fasting is a part of my religion (muslim) and I have been doing it for years. Its every day for one month per year where you dont eat or drink anything all day long (not even water) from sunset to sunrise (usually here up North from bout 5am-8pm) times change a lil each day. Anyway, with trying to lose weight now and knowing that it is coming up in July, im getting kind of nervous. I dont really think it is better for weight loss in my case because of the timings, and your body may get used to the not eating all day long until the later evening so maybe when you do it will be harder to maintain the weight (for me anyway)

    Sorry for the "lecture" but im not really sure if its gonna be a good or bad thing in my case so if anyone has any tips or pointers, feel free to add n lemme know =)
  • Nerdy_Rose
    Nerdy_Rose Posts: 1,277 Member
    Occasional religious (or other) fasting is fine, but incorporating regular fasting into your schedule is probably unhealthy.

    That said... I LOVE FOOD SO MUCH.

    Yes, it needed to be in caps.
  • karinaes
    karinaes Posts: 570 Member
    definitely the worst idea ever..... when you fast your insulin levels spike, when you finally eat again everything you eat will get stored as fat... also in those fasting days how are you going to get protein for muscles? carbohydrates for energy? nutrients and vitamins for your immune system? and even 1200 calories is not enough to supply the body with the fuel it needs...... just eat a lot of small well balanced meals every 3 hours and you will speed your metabolism, starving yourself is not the answer
    AMEN!
  • karinaes
    karinaes Posts: 570 Member
    I have been looking up a few sites that say fasting is good for you AND your weight loss.
    I'm very curious to know if this is true or just a scam.
    I was planning on doing my MFP 1200 calorie goal, 5 days a week, and fasting 2 days a week (Tuesday and Thursday.)
    Is this a bad idea?
    I have a very busy schedule and usually don't have time to work out until after 8pm, which is bad?
    (that's what I've been told anyways.)
    So I usually do a 15 minute work out on my lunch breaks, but it doesn't seem to be getting me anywhere.
    Will fasting help me get to my goal a little quicker?
    to be brutally honest, the WHOLE thing is a HORRIBLE idea... *smh
  • glenr79
    glenr79 Posts: 283 Member
    sorry buddy but you are wrong... if you eat 5 small meals during the day, spread it out every 3 hours, it regulates your sugar levels and speeds up your metabolism
    ust eat a lot of small well balanced meals every 3 hours and you will speed your metabolism

    Eating every 3 hours does not 'speed up' your metabolism...and it certainly won't die out if you don't feed yourself for 6 hours, or more.
    Case in point: Not sure about you, but I like my 8-9 hours sleep. I don't get up in the middle of the night to eat, and I'm fairly certain most sane people don't. Fasting isn't bad, if you do it properly.

    However I will agree; to the OP - 2 days fasting a week on only 1,200 calories? Definitely not a good idea.

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