Intermittent Fasting/One Meal a Day
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Fasting is bad, for health's sake don't do it. Fasting is always unhealthy to the body's natural processes. If you disagree, try talking to a doctor or registered nutritionist, then get your head straight.
Many doctors these days recognize the benefit of autophagy fo health, a process the body goes through in rest mode. If it was truly dangerous, then sleeping would also be dangerous as we fast while sleeping. It's not a fad either. Think about it - religions have observed it death-free for centuries, Hippocrates himself recommended it as medicine, and we do it daily while sleeping. Science is also showing great improvements in health markets. It may be hard to wrap your mind around it (it was for me),but that doesn't mean it is unsafe. Far too much proof to the contrary.
I decided to try the 16/8, and am in my third week now. Since I don't eat much carbs and zero sugars, my blood sugar is normal and stable which allows me to fast without hunger and those blood sugar swings (which are unhealthy!) It's too soon to gage how it is working, but I am definitely losing weight a bit faster and I love having two larger meals instead of three smaller.
If I can't make 16 I will break the fast, as the goal is not to go hungry or force a reduced calorie diet on you. Eat the same calories, eat healthy foods, eat when hungry, don't eat when not hungry.
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Fasting is bad, for health's sake don't do it. Fasting is always unhealthy to the body's natural processes. If you disagree, try talking to a doctor or registered nutritionist, then get your head straight.
That may be true to long term fasts, intermittent fasts of shorter periods of time (24-36 hours maybe a bit more), not so much. Yes, they stress the body, but so does exercise, that is how it works. There is more than enough research on intermittent fasting to show your blanket statement is not correct.0 -
Hello! I did the fasting diet and lost roughly 70 pounds (no exercise) over the course of a year. I mainly only ate dinner. Maybe something small for lunch. It was the method that works best for me and it's all about discipline. Everyone told me it wasn't good for me to do, but it was the most effective for my body. I'm not quite doing that now, partly because my job now requires me to be very active and on my feet all day. There were times I definitely felt gassed so I don't think I could quite do that now. Plenty of good sleep is key, for me anyway. Best of luck to you!0
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IF is nothing but a method to schedule your meals as one or two big meals. It wouldn't miraculously help you lose weight. All it is to fit your meals at the most convenient times. For some people it assists with hunger by having large meals. To lose weight, what matters is calorie deficit. I did it for 6 months and I didn't magically lose fat by adhering to IF. I lost weight because I was in calorie deficit. So if you're someone who's strapped for time and would like to have larger meals at certain time of the day, then IF is for you - otherwise it's not necessary.0
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I have been doing 16/8 gor three months and love it...people who are not educating in fasting or hiw it works will be against it. You have to eat all your cals you are required to..1750 is my dificit and i need to eat that in 6 to 8 hours...iam so full..i have stopped binging..i have tons of energy...IF is not a diet but a tool to help lose weight...ill problwy still practise while in maintenance....the most popular is leangains method of an eating window of 4 to 8 hours and fasting the rest of the time...because you need to eat all yiur cals in a smaller window you feel fuller...it does not slow your metabolism down at all...you actually burn your bodies reserves for energy..the reason for the results but you still have to weigh yiur food and count your cals0
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Fasting is bad, for health's sake don't do it. Fasting is always unhealthy to the body's natural processes. If you disagree, try talking to a doctor or registered nutritionist, then get your head straight.
Bull. It's all about the dose. Too much fasting is bad for you just like too much of anything (by definition) is bad for you. But there are doctors who recommend fasting protocols.1 -
Vanessalookingood wrote: »Is IF supposed to speed up weight loss? or is it just another method? I did some reading up on it and realized I was pretty much fasting from 6 pm until 8 am so I just added 2 more hours onto it and now I eat breakfast at 10 am and I don't eat past 6pm. I have lost 32.5 lbs since Jan 1. (3lbs/week average) Not sure if it is due to this daily 16 hr fast or just because I am in the beginning stages of weight loss. (I have a lot to lose too, I am aiming to lose about 90 more) I also walk about 1 hr 5xweek on treadmill and eat around 1300-1500 cals per day and about 2000-2200 cals on Saturdays.
From what I read, IF doesn't seem to speed up or slow down the weight loss process. It is more of a disciplinary tool, at least in my eyes. You seem to have a pretty high calorie deficit because of your exercise and hitting your calorie goals, so that can explain your amazing weight loss. Congratulations!
That is how I view it also, in fact I've bulked (intentionally gained weight) whilst on a fasting protocol.0 -
I did this a few years ago. It didn't work for me for very long. I felt weak and dizzy and sort of brain fogged during the fasting time. I had a hard time eating enough when I was supposed to eat because I had a hard time pulling out of the fasting mode. I also got so fr&@£ing constipated it was impossible to continue with it no matter how much fiber and water, prunes etc. I took in. I got stomach cramps during eating times and also whenever I would excersize.
One thing though with this diet, I didn't gain the weight back after, like so many other diets I've tried, e.g. Atkins.
Best of luck. I hope you fare better than me.
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How is it unhealthy to the body's natural processes? Will you help me get my head straight?
I would counter by asking, "How is intermittent fasting healthy for your body?"
By not eating your body slows the metabolism down to protect energy for organ processes. Your higher brain functions need good carbs to properly operate, your body needs fat for long term energy and to feed your organs, your muscles (among other body processes) need protein to function properly and respond to stimulation. If you starve your body, it reacts in a negative way, because science says it does. Fasting is not a normal dietary plan, and should be treated as abnormal, such that it is. Intermittent fasting resembles more of an eating disorder than a sound lifestyle choice.
First, it does not slow down metabolism. For the first 72 hours there is actually a slight increase in metabolism while in a fasted state. It helps with insulin sensitivity, and various other things. Perhaps you should actually research what short fasts actually do to the body, and yes, your body handles fasting just fine. You are speaking out of not knowing the research. It is a perfectly reasonable way to establish a calorie deficit, on the case of 16/8 to allow a person who does better in complying to their calorie goal to be able to eat larger meals which satisfy them.0 -
I've played around with IF and I found a very modified version that works for me. On weekdays I eat a small lunch at work (200-300 calories) and have a normal dinner and then I eat pretty much whatever I want on the weekends. It's been a slower process, I've been losing a little under a pound a week, but it fits in my lifestyle really well and has been pretty easy to keep up.0
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I've done Eat Stop Eat in the past a couple of years ago. It was effective for me. For health reasons over the last 18 months I've had a gain. I've done both 20:4 and 16:8 but as with the others above I split my feeds down into several meals. I didn't die of hunger, hit the starvation mode (myth complete myth) myth, kill anyone in sugar crash rages. Yes I am reconsidering doing it again but am checking with my Dr as I am on a lot of medication some you need to eat with.
I had a lecturer at uni that did a complete fast on Fridays...you'd never know.
I would suggest you do some full research and perhaps buy a book or two on ESE and the 5/2 as you may find one suits your lifestyle more than others.
I wish you luck and have a read through the groups there are so many about this subject and in general everyone I came across was helpful.
I'm doing my first fast tomorrow into Friday (aiming for a 20:4 but possibly a 16:8 if it's too tough) after seeing the Dr0 -
I would counter by asking, "How is intermittent fasting healthy for your body?"
By not eating your body slows the metabolism down to protect energy for organ processes. Your higher brain functions need good carbs to properly operate,
Two comments
1) Google ketones to dispel the myth of the brain 'needing' sugar ... er, carbs, to function. The brain loves fat too. (I honestly would be brain dead if your statement was true)
2) Try to apply your reasoning to the lifestyle of our ancestors, keep in mind their lack of fresh bread and fruit juice year round, and their need to hunt. Could humans have survived if what you suggested was actually true?
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IF is nothing but a method to schedule your meals as one or two big meals. It wouldn't miraculously help you lose weight. All it is to fit your meals at the most convenient times. For some people it assists with hunger by having large meals. To lose weight, what matters is calorie deficit. I did it for 6 months and I didn't magically lose fat by adhering to IF. I lost weight because I was in calorie deficit. So if you're someone who's strapped for time and would like to have larger meals at certain time of the day, then IF is for you - otherwise it's not necessary.
That's exactly what I am in it for. I understand that it doesn't speed up the process. I am doing it because it works well with my schedule and the times I like to eat. I actually enjoy my food now. At work, I have a working lunch so I usually just scarfed down a meal and didn't enjoy it. Same with breakfast. At home, I can relax, take my time and enjoy my dinner. It is wonderful.0 -
I haven't quite started this plan yet but I am going to tomorrow. I would like some friends who are doing this, preferably with an open diary so I can see what your one meal is like. If you want to be my friend because you're interested in seeing how this works for me, then shoot me a request!
I am also open to hearing feedback and experiences on the one meal a day plan on here. Please share!
Thanks!
Yoooo IF buddies! Lol. I also do IF. And I actually started before I made a MFP so counting my day 1 til today I've actually lost 17 lbs. Accept my requests I'd like to be of help. 0 -
santran773 wrote: »I haven't quite started this plan yet but I am going to tomorrow. I would like some friends who are doing this, preferably with an open diary so I can see what your one meal is like. If you want to be my friend because you're interested in seeing how this works for me, then shoot me a request!
I am also open to hearing feedback and experiences on the one meal a day plan on here. Please share!
Thanks!
Yoooo IF buddies! Lol. I also do IF. And I actually started before I made a MFP so counting my day 1 til today I've actually lost 17 lbs. Accept my requests I'd like to be of help.
I did..thank you!0 -
Fasting is bad, for health's sake don't do it. Fasting is always unhealthy to the body's natural processes. If you disagree, try talking to a doctor or registered nutritionist, then get your head straight.
Fasting is perfectly natural, it's only in recent years that it's become a bit of a dirty word. But for most of history people have survived on fasting and feasting because food would be available in abundance and then very scarce for extended periods of time. It's a lack of water that causes real problems.0 -
I started eating 1 meal of day this past Friday, so tonight was my third big dinner... Eating between 1300-1700 calories. I've heard great things too...
Let's see what happens.
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I do IF sometimes during the weekdays since I only have time to cook for myself during certain times of day. I think the fact that the word "fasting" really uglys up the idea as many cultures practice different eating times and many of the times people unknowingly do IF anyway. It's just the period of time attached to it. When you can cook for yourself and eat healthily without over eating and over stuffing yourself, do it 0
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I have been doing IF since january and have lost 25 lbs. As a biologist, I was concerned with its health implications. While it does need more study for longterm effects, animal and recent human studies suggest many benefits. It was actually a topic this week on a radio show hosted by NYU medical school doctors on sirius satellite radio. They talked about the 5 and 2 mostly.
I happen to do the 20:4 window and for me it's easy.
I also lift in the gym 5 days a week and haven't felt anything short of great since starting.
Working in biotech, my job is pretty mentally taxing each day, so I can attest to it not lowering mental focus. The norepinephrine increase from fasting, as well as the black coffee I drink everyday to suppress appetite are sure to help.
Feel free to add me if you would like. I read about this stuff daily as I have free access to all the latest literature through my work.
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Are you sure you wouldn't be more interested in doing this a 6-8 hour window for eating so you can get in at least two separate meals? One giant meal that has all your daily calories and macros seems like it would be rough. And a huge meal to force yourself to eat at once. Assuming get these are clean calories you are going to eat.....0
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Are you sure you wouldn't be more interested in doing this a 6-8 hour window for eating so you can get in at least two separate meals? One giant meal that has all your daily calories and macros seems like it would be rough. And a huge meal to force yourself to eat at once. Assuming get these are clean calories you are going to eat.....
I pretty much am doing what caters to me best. Wednesday and Friday, I broke fast around 3 to eat with coworkers at a meeting, ate again later that evening, no later than 9. So that was technically a 6 hour window. My work schedule varies daily, so that effects when my eating window will be, and how long or short it will be. Thursday, I broke fast around 5 and had a snack. Ate a LOT for dinner that was very low in calories. Monday and Tuesday, I had just one large meal, but ate half at one sitting, the other half a bit later.
As you can see here, I take it day by day, to see what works best for me that day.0 -
So far so good! Today marks my 18th day since starting IF. I was at 257 then, and this morning I weighed in at 246.4! My overall SW on March 6 was 270 so I am ecstatic!0
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that's awesome!! seems like you found something that is working for you and you are enjoying it as well. I think you should definitely keep at it.0
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I would love to follow your progress. I'm sending you a friend request xx0
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Starting my third week of one meal a day, and although I actually haven't weighed myself, I've been able to fit in an old pair of jeans and my clothes are fitting looser... (Was wearing a dress size 18, and I can now comfortably fit in a 16?!). Also My face looks different- less pudgy and I'm overall less bloated. I feel great, my back no longer hurts, and I have tons of energy during the day and love the fact that I can eat a big dinner with my husband and actually enjoy myself! I can Even have a beer once in a while- without guilt! We are thinking of making this our lifestyle...
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thebobo6740 wrote: »Starting my third week of one meal a day, and although I actually haven't weighed myself, I've been able to fit in an old pair of jeans and my clothes are fitting looser... (Was wearing a dress size 18, and I can now comfortably fit in a 16?!). Also My face looks different- less pudgy and I'm overall less bloated. I feel great, my back no longer hurts, and I have tons of energy during the day and love the fact that I can eat a big dinner with my husband and actually enjoy myself! I can Even have a beer once in a while- without guilt! We are thinking of making this our lifestyle...
Glad you're enjoying it! Its great to find something that actually works for yourself so well that you could make it your lifestyle. And its amazing how you are already noticing significant changes to your body! Keep it up!0
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