fasting benefits?

i fast to make sure i get into ketosis as fast as i can, usually in 24-48 hours. (particularly helpful after a cheat day)
if i eat, it's protein/fat like steak or chicken.

You know I've tried lots of things but fasting only really has short-term effects for me. If you are overeating or eating the wrong foods then you need to take care of that habit directly. Get in a healthy balanced diet. I'm on "The 17 day diet" and that has helped me lose 15 pounds in just 18 days. But it really depends on what you are looking to do and why.

I am not big on fasting, but the benefit to me was learning how to deal with resisting my cravings.
It's like that pain you feel exercising.
In a fast it was totally miserable, but afterward, I was a bit stronger overcoming my urges to eat like a government mule.
And some people tout a fast for a whole bunch of other healthy reasons....that, I don't know about.

I have only done it twice and for half a day.
The fast Nazi's would have me stoned, but that's as good as it gets.
Good Luck :smokin:

I eat 6, 7, or 8 small meals a day so I'm never more than a couple of hours from having something to eat. I can't imagine the horror of a fasting diet! Each to their own though. I am certain I wouldn't have nearly enough energy for an intensive workout

Eat, Stop, Eat method prefers 24hr fasts twice per week, and leangains.com prefers 16hr fasts daily (including sleep)... Both work really well.... And allow you to stay on a less restrictive diet. If your BMR is 1500, you will burn 1500 calories in 25hrs by simply not eating. No you will not starve, will not go into starvation mode, etc. You will lose water, and fat... Water you gain back.... Fat you wont. It will also keep your glucose levels in check, and stop the sugar high and sugar crashes that mousy people associate with being hypoglycemic, even though they have never been tested (only 5-10% are).

Personally I prefer the 8/16 leangain.com cycle, as it allows me to eat from 11am - 7pm, which for me is quite a normal schedule. And for those that think you need to keep your metabolism burning by feeding the engine, what do you think all the fat you have is for?

I eat 6, 7, or 8 small meals a day so I'm never more than a couple of hours from having something to eat. I can't imagine the horror of a fasting diet! Each to their own though. I am certain I wouldn't have nearly enough energy for an intensive workout

Where do you find the time to eat so often, I'm curious? Or do you eat a lot of prepackaged foods?

Well when I say 'meal' I mean a 300-400 calorie snack/meal, Usually have a chicken roll for lunch, veg and chicken for dinner, something for breakfast, and in between I have 300 - 400 calorie snakcs such as bananas and a glass of milk and a protein bar

I'm aware that I have too many protein bars and the like, but I'm not striving for the perfect diet, just one that works and keeps my macros decent

And for those that think you need to keep your metabolism burning by feeding the engine, what do you think all the fat you have is for?

Thank god, some sanity...
[/quote]

Yes, your metabolism will continue and won't be affected, however.... your short term energy may well be affected, why do you think professional sportsmen are often seen eating bananas and replenishing energy with drinks

A boxer will typically make sure he has food a couple of hours before a fight so that it is digested and can fuel his energy

Y

And for those that think you need to keep your metabolism burning by feeding the engine, what do you think all the fat you have is for?

Thank god, some sanity...

Yes, your metabolism will continue and won't be affected, however.... your short term energy may well be affected, why do you think professional sportsmen are often seen eating bananas and replenishing energy with drinks

A boxer will typically make sure he has food a couple of hours before a fight so that it is digested and can fuel his energy

True if I were a boxer!!
[/quote]

Personally I'd want to avoid diminished energy levels whether I was fighting for the world heavyweight boxing title, or kicking a ball about in the garden with my lad

And for those that think you need to keep your metabolism burning by feeding the engine, what do you think all the fat you have is for?

Thank god, some sanity...

Yes, your metabolism will continue and won't be affected, however.... your short term energy may well be affected, why do you think professional sportsmen are often seen eating bananas and replenishing energy with drinks

A boxer will typically make sure he has food a couple of hours before a fight so that it is digested and can fuel his energy

True if I were a boxer!!

Personally I'd want to avoid diminished energy levels whether I was fighting for the world heavyweight boxing title, or kicking a ball about in the garden with my lad

[/quote]

Your body can adjust to less frequent eating quite easily. You pretty much have to train yourself to eat so often in the first place to depend on quick energy sources.

Now if you had very low fat stores, then its a different story.

Eat, Stop, Eat method prefers 24hr fasts twice per week, and leangains.com prefers 16hr fasts daily (including sleep)... Both work really well.... And allow you to stay on a less restrictive diet. If your BMR is 1500, you will burn 1500 calories in 25hrs by simply not eating. No you will not starve, will not go into starvation mode, etc. You will lose water, and fat... Water you gain back.... Fat you wont. It will also keep your glucose levels in check, and stop the sugar high and sugar crashes that mousy people associate with being hypoglycemic, even though they have never been tested (only 5-10% are).

Personally I prefer the 8/16 leangain.com cycle, as it allows me to eat from 11am - 7pm, which for me is quite a normal schedule. And for those that think you need to keep your metabolism burning by feeding the engine, what do you think all the fat you have is for?

Totally agree with this. Lots of people believe fasting is bad for you, starves your body of nutrients, etc.... but if you really exam the above methods of fasting one day a week, it has many benefits. I have tried eating until 5pm one day, then not eating again until 5 pm the next day. You still eat both days, just with a large gap in between. Helps me cut some calories and helps in other ways.

So true!!

I will be fasting during the month of Ramadan starting on July 20 for 30 days eating twice during 24 hours. It will be a cleansing experience spiritually and physically.

I wondered if anyone would bring up the spiritual benefits of fasting. I am a Latter-day Saint (Mormon) and fast once per month and at some other special times. We fast 24-hour from two meals (usually eat dinner then don't eat or drink again until dinner the next day). I also have an eating disorder which has made fasting more difficult, if not impossible, in the past. I agree--fasting is cleansing, both physically and spiritually. I also agree that it is not a day to exercise or purposely try to burn more calories. Our family has a tradition of breaking our fast with homemade chocolate chip cookies (dessert before dinner). It's fun!

If you find passing out to be a benefit....

So true!!:sick:

I fast every day from 6pm until noon the next day. I have never passed out. I work out first thing in the morning (while still fasting) and still have never passed out. Not only that, I actually have MORE energy for my workout when I am fasting than when I'm not. I suspect you haven't tried it, in which case, you shouldn't knock it.

I agree that sometimes when you feel lighter you have more energy to do things. You can carry out all your daily tasks as normal. In addition to that when you work out during fasting it is also felt good. I think people should give it a try first then comment.