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- June 22, 2017
- 2:10 am
This is about the drastic physiological differences between fasting and eating less.
*NOTE* One of the key things in being able to fast in a healthy matter is entering the state of ketosis – that is, switching your metabolism from burning carbohydrate to burning fat. *Considering most people have been burning carbohydrate their whole lives* this can make fasting a challenge. Upton Sinclair recommends doing quite long fasts – 12 days, but you may want to work your way up to longer fasts. Unless you are relatively keto adapted (or have experience with fasting of course), it’s important that you take precautions while doing a fast. Fasting isn’t inherently dangerous, *but diving into fasting when your body is in no way geared for it can be.* I recommend doing more research before doing longer fasts. “The Complete Guide to Fasting”
As Tim Ferriss puts it: Please don’t do anything stupid and kill yourself. It would make us both quite unhappy.
Just in case I should also say that of course you need to balance fasting with eating – You need to survive off of something. I have been doing intermittent fasting the past year (22 hours fasted, 2 hours eating – you can widen it to 16/8, which still provides great benefits) and will fast for a couple days every other month or so. Several other people have recommend a routine like this – Tim Ferriss recommends doing a 3 day fast once per month and a 7 day fast once per year.
Also make sure you’re getting enough fat, protein, micronutrients and fiber to maintain a healthy weight and healthy body – *excessive* fasting can be very dangerous.
How does eating less lead to weight loss?
Fasting vs. Eating Less: What’s the Difference? (Science of Fasting)
Fasting and eating less are two different strategies people use to control their weight or improve their health. Fasting involves abstaining from food or drink for a certain period of time, while eating less means reducing the amount of food you eat on a daily basis. The science behind these two practices offers insights into their benefits and drawbacks.
Fasting has been a practice for thousands of years, and many religions incorporate fasting as part of spiritual or religious observances. However, fasting has also gained attention in recent years as a potential health benefit. Intermittent fasting, a popular fasting method, involves restricting calorie intake for short periods of time, such as 16 hours per day, followed by an eight-hour eating window.
Research suggests that intermittent fasting may lead to weight loss and improvements in markers of metabolic health, such as insulin sensitivity and blood pressure. Fasting has also been found to promote cellular repair and increase lifespan in animal studies. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of fasting on human health.
On the other hand, eating less involves reducing the amount of food you eat throughout the day or cutting out specific food groups to limit calorie intake. This approach may be more sustainable for some people as it allows them to still eat regular meals and snacks, but in smaller portions. Eating less also offers flexibility in food choices, as long as the overall calorie intake is reduced.
Eating less has been shown to lead to weight loss, as it creates a calorie deficit in the body. However, it is important to still consume a balanced diet with essential nutrients to prevent deficiencies and maintain overall health.
One potential drawback of fasting is that it can lead to overeating during the eating window or binge eating when the fast is over. Additionally, some people may experience negative side effects such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigue during the fast.
On the other hand, eating less may require more discipline and consistency in portion control and food choices. It may also take longer to see results compared to fasting, as the calorie deficit is not as significant.
In conclusion, while both fasting and eating less can lead to weight loss and improvements in health, they are two different approaches with their own benefits and drawbacks. Fasting may be a viable option for those looking for a quick calorie deficit and potential metabolic benefits, while eating less may be a more sustainable approach for those seeking long-term weight loss and health improvements. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or fasting regimen.
