Intermittent Fasting may sound new or foreign to some, but most people who’ve tried losing weight most probably have already had experiences doing intermittent fasting. However, just maybe not in a structured way. On a “fast”, you refrain from taking food and, by “intermittent”, we mean irregular or not continuous. From that, we can understand intermittent fasting to be a weight loss method in which a person undergoes certain periods of fasting in fragmented or broken schedules in efforts to lose weight.
For those “hungry” to lose some weight, the question is, well, does intermittent fasting actually work? Is it a good option for losing weight? What are the pros and cons? Following are some positive and negative points about intermittent fasting.
The Good
1. Short. Spaced. Flexible.
Ritualistic fasts for religion or for other deep, personal reasons can go for days, even stretching out to weeks. But intermittent fasting limits food intake on certain days only and just on certain types of food. You don’t go on a total fast and you get to resume a regular eating habit on other days. One of the pros of Intermittent fasting is that it’s more doable compared with most restricting weight loss programs. So, what’s the longest time you’ve tried going without food? An hour? More, when you’re lost in thought or work? If this frequently happens to you, then you can handle intermittent fasting. The bottom line is this: It’s realistic and it’s doable.
2. Simple Method. Direct and Drastic Results.
You get instant and sure weight loss results when you go with fewer calories for 1 to 3 days in a week. And continuing this pattern of intermittent fasting will lead to an increased and maintained weight loss. When you cut calories, you’re sure to burn more than you take in. That is the key to weight loss. Eat less, burn more. You can exercise all you want but if you consume too many unhealthy calories then you’re just trying to keep up with your vices. The bottom line is this: It’s a sensible and scientific method.
3. Less Weight. Better Health.
The right habit of Intermittent fasting facilitates not just weight loss but an abundance of health benefits. Studies show that energy levels run more smoothly and steadily. Inflammation and oxidative stress lessen, blood pressure and glucose levels normalize, brain processes improve, and more.
The Bad
1. Eating disorders. (like anorexia or binge eating)
Intermittent fasting needs to be intentional and it needs to be moderated. Fasting without proper knowledge of what to abstain from and for how long can lead to eating disorders where you develop a distaste for all types of food in your extreme desire to lose weight. An irresponsible fast can also move a person to binge eating after a fast. Binge eating negates all positive effects of intermittent fasting and you might end up weighing heavier later than before you started to fast.
2. Limited Social Life.
It’s hard to do intermittent fasting and be out with your friends. It can also be hard to have a fun time at home with your family when you’re on a fast. These are two of the cons you will have to live with. One to three days of fast in a week means few parties, meet-ups, and maybe even less meaningful family interactions.
3. Less weight but More Health Problems.
Intermittent fasting is not for everyone. It is imperative that you seek advice from your doctor before going on this weight loss program. Those with GI problems may not do well since drastic changes in dietary plans may well trigger those gastrointestinal conditions and more at any time during and after a fast.
Last Updated on July 27, 2021
