Fasting to Lose Weight: 24 Hour Cycles
Posted by admin on Sep 8, 2009
In my efforts to use fasting to lose weight I tried the alternate day feeding method whereby I ate nothing for one whole day then ate the next. This method of intermittent fasting is certainly one of the more difficult.
The reason that this fasting cycle came to prominence is because of the positive benefits that were being observed when this feeding to fasting cycle was used on rats in the lab. Rats that were fed on alternate days showed reduced blood sugar, improved insulin sensitivity, increased HDL levels and lived 30-40% longer than rats that could eat ad libitum.
The difficulty with humans that are fasting to lose weight adopting this eating pattern is that we no not have the same sleep patterns as rats. Most rodents feed t
hroughout each 24 hour period, humans however mainly eat only during the waking hours so if we fast for a day we in fact fast for about 34 hours and have an eating window of 14 hours because we need to factor in the time we are asleep.
After trying this fasting schedule I have to admit I was able to cope with it though I did get very hungry in the even and the temptation to eat was very high. As this was the first time I had fasted for a long time I was motivated by the determination to put my own will power and prove to myself I could do it.
With out that motivation I am unsure if I could adhere to this method of fasting to lose weight for very long. For example today is now my eating day so I am really enjoying the fact I can eat, I am just eating healthy balanced meals and a few snacks here and there when I feel like it, but I have yet to decide if I will start a full 24 hour fast tomorrow! Maybe using this method once or twice a week would be sufficient but I obviously may not lose as much weight.
I know that other people using fasting to lose weight do a shorter cycle in which they start and end their fast on alternate days at 4 or 6pm so this is something I may experiment with also.
Intermittent Fasting: Does Fasting to Lose Weight Work?
Posted by admin on Sep 2, 2009
Intermittent fasting is the practice of fasting to lose weight. It is becoming one of the most popular weight loss methods for people that need to lose weight in a hurry. Trying to lose weight quickly is not always an easy task but sometimes beach season or a wedding can quickly creep and before you know you are left in a position where you may only have a few weeks or less to shed that unwanted poundage.
But can fasting to lose weight really help you get into the shape you desire? Intermittent fasting requires you to cycle days of normal food consumption with a 24 hour fast during which you consume nothing but water. The general premise is that during the fast you give your body a break allowing the digestive system to digest the previous day’s food, heal and rest while at the same time allowing the body to eliminate any toxins.
When fasting to lose weight calorie intake is restricted and creates a calorie deficit. During a calorie deficit (when the amount of calories consumed is less than that required for maintenance of bodily functions) the body is forced to use the fat stores as a source of energy.
There is also some evidence to suggest that intermittent fasting increases the levels of growth hormone in the body. Increased growth hormone may truly be one of the fastest ways to lose weight because its function is to preserve muscle mass and increases the levels of fat burning. Its effect may be intensified when intermittent fasting is used in combination with a solid fitness plan.
For example it is well known that physical activity and exercise is one of the fastest ways to lose weight because it increases the amount of calories needed making it easier to achieve a calorie deficit. It is this calorie deficit that is the key to weight loss, whether you are fasting to lose weight or other wise. If you are consuming more calories than your body needs then you will put on weight. If you are consuming less calories than your body needs your body will be forced to use fat stores and you will lose weight.
Whether or not intermittent fasting is the best vehicle of achieving this will depend on the individual in question. Foregoing any food for 24 hour period may take more self discipline than many have, it also leaves some people feeling tired and irritable. Those who have managed to break through the initial stages and get accustomed to this method often say that fasting to lose weight is one of the best ways to lose weight quickly.
