Brief Fasting Can Be Good For You
Trying to lose weight? You've probably figured out that cutting
calories long-term is not the answer. The pounds may come off
initially, but the weight always seems to come back. Yet while
long-term dieting doesn't work, new research has shown that
brief periods of restricting food intake is actually good for
you and may help you lose weight.
Two new studies show the benefits of "intermittent fasting", or
brief periods where no food is consumed. The first study, from
The Journal of Applied Physiology, studied the effect of fasting
on insulin resistance, a problem central to the obesity
epidemic. The study had volunteers fast for 20 hours (skipping
breakfast and lunch) every other day for 14 days. After two
weeks, the subjects showed greater insulin sensitivity and
improved fat burning.
The second study, presented in the American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition, had subjects engage in alternate-day fasting, where
they consumed no food every other day for 21 days. After the
study, subjects showed significant weight loss and improved fat
oxidation.
Why does intermittent fasting work so well? This eating pattern
emulates that of our Stone Age ancestors, who often ate
according to feast or famine - not three squares a day. There's
even research that suggests this ancient way of eating may
improve cardiovascular health. A recent study in the Journal of
Nutritional Biochemistry showed that intermittent fasting could
offer protective benefits for both the heart and the brain.
Give this style of eating a try. There is no long-term
deprivation associated with it, and you can eat in large amounts
when the fasting ends. By taking a break from regular meals,
your body will burn fat and become healthier at the same time.
Good luck!