Intermittent fasting had been a common practice for quite some time, but it fell out of favor when more modern weight management techniques grew in popularity. As we learned more about the metabolism, calories, fats, proteins, carbs and other factors that influence our waistlines, fasting in any form started to be seen as more harmful than helpful.
However, more recent studies have started to indicate that there may be more to intermittent fasting than we once thought. This is particularly true among male dieters.
That said, intermittent fasting isn’t necessarily right for everyone. It comes with its own list of pros and cons. Make sure you understand both sides of the coin before you decide whether or not this is something you should discuss with your doctor as being right for you.
Intermittent fasting pros:
· Simplicity
The entire concept of intermittent fasting is a very straightforward one. This means that there aren’t a lot of complex rules for you to learn and follow. It simply means that you will not eat for 24 hours, once every week (though drinking water is encouraged throughout that time).
· Flexibility
You don’t have to pick the same fasting day every week. As long as you do it, it doesn’t matter when it happens. This allows you to be much more flexible with your strategy than is possible with many other kinds of diets. If you have an event to attend one day, that’s no problem, just fast on a different day.
· Freedom from meal planning
As people become accustomed to fasting once per week, many find that it comes with a unique sense of freedom from the obligation to continually plan meals, ensure that they have the right ingredients and prepare them. This can feel quite liberating.
· Reduced food costs
When you don’t eat for one full day every week, your food costs can rapidly drop. In theory, they can be reduced by one seventh of their normal total. You can either save that money or choose to spend it on higher quality, more nutritious and more environmentally responsible ingredients for the six days per week that you do eat.
That said, there are cons to consider as well. These include:
· Hunger
This can be particularly problematic for people unaccustomed to fasting. While many people become accustomed to the feeling, the challenges often don’t subside.
· Weakness
Low energy levels and weakness are commonplace when you don’t take in any new energy through food.
· Light headedness
Weakness can extend to making you feel faint or light headed. If you suffer from this symptom it’s important to speak with your doctor before you continue fasting.
