This week, we’ve been asked questions by no less than six members regarding one recently recycled fitness industry buzz word: FASTING. Specifically: intermittent fasting.
The goal is to lose weight by reducing the time frame (feeding window) in which we allow ourselves to eat. The net effect is a restriction on daily calories and thus induce weight loss. There are several strategies to meet this goal, with fasted times ranging from 16 hours fasted with 8 hours fed, to as little as a 4 hour feeding window.
The research is in: intermittent fasting is not a magic bullet
There is no increased weight loss nor weight maintenance benefit to be derived from fasting when compared to a standard caloric restriction [1]. Similarly, daily fasting does not cause weight loss in a different way than a normal caloric deficit. Any weight loss achieved can be directly attributed to eating less calories [2]. Intermittent fasting works to lose weight when our overall calories consumed are fewer than calories spent by our daily activities and workouts, but it isn’t any better than portion control at creating weight loss [3]. It is NOT a secret cheat code, but simply another diet strategy and tool in the weight loss game that may work for some people! The most important factor in any sustainable weight loss strategy is adherence. If you can stick with eating your allotted food over the course of 8 hours more easily than multiple smaller meals, intermittent fasting might work for you!
If you have any questions about dieting basics and strategies please contact us to set up a time we can discuss over Skype. One of the services we offer is a consultation with our Registered Dietitians. If you’re interested in speaking with our Registered Dietitians, please reach out to us!
Have a great week!
