Fasting: A Dietary Strategy

One of the main dietary strategies is fasting. We all do it in the form of sleep and it can end or extend from there.

It is often presented as one specific diet, but there are actually 9 different methods when it comes to administering a fasting protocol.

None work like magic. Fasting in general, requires discernment before proceeding.

The Potential Pros:

  • Teach you that hunger isn’t going to kill you.

  • Simplifies your eating schedule.

  • Reduces the number of food decisions you make.

  • Accommodates busy professionals who do not want to interrupt their workday to eat.

  • Help some people limit food intake.

The Potential Cons:

  • Cause fatigue, irritability or poor recovery (hangriness).

  • Interfere with training and performance.

  • Create more preoccupation with food. (food noise)

  • Lead to overeating when the fast ends.

  • Reinforce a cycle of restriction and overeating.

  • Increase cravings.

As you can see, it’s not a one size fits all approach. The stronger principle is whether fasting (let alone the 9 different methods) supports healthy behavior or merely limits the hours during which unhealthy behavior occurs.

You will still need to learn to plan and prepare meals, choose minimally processed foods, navigate restaurant menus, avoid alcohol, manage food cravings, etc.

Remember: Fasting doesn’t make your days healthier. Your behaviors do.

The body is primary,

Josh

The Rubicon