When the idea of fasting to lose weight comes to mind most people envision this as a glorified way of starving oneself. Though this may be the common train of thought new research suggests that this may not be the true nature of things. Fasting can be an effective strategy to take the pounds off and leave it off for the long run.
History
Fasting has been practiced for centuries in connection with religious ceremonies. Fasts observed among the major faiths including Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Throughout history it was used as a tool to deny the body of the desire for food. This brought about a limited suffering that was believed to appease a deity for the atonement of sins or to possibly stop natural disasters. In today's world fasting can encompass religious obligations but now it also can be used to take pounds off.
A Weight Loss Tool
Fasting to lose weight is not intended to be just a starvation exercise that you put your body through. This is not only harmful for your body but can cause a weight increase because you tend to devour food at an alarming rate once your fasting day or days is over. If you are going to fast to lose a few pounds it must be done in a controlled fashion done intermittently over a period of time. One of the preferred methods of fasting is to eat a small meal in the morning and consume the rest of the necessary calories through drinking. This would include fruit juices and protein shakes. Taking this approach can cause you to consume much fewer calories a week and is very proficient in taking off calories.
Problem and Solution
Often times the body will lower its metabolic rate in order to compensate for the lower number of calories consumed. This is easily counter measured by consuming a cup of green tea in the mid-day or afternoon. The caffeine and polyphenols will keep your metabolism running smoothly throughout the day. Also, the following day your body may become extremely hungry, especially if this is your first time doing this. In order to keep these hunger pains in check I would recommend an appetite suppressant supplement in order to keep you from gaining your weight back.
In Conclusion
Fasting to lose weight can be a very efficient technique to take the pounds off. There are some very minor setbacks but they are easily overcome with the right tools.
CJ Henderson is a veteran of four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a Staff Sergeant in the USMC, his first obligation was to ensure his troops were "combat ready" any time... day or night. To find more about CJ see The Fitness Ace
To ensure you fitness is at the top, and your weight is at the bottom see The Belly Cure
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