10 Benefits of Fasting That Will Surprise You

lifehack.org ^ | Nathan Hewitt

[RoosterRedux]

Is it a good thing to ‘starve’ yourself each day, or a few days of the week? Well, a tonne of evidence indicates that timed periods of fasting are a good thing.

Fasting has become increasingly popular over the years, especially among the health community. Whilst most health practitioners are afraid to recommend eating less due to the stigma involved, it still doesn’t alleviate the incredible benefits of fasting when used sensibly.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 benefits of fasting that will surprise you, and how you can incorporate them into your own life.

1. Fasting Helps Weight Loss

Fasting can be a safe way to lose weight as many studies have shown that intermittent fasting – fasting that is controlled within a set number of hours – allows the body to burn through fat cells more effectively than just regular dieting.

Intermittent fasting allows the body to use fat as it’s primary source of energy instead of sugar. Many athletes now use fasting as means to hitting low body fat percentages for competitions.

2. Fasting Improves Insulin Sensitivity

Fasting has shown to have a positive effect on insulin sensitivity, allowing you to tolerate carbohydrates (sugar) better than if you didn’t fast. A study showed that after periods of fasting, insulin becomes more effective in telling cells to take up glucose from blood.

[RoosterRedux]

I fast regularly by not eating a meal at night. Many folks hold that there is no reason to eat at night because you aren't going to expend any calories in exercise...you are just going to hibernate for the evening.

The weight flies off and my doctor declares me healthy.

I am also a fitness nut.

That said, I cannot declare fasting to be a success for everyone and suggest that you study up on the subject before trying it.

I once did a 4 days fast for religious reason. Charles Stanley had encouraged it and many people tried it and prayed during the fast.

It was pretty amazing. It really clears up your thinking processes.

And I could smell a hamburger at a mile away (well, at least it seemed like it).

I had nothing but water for 4 days.

It was pretty amazing but I was definitely weak...but not too weak to enjoy it.

[Popman]

Bmk

[disndat]

11. You save millions on your grocery bill.

[sockhead]

Skipping a meal is one thing, but fasting generally has a negative impact on your metabolism, especially as you grow older. More often leads to yo-yo weight loss and gain.

Eat smart and feed your metabolism.

[RoosterRedux]

Some folks are disputing that lower metabolism argument. Read the article...or even better yet, try the experiment on yourself.

[katana]

Isn’t it amazing how much of the fatigue goes away in an instant with the first bite of real food? At least that was my experience. The only downside is one needs to be careful after the fast and not binge on fats. Your body doesn’t know why you’re not eating and a couple hundred thousand years of biology tells it to start conserving energy or die. Hence the fatigue. It’ll start storing up fat against the next “famine” as soon as supply resumes.

[RoosterRedux]

What is your waistline, Popman?;-)

[Popman]

I once fasted for 10 days...

After day three the hunger pains go away...

The only drawback was my body was dumping toxic crap...

[RoosterRedux]

After my 4 day fast, I ate a hamburger and fries.

Delicious going down...but made me sick and aggressive within 30 minutes (the meat, I presume).

[Mr. Mojo]

I fast regularly by not eating a meal at night.

So you don't eat dinner? What time do you eat your last meal of the day?

I'm in the habit of eating a huge bowl (or two) of cold cereal around midnight, about an hour before heading off to bed. It's to the point where if I don't do it, it's hard to get to sleep. Thankfully I'm not overweight.

[Popman]

-—What is your waistline, Popman?;-)-—

42...it used to be a lot more...

I’ve lost 50 lbs in the last three years...

[wally_bert]

I’ll have to try it.

[RoosterRedux]

The only drawback was my body was dumping toxic crap.

Is that a bad thing?

I drank a ton of water when I fasted.

[RoosterRedux]

Good for you. Sounds like whatever you are doing is working.

Hang in there.

I've lost 40 pounds in the last few years. Sure feel better.

[Popman]

-—Is that a bad thing?-—

Well, I sweated out a lot of the toxins...

Let’s just say,I didn’t smell like a rose...

[RoosterRedux]

LOL.

I probably have the same problem.

Sounds healthy though.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

If you fast for days yes but a 24 hour fast is just the little rest your body needs.

Do it once a month for maintenance or once a week for weight loss. This does not mean you can eat cake the rest of the week! :)

Do drink water. Lots of water. It will force your body to cleanse it's self.

[Labyrinthos]

Fasting can cause your body to go into starvation mode, and store fat.

[Bullish]

I've been doing this for decades and I must say I'm in amazingly good health for my age (59) (knock on wood here). I seem to never even get a cold or flu while everyone else around does.

Most people I know would never EVER skip any meals. I'm quite the opposite, some days I skip all meals and may just have a light snack. I almost never eat breakfast, I wait for lunch. I quit smoking 12 years ago and ride my bicycle regularly for cardio exercise. My weight is perfect for my height and I've brought my blood pressure under control through exercise. It works for me.

My point being that most people I know at my age who don't ever fast seem to be overweight and very slow and lazy. Also they have increased health problems, which causes them to need meds. I'm not on anything at all but I do love cold beer and even a shot or two of adult beverage now and again.

Life is good if you can stay healthy and feel good.

[FES0844]

Charles Stanley, one of my favorite preachers!