Fasting diets – ooh, this is a hot subject right now.
You may have heard of the 5:2 diet or even the 4:3 diet? There are people who say it’s great and they feel healthy. There are other people who have tried it but found that it is too restrictive on the fasting days.
What is the evidence for and against Intermittent Fasting (as it’s known)?
Well, as it’s a relatively new concept, it’s hard to say. I mean, there would need to be in-depth studies carried out over generations to see the real effects. At the moment, the scientists are restricted to testing on lab mice – NOT really the same as human testing!
Having read an article on the NHS website, there are arguments on both sides. Ultimately, you have to survive on ONLY 500 calories a day for 2 days a week (600 for a man). For 3 days if you’re doing the 4:3 diet. 500 calories?!!
[Here’s the NHS article:
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/01January/Pages/Does-the-5-2-intermittent-fasting-diet-work.aspx].
Just how sustainable is Intermittent Fasting in the long-term? Would most people be willing to stick with the plan for the rest of their lives? Hmmm…I’m not so sure.
My personal view is this:
- Try a detox every now and then rather than fasting. A detox means cleansing your body of toxins – avoiding possible allergen type foods such as gluten, sugar, wheat, dairy, caffeine and alcohol.
- In the main, stick to a healthy, nutritious diet, eating plenty of green vegetables, whole fruits, nuts, seeds, lean meat and fish, nut butters, coconut oil, grains such as buckwheat and quinoa, herbs and spices, health bars etc.
- Use the 80:20 principle – eat healthy 80% of the time and have your treats 20% of the time.
- Eat when you’re hungry.
- Control your portion sizes.
If you want to know what I eat, you can have my COMPLETE 5-Week Meal Planner for FREE (if you don’t already have it that is!). Here is the link (just enter your name and email when clicking on the Download button):