The Dangers of Fasting
By Tony Bianchino, Founder, Out Run Your Fork Personal Training and Nutritionists in Westfield, NJ
It started with a 36 hour fast because I had some serious pain in my gallbladder.
I broke the fast with some juices from my local juice place and then I hesitantly ate some dinner, praying my belly wouldn’t hurt again.
IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTE: You MUST drink plenty of water, watch your urine color and eat all of your calories during your non-fasting period AND the food must be as nourishing as you can find (no pizza and ice cream here).
The Details
I began fasting for 24 hour periods once every three to four weeks for 3 months. Then I started doing a bit more.
I started to experiment with different levels of intermittent fasting. 16 hours of fasting plus 8 hours of eating. Then I tried 20 hours of fasting with 4 hours of eating. I also tried 24 hour fasts once per week.
What really kicked it all into high gear was the 20 hour fast with four hours of eating.
Again, re-read that important caveat above. Without following those rules you will NOT experience the benefits of fasting or intermittent fasting.
On a typical day I would break my fast at 5 pm. Why 5pm? Simply because I want dot have dinner with my family at 7pm and be done eating by 9 pm. I needed that 4 hour period to get all of my calories in without eating massive amounts at one sitting and then feeling sick.
My 5 pm break-fast could consist of something easy to digest and was usually reminiscent of foods that I’d eat at breakfast: Non-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries and a piece of fruit. I’d also have some veggies with it and then eat again shortly after.
Sometimes I’d eat more at the first sitting if I was extra hungry. But, no matter what I’d take my time eating.
I might have another snack before dinner. Maybe some eggs and oatmeal or another piece of fruit.
Dinner would be a low-fat high protein like chicken breast or fish paired with some vegetable and a complex carb (sweet potato, rice, etc).
Closer to 9pm I’d have something light again such as a protein shake from Advocare® (that link gets you 10% off) and maybe another fruit and veggie.
Is Fasting Not For You?
If the idea of fasting makes you feel faint, then don’t worry. It’s not the only way to lose weight.
I’ve used MANY methods to lose weight, but all of them included strength training coupled with proper nutrition and cardio.
If you’f like to explore other ways to get your nutrition right and have a custom plan built just for you, then click here to find out how you could work with one of our Certified Nutritionists.
We’ll build a Completely Customized Nutrition Program that’s designed specifically for you.
Fasting can be a great way to give your digestive system a break and control your eating so you can lose weight and live a healthy life.
Make sure you follow these simple instructions to ensure you do it in the most healthy way possible.
*** Just a little disclaimer: This article is a recounting of my own experiences with fasting and intermittent fasting. It is not meant as a guide for fasting and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. Seek advice from a medical professional before embarking on any exercise or nutrition program.
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Tony Bianchino, owner, Out Run Your Fork Personal Training and Nutrition near me in Westfield, NJ
Yours In Health,
Tony, Owner Out Run Your Fork Personal Training
Out Run Your Fork Personal Training and Nutrition
web: www.outrunyourfork.com
As a personal trainer and nutritionist near me in Westfield, NJ, we create better health for people over 40 who are looking to lose weight, build strength, increase energy without sacrificing time or risking injury.
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