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Nov 10

Alternate day fasting for weight loss: Everything you need to know – Times of India

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Alternate day fasting as the name suggests is a diet where you switch between eating and fasting. Fasting helps by flipping your metabolic switch so that you start burning fat for energy instead of glucose stored in your liver. There are various types of alternate fasting schedules that can fit into your lifestyle. Here are the five most famous types of alternate-day fasting schedule, the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Foods to eat and drink on fasting daysThe calorie restriction for fast days is 500-600 along with which you can have as many zero-calorie beverages as you want. Zero calorie beverages include, coconut water, cucumber drink, green tea, ginger tea, turmeric tea.

One should aim for 50 grams of protein and some low-calorie veggies like a salad with grilled chicken to feel fuller for longer.

If you are a vegetarian, a cup lentil can provide you with 18 grams of protein. As a rule of thumb, per gram protein provides you with four calories.

Foods to eat on non-fasting daysOn non-fasting days, one can eat whatever they want. Studies have found that people who follow alternate day fasting, do not eat too many calories on fasting days. A comparison study found that people following alternate day fasting only consumed 10 per cent more calories on non-fasting days.

BenefitsStudies have found that alternate-day fasting can make one lose 4.5 to 6 kilos of weight in three months, which is more than what's seen with other intermittent fasting regimens that limit eating periods to a certain window each day.

The fasting methods had also shown reductions in blood pressure and insulin resistance. It also promotes autophagy, a deep cellular clean up, which allows the body to get rid of old, damaged cells and replaces them with new ones.

DrawbacksThe diet is not easy to follow. In a study published in 2017 JAMA Internal Medicine, 38 per cent of the alternate-day fasters dropped out, compared to 29 per cent of the regular dieters who restricted calories. People who were fasting gained control over their hunger in 10 days and started feeling energetic on fast days.

Make sure not to fast on two consecutive days.

Foods to eat on fasting daysMake sure to eat at least 50 grams of protein per day. Also, when you fast, drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. It is suggested to eat one big meal at the end of the day and have lesser calorie intake throughout the day.

Foods to eat on non-fasting daysIt is said that healthier the choices, the greater are the benefits. Restrict your intake of processed foods and include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

BenefitsThis method of fasting is less extreme and the weight loss is similar to the above method. If you find alternate day method too tough, you can try the 5:2 method as it seems to have similar benefits as alternate-day fasting.

According to a study published in 2018 in the British Journal of Nutrition, the researchers compared the effect of 5:2 diet with a calorie-restricted diet. It was found that people who followed 5:2 diet, cleaned dangerous blood fats, triglycerides more effectively than people who followed a calorie-restricted diet and didn't fast.

People with high triglyceride levels are at risk of heart attack and stroke. The method also showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure.

Drawbacks

The 5:2 fasting method can also be tough for some people to follow. If you don't diet carefully, you can feel dehydrated and may feel less energetic on fasting days.

Foods to eat on non-fasting daysOn non-fasting days, you can eat what you like. Eating healthy foods is encouraged.

BenefitsPeople who have tried all the methods of fasting say this method is easier to comply with than alternate-day fasting and produces similar benefits in terms of weight loss.

Drawbacks

Just like other methods, it can lead to dehydration if not followed carefully.

You eat breakfast when you get up and then other meals within 12 hours followed by 36 hours of fasting.

The plan has to be followed for the entire week.

Foods to eat on fasting daysYou can drink zero-calorie beverages and a lot of water. You can also take electrolyte supplements to prevent the consequences of electrolyte imbalance, paid heart rate, headache and sometimes even seizures.

Foods to eat on non-fasting daysThere is no restriction, but the healthier choices you make, the greater will be the benefits.

BenefitsA 2019 study published in Cell Metabolism showed that 36:12 fasters consumed 35 per cent less calories and lost around 3.6 kilos in a month. These fasters could even burn fat on feasting day. They showed a decrease in cholesterol, belly fat, inflammation and other positive changes.

DrawbacksThe fasting method can lead to dehydration, fatigue and even fainting.

Foods you can eat on fasting daysOnly zero-calorie beverages and water can be consumed.

Foods to eat on non-fasting daysIt is suggested to eat whole-plant based foods over processed foods. Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is also encouraged. It is said that once the fast is over, drink juice, introduce solid foods gradually.

BenefitsYou will surely lose weight on this diet plan as you are cutting back on calories. Water fasting for 72 hours before chemotherapy to treat cancer can reduce some of the side effects by protecting normal cells, says a study published in 2016 in BMC Cancer.

Researches also say that the diet benefits people with high bp, diabetes, epilepsy and many other diseases.

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Alternate day fasting for weight loss: Everything you need to know - Times of India

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