Fasting Is a Period of Eating Followed by a Period of Not Eating

Where most weight-loss techniques focus on what you should or should not be eating, fasting identifies when you should eat. Unlike many fad diets, fasting is backed by scientific research that has concluded intermittent fasting to be just as effective as low-calorie diets and sometimes more effective at improving body composition. As long as you do not compensate by eating more during the built-in feasting period, the methods mentioned above may help reduce overall calorie intake to help you lose weight, especially stubborn belly fat. To lose weight with an intermittent fasting protocol, the foods you eat should be healthy whole foods.

• Meal Skipping Fast - Whenever you choose to spontaneously skip a meal, you should continue to drink plenty of liquids, and never limit your intake of water. This is the easiest fast but is not a scheduled fasting period.
• Fast-Mimicking Diet - Scientifically developed and clinically tested at the University of Southern California, the Fast Mimicking Diet requires you to eat healthy natural ingredients for five days in a way that your body does not recognize that you are eating.
• Warrior Fasting Diet - The Warrior Fast was one of the first popular fad diets to include intermittent fasting as part of the overall diet. You fast on limited food for eighteen hours and feast during a four-hour window.
• The Daniel Fasting Diet - Technically not a diet, the Daniel Fast is a 21-day period of worship, prayer and fasting practiced by some Christians. Actor Chris Pratt recently used the Daniel Fast to lose weight at a quicker pace.

Every day there is a new approach to dropping unwanted pounds. In a study on calorie restriction, a similar amount of weight was lost as compared to continuous calorie restriction, but with a much smaller reduction in muscle mass. Moreover, a menu plan filled with lean proteins, healthy fats and fresh fruits and vegetables will always produce the best long-term results. It is important to drink plenty of water when eating is restricted and adding a little strength training can help you maintain muscle mass while safely losing weight. For a personalized eating plan, contact the Metabolic Research Center for a FREE weight loss consultation.

*NOTE: Due to a difference in hormonal makeup, women have special considerations when fasting. Intermittent fasting is not a good idea for women under 18 years of age, those with a lean body profile, or those with medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or a history of eating disorders. Ask your physician about an appropriate fasting protocol for you.