Full Day Fasts Help Force the Body Into Fasting Mode

Skipping meals to save calories can tank your metabolism and sabotage your weight loss efforts. Nonetheless, when you condense feeding times to established intervals, intermittent fasting can help melt the fat away. On fasting days, you will drink plenty of water and eat little to no food. If your goal is to lose weight, you should stick to healthy foods that provide the nutrients your body needs and limit treats as well as processed foods. Although the benefits of calorie restrictions have been demonstrated in animal studies, it is unclear whether intermittent fasting is superior to other weight loss methods in regards to pounds lost, compliance rates, decrease in appetite, and other biological changes.

• The Warrior Fast - Dietary intake for the Warrior Diet is somewhat similar to a Paleo Diet where you eat whole, unprocessed foods that resemble what they look like in nature. One huge meal is consumed within a four-hour period.
• The Daniel Fast - 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.
• Full Day Fasting - Periodic fasts can last for several days. With a full day fast, dietary intake is limited calorie-free or low-calorie fluids to force the body into full fasting mode instead of alternating between fasting and feeding the same day.
• Fast-Mimicking Diet - Created at the USC Longevity Institute, this diet mimics a fast and involves consuming small amounts of food while still reaping the benefits of fasting based on the selection of foods consumed.

One of the controversial issues involving fasting is that prolonged periods of food deprivation places one at risk for overeating during feasting periods. Proponents of fasting believe that the stress of an intermittent fast causes an immune response that repairs cells and produces positive metabolic changes that may help prevent the onset of chronic diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Although certain health benefits have been observed in long-term animal studies, intermittent fasting may prove superior to other weight loss methods in regards to losing weight while managing feelings of hunger. Studies do suggest people who naturally go longer stretches without eating may see better results.

*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.