Is Intermittent Fasting a Good Idea?

Low-carb, Keto, Paleo, Low-fat, Vegetarian, Vegan, No bananas, Just bananas…

There is an ever-growing list of newest diets you ‘should’ follow and the latest trend to hit the scene is Intermittent Fasting (IF). It’s biggest claim to fame is the idea that IF can help you lose weight faster than run-of-the-mill calorie restriction diets and also touts it can reduce inflammation and other risks of heart disease.

WHAT IS INTERMITTENT FASTING?

Very simply, Intermittent Fasting restricts your calories based on the time you eat, rather than by what you eat. Instead of the traditional calorie reduction diets (such as lowering your calories by 25% every day), Intermittent Fasting says you can eat pretty much whatever you want but only at certain times. Some variations include limiting the amount of hours you eat every day (say 1-9pm) or fasting 24 hours twice a week. While others will strictly reduce their calories on fasting days (only eating between 300-500 calories) but have “feasting” days, allowing for any and all foods on days you choose to eat.

PROS

There are a few reasons why people are drawn to Intermittent Fasting. At first glance, it can appear easier to put into practice than a standard diet. No calorie counting most days, not having to figure out what foods you can and cannot eat. The only thing you have to think about is when you eat. Much simpler to keep track of than calories or macros.

There is also some research that says during a time of fasting, our stored fat cells become more “accessible” which basically means they will burn more easily.

All good things for those looking to shed some weight.

CONS

It would be pretty easy to look at some of the reasons why people choose to head down the path of Intermittent Fasting and think that it could be the end-all-be-all breakthrough diet that could finally push you over the edge when it comes to weight loss and overall health. But, I’ve got several reasons I believe it’s not actually something you should run towards.