At least 28 million Americans should NOT try this to lose weight
Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity in the past as a flexible approach to eating. But is it right for you? Let's break it down.
The Good:
Lifestyle Fit: If you find that eating within specific windows helps you make healthier choices and avoid mindless snacking, IF might be a good fit.
Mindful Eating: IF can help you develop a healthier relationship with food, reducing emotional eating and overeating.
Potential Health Benefits: Some studies suggest that IF may offer benefits like improved metabolic health and weight management.
The Not-So-Good:
Potential Drawbacks: For some, IF can lead to increased stress, hormonal imbalances, or disordered eating, especially if you have a history of these issues, and/or an unhealthy releationship with food.
Nutritional Needs: It's important to ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs, especially if you have high caloric needs or are physically active.
The Bottom Line:
IF can be a valuable tool, particularly if you’re a super disciplined person, and are able to stay within a calorie deficit, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
However, if you’re someone who has struggled with weight in the past, particularly experiencing “food guilt”, extreme restriction, or “punishing” yourself for eating more than you planned on, stay FAR AWAY from IF. Nearly 29 million Americans will experience an eating disorder, or some type of disordered eating in their lifetime.
Disordered eating refers to a range of irregular eating behaviors that may or may not warrant a diagnosis of a specific eating disorder. It encompasses a spectrum of problematic eating patterns and distorted attitudes towards food, weight, shape, and appearance.
Some common characteristics of disordered eating include:
Restrictive eating: Limiting food intake, skipping meals, or avoiding certain food groups.
Binge eating: Consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of guilt or shame.
Purging: Engaging in behaviors like self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative abuse to compensate for food intake.
Emotional eating: Using food to cope with emotions like stress, anxiety, or boredom.
Body image concerns: Preoccupation with body shape and weight, leading to negative self-perception.
While disordered eating may not meet the full diagnostic criteria for a specific eating disorder, it can still have significant negative impacts on physical and mental health
The key is to find a method that works for you and your lifestyle. Remember, it's important to listen to your body and adjust your approach as needed.
If you’ve struggled with disordered eating in the past, working with a nutrition coach to learn how to properly fuel your body, while building healthy habits to change your lifestyle just may be the ticket for you! We’d love to chat with you to help you acheive your body composition goals!