Advantages and Disadvantages of Fasting
There is a tradition of fasting that has held on for so long in Nigeria which comes immediately after the festive season, this fasting exercise is mostly declared by religious institutions.
It could be said that this is a way to reconnect with God after the rigorous Christmas celebrations and also a way to prepare for the year in spiritual terms. Whichever way, it is pertinent to note that fasting is healthy, and apart from being spiritually fulfilling, it is also beneficial health-wise.
Fasting during during this period can be used for beneficial purposes too. There are various types of fasting, but we will focus on intermittent fasting.
Intermittent fasting is a way to lose weight by abstaining from food for a certain period. If the problem you have is eating too much, then intermittent fasting is one of the things you can do to lose weight.
Losing weight is not a ball in the park. It takes a lot of commitment, dedication, and consistency. Intermittent fasting is one of the ways to lose weight.
Types of Intermittent fasting
Warrior diet: This is when you eat high-protein foods like eggs, vegetables, and low-calorie foods for 20 hours, and then you have only 4 hours to eat all the calories you want.
Eat, stop, eat: This is when you fast for up to 24 hours a week and eat regularly for the rest of the week.
5/2 diet: eating regularly for five days but restricting your diet for the remaining two days.
16/8 method: abstaining for 16 hours and then eating normally for the remaining 8 hours.
Advantages of intermittent Fasting
Fasting for a long period causes a shift in the body’s metabolism. This shift causes fat to be a source of energy and not glucose.
Logically, intermittent fasting makes the person consume fewer calories than they would have if they were not fasting.
Research has shown that reducing the amount of food you eat in a day might stop people from having hypertension and lower blood pressure.
Intermittent fasting also lowers insulin levels.
Disadvantages of intermittent Fasting
It makes no sense to exercise less self-control on days you are not fasting and eat too much food and calories.
It causes the person to be dizzy, nauseous, moody, tired or have headaches.
It can lead to eating disorders.