What are the Best Tips for Fasting for Weight Loss?

There are many tips to consider when fasting for weight loss. Among them are those that recommend modified fasting rather than abstaining from food altogether. Tips that recommend drinking plenty of liquids and avoiding temptation are among the best as well. Unfortunately, however, most health experts do not recommend fasting for weight loss. As such, finding other methods of achieving weight loss may prove to be a better option.

One of the tips a person may consider when fasting for weight loss is to avoid abstaining from food altogether. If a dieter skips eating altogether, he may find it hard to stick to his fast and give in to hunger, simply because he is not giving his body any of the fuel it needs. Instead, he could choose to fast from meat products and fatty foods but eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods are low in calories and can support weight loss efforts. They also contain many nutrients the body needs.

Another important tip for fasting for weight loss involves a person’s liquid consumption. While an individual may be able to complete a short-term fast without dire consequences, it is dangerous to skip fluids during a fast. It is critical that a person who is fasting drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, though other liquids may prove helpful as well. For example, a person may consider unsweetened tea and fruit juice that does not have added sugar acceptable beverages during a fast. Avoiding both liquids and food is very dangerous and not recommended.

Some tips for fasting for weight loss involve the avoidance of temptation. This often means avoiding television and radio, as they may advertise food and make it more likely a dieter will give in to temptation. Staying home may also prove helpful when fasting, as it is easier to avoid witnessing others eating and the tempting aroma of cooking smells wafting from public restaurants. Likewise, staying home also prevents exposure to coworkers snacking at their desks or even a passerby enjoying ice cream.

It is important to note that health experts typically warn against fasting for weight loss, and one of the most important tips may be to avoid fasting for this reason. Fasting deprives the body of essential nutrients, and if done for a long period of time, it can lead to health problems. Fasting may also decrease the body's available energy required to function during the day and cause issues with concentration. In some people, it may cause blood sugar to drop so low that they risk fainting.

Another problem with fasting is the fact that it is unlikely to lead to sustained weight loss. The weight loss people experience when fasting is usually from water weight. When they begin to eat normally again, they typically gain the weight once more. Fasting for weight loss also leads to a lowered metabolism. When the dieter resumes his normal diet, this lowered metabolism makes it even more likely that he will regain the weight he lost.