Trying to lose weight in time for bathing suit season? It can be done. The question is how. Some will tell you fasting for weight loss yields the best results but forget about it. Don’t do it. Don’t even think about it.
One of the reasons many dieters do not lose weight successfully (and by successfully, I mean keep it off) is that they do not set realistic goals for themselves. Instead of losing weight slowly but surely, they put things on the fast track by fasting. This is a bad idea, for many reasons. Here are 6 of them.
1. You Lose Water, Not Fat. The pounds you lose while fasting for weight loss are mostly water weight. They’re not fat. So if you do manage to become thinner at some point during your fast, it’s because you’re dehydrated and not because you lost fats. Once you stop fasting, you will rapidly regain the pounds you lost.
2. You Can Become Constipated. Fasting or going on a detox diet may cause diarrhea. Ironically, the resulting dehydration will lead to constipation!
3. You Will Feel Exhausted All the Time. When you’re fasting for weight loss, you’re bound to lose too much weight too quickly. This drains you of energy levels, resulting in constant and chronic fatigue. When this happens, you’ll be too tired to do anything, be it at home or at work.
4. You Become Malnourished. Restricting calories is NEVER a good idea and you restrict a lot of calories when you fast. Don’t do it. You’re risking malnutrition. You’re also risking vitamin and mineral depletion.
5. You Can Suffer Cramps. When you don’t eat, odds are your potassium and sodium levels will drop. What’s wrong with this? Well, once your body lacks potassium and sodium, you will be prone to cramps and illnesses.
6. Your Appearance Will Suffer. I’m pretty sure improving your looks is one of the reasons you want to lose weight but this won’t happen if you’re fasting for weight loss. Losing pounds much too quickly will take a toll on your looks. your skin will dry out, your hair will lack luster, and you will look pinched and haggard. In other words, you will look older than you really are!
Your body is designed to stop starvation. If you push yourself to lose more than the recommended pound or two of fat every week, your body will turn to its own muscle and start burning that for energy!
Clearly, you have nothing to gain but have a lot to lose if you’re dead-set on fasting for weight loss. Remember, for weight loss to be sustainable, it should be gradual and safe. Aim for a pound or two every week. Those who lose weight much faster than that are more likely to regain it.
Stephanie Dilson is a writer, nutritionist, and expert on weight loss pills. Click this link to read more practical tips and honest advice at her website: Fasting for Weight Loss
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