Fasting Weight Loss – Know Before You Start

Fasting for weight loss is very popular method among the dieter, usually it is also has detoxification side effects which is really tempting too. There are various method of fasting such as restricting all foods and only drinking certain liquids, restrict some food groups for a period of time, and restrict foods on alternate days. Some of them are considered fad diet since they promise really fast result but offer no method to preserve the weight loss attained.

So, is it safe to use this method as a part of your diet? It is depends on many factors, people with certain health issues such as cancer, diabetes, liver, kidney, or lung disease are not advised to do this kind of program. Pregnant and lactating women are not recommended either, since it can harm both the mother and the baby in various ways. But otherwise, if you think that you have a fit body, just go for it; one day fast is unlikely to cause any harm to a healthy body, even a little longer fast is still tolerable if you have a fit body.

If you do have a plan to starting a fasting weight loss program then you needs to prepare yourself properly, both body condition and lifestyle; depend on what type of fasting you will go through. If it is a program that involving short complete fasting, which lasts 5 days to 2 weeks; or extended fast, which is lasting more than 3 weeks, you need to know a few things first:

1. If you are doing heavy physical activity in regular basis, you might want to stop it while in the program since it can cause headaches and other side effects.
2. Reduce your usual consumption of canned and processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, salt, refined sugar, cigarette, and any foods that cause food allergies and toxic reaction for a few days before start fasting. Cut them off completely all of a sudden will result in headaches, stomachaches, and other discomfort.
3. Reduce your meal portion and increase the times between meals gradually before begin the first fasting day. It will help you to regulate your mind, appetite, and stomach during the program.
4. Make sure you have all the instructions written and understood well. Keep remind yourself of the cause and goals of the project, this will help you to stay away from any desire to quit halfway.
5. If you are under 18 or having any chronic disease, consult a doctor beforehand.

This type of fasting usually accompany by other benefits such as detoxification and a fast weight loss. For the short complete fasting, you should repeat it every specific time until you obtain the result you want, do not extend it more than recommended. As for the extended fasting, do it with physician supervision.

The other type is the short fast which is only last for a short period such as 1 or 2 days. Only a handful of diet programs can use this type of fasting and still create great result.

Fasting for weight loss has many variations, benefits, and consequences. However, it is not something for everyone since it requires strong willpower and a healthy body to begin with. Prepare yourself properly, select a trustworthy fasting weight loss program, and consult the plan with a doctor before starting any long term fasting weight loss program.