Sometimes, in pursuit of the body of dreams, we are ready for a lot. It would seem that the simplest and most logical way to lose weight quickly is to fast or go on a strict diet. But is the game worth the candle? Alas, often such drastic measures can result in a number of negative consequences for the body. We talked to Marina Grigorieva, a nutritionist and instructor of group programs at the “Territory of Fitness” network, and compared the pros and cons of such methods of express weight loss.
Starvation. In this case, we mean a complete refusal to eat (and sometimes water) for a day or more.
Let's analyze the main advantages of this method:
Improving immunity. Fasting is a stressful situation for the body, during which it mobilizes all its resources with the sole purpose of surviving. Thus, you sort of "pump" your immunity and activate its work with a vengeance.
Cleansing from toxins and toxins. Experts claim that fasting is a more effective way to detoxify the body than various detox programs. During this period, the digestion process gradually slows down, and the body has enough time to get rid of all that is superfluous.
A surge of energy. Fasting advocates report increased performance and improved concentration. This is probably due to the fact that the body begins to spend less and less energy on the digestion process.
However, it is important to understand that positive changes in the body are brought about only by competent, conscious fasting, which presupposes compliance with the necessary recommendations and taking into account all restrictions. Otherwise, such an experience will result in a number of negative consequences:
Deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals. And this, in turn, leads to a noticeable deterioration in the condition of the skin, hair and nails, as well as disruption of the metabolic processes of the body and the malfunctioning of various organs.
Psychological disorders. Apathy, nervous breakdowns and violent fits of anger are frequent "companions" of an incorrect approach to fasting. In addition, all this can be accompanied by increased drowsiness, dizziness and even fainting.
Exacerbation of chronic diseases. Earlier we talked about improving the functioning of the immune system. However, in the presence of chronic diseases, such "stress" can turn into undesirable consequences: the body ceases to direct immunity to a constant fight against the disease, concentrating on the state of hunger. And then a chronic ailment can intensify with a vengeance.
Weight gain. Now let's remember our original goal of losing weight. Alas, here you can do yourself a disservice. Often, with the wrong approach, the fasting stage is replaced by a sharp "zazhora" stage, which will not only replenish the lost kilograms, but also add new ones. After all, now our body will wait for any opportunity to store as much as possible, fearing another "hungry period".
An alternative to fasting is a rigid diet, in which the usual daily diet is cut 2-3 times, strict accounting and recording of all consumed foods is kept. Let's figure out the feasibility of such a method.
Let's start with the positives:
Rapid weight loss. Indeed, as in the case of fasting, the effect of this method will be noticeable as soon as possible. However, in this case, you do not have to give up food at all.
Cleansing the body. Often, such diets imply the presence of exceptionally healthy, wholesome and non-toxic foods in the diet. Thus, you will have to completely abandon foods that do not represent any nutritional value for our body (fast food, sweets, etc.).
Reducing the size of the stomach. Severe diets involve a significant reduction in portion sizes. This means that over time, you will notice how the feeling of fullness begins to come noticeably faster.
Now let's look at the negative consequences of a strict diet:
Deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals. The main rule of any healthy diet is balance and individual approach. The diet should fully meet the needs of your body itself and saturate it with all the necessary substances. Alas, many express diets do not meet these parameters and cause significant harm to the body.
Disruptions. Unfortunately, our psychology is designed in such a way that any prohibitions only increase the desire to break them. That is why often rigid diets end in long breakdowns, excruciating feelings of guilt and psychological disorders.
Short-term effect. Let's say a new ascetic menu will allow you to get rid of 5 hated kilograms. But if in the future you return to your usual diet, sooner or later they will return to you again. Isn't it better to give preference to a balanced, mindful diet, which does not imply constant severe restrictions? This will help you gradually reach your optimal weight and can easily maintain it throughout your life.
So, before embarking on drastic measures, assess all the possible risks. Should you endanger your own body in order to achieve a short-term effect? Remember: beauty is health, and a well-formulated diet and proper nutrition are a necessary component of a healthy lifestyle.
