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The Biggest Mistake When Fasting

Updated: Feb 4, 2023

"Breaking the Fast: The #1 Mistake to Avoid"

Have you ever heard the saying "Fasting is the new diet?" Well, it's true! Fasting has become a popular weight loss tool, and for good reason. But, as with any diet plan, there's one common mistake people make after a fast: overeating.

When you fast, your insulin levels drop and your body starts to burn stored fat for energy. But, if you overeat after the fast, you'll undo all the hard work you put in! So, what can you do to make the most of your fast?


There are basically two levers you can pull. Calories in and calories out and fasting. You need to pull both of these levers to maximize your weight loss.

First, let's talk about the basics. Your body needs calories to perform daily activities (like brushing your teeth) and to maintain your basal metabolic rate (BMR) for functions you can't control (like breathing). When you reduce your caloric intake, your body can adapt by lowering your BMR. This is because your insulin spikes, making it difficult to access the energy stored in your fat cells.

For example, if you normally spend 2,000 calories a day and consume 1,000 calories a day, your body will use 1,000 calories from your storage units (fat and muscle). But, if you can't tap into your reserves, your body will adapt and decrease your BMR to only require 1,000 calories a day.

This is where fasting comes in. When you fast, you allow your insulin levels to drop, making it easier for your body to tap into your fat storage for energy. So, what's the mistake people make after a fast? Overeating! When you eat, your insulin levels rise, telling your body to go into storage mode and store food as fat.

In conclusion, fasting is an excellent tool for weight loss, but it's important to remember to eat a normal-sized meal after the fast, not try to catch up on all the meals you "missed." Utilizing both caloric restriction and fasting will maximize your weight loss potential. Happy fasting!


Source: Dr. Jason Fung https://youtu.be/r6vkEIeBj_E




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