Diet Fasts

Fasting Diets, Fasts - Overview

Fasting is a way people have claimed to lose weight quickly and/or feel better.

There are different versions of fasting diets. Some fasts allow no food, but some juice. Other fasts are water only. Some fasts allow a few small fruits during the day and some include broth.

Dieters who have followed fasts say they feel quite refreshed after a day or two. Others experience discomfort, headaches and nausea. Some say the first 24 hours almost makes them crazy with hunger, but after that it's no problem.

Fasting has a long-standing spiritual tradition. According to James Dillard, MD, assistant clinical professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City:

"Almost every religion has some type of fasting ritual - Lent, Ramadan, Yom Kippur ... the Hindus and Buddhists fast, too... There's nothing wrong with going on a juice fast for a few days, but it's not a great way to lose weight, because you'll gain it all back - you yo-yo. It's just like the Atkins diet. The weight you lose is water weight. The old-fashioned way of eating the right foods, getting exercise, clean living, keeping a positive mental attitude - that's what works," he says.

Fasting Diets, Fasts - Claims

Cleans out the system of toxins.
Helps you lose weight fast.
Very spiritual.

Fasting Diets, Fasts - Drawbacks

Scientifically, fasting or fasting-type diets are a form of starvation.
Fasts deprive you of nutrition.
Any weight loss benefits are strictly short-term.

Fasting Diets, Fasts - Summary

Not recommended for weight loss. The weight returns immediately.
Even spiritually-motivated fasts should be strictly short term.

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