Do you gain weight when you fast?
Are you fasting but it seems like your waistline is having a feast?
Do you dread looking at the number on your scale after days of fasting?
Do you lose 10 pounds in 3 days of fasting and gain back 15 pounds 3 days later?
What happened to all the calories lost during your fast?
They say you must reduce calories to lose weight, right? So, why is it not working?
This is the experience of many people out there. I’ve experienced this as well.
What if I tell you there are Whys and Ways out?
Let’s get into it
There are different types of fasting but for this writing, we’ll focus on complete abstinence from some meals over a few days or weeks. There are many health benefits of fasting. However, a wrong approach to fasting may erode some of the benefits.
Over the next few days, I will be sharing some ‘whys’ and ‘ways out’ of gaining weight while fasting.
Here is #1
Anticipatory eating. This is when you increase caloric intake by eating more than usual in anticipation of an upcoming fasting period. When you are planning a fast, the brain could go into the mode of trying to store up (hoard) food for the anticipated hunger period. Your appetite may increase. Some cravings may become more pronounced. Your resolve to avoid certain foods may become nonexistent. However, by knowing that this is just a reaction and not reality, you will understand that the sudden urge to eat more is not necessarily because you are hungry or because your body needed the food. It is just a normal response to an upcoming perceived threat of hunger. Don’t give in.
(To be continued).
© Yemi Agboola, January 23, 2022
Website: https://solomonoluwabiyi.com
Email: viewpoint@solomonoluwabiyi.com
