Fasting

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• QWhy doesn't fasting lead to weight loss?

  1 Answer

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  A Shannon Sorrels, CPT , Fitness, answered on behalf of Physix - Fitness Training and Nutrition

  If you do it long enough, it will - look at starving nations for proof. This method of weight loss is NOT recommended.

  If you fast for a few days expecting some crazy loss rate, you may or may not see it. Chances are, your body started convincing you a nap sounded really good, let's skip the gym today and watch some extra TV. If you do manage to see some loss, you probably won't hang onto it. When you get to eat again, you probably overeat.

  Just stick to 500-750 calories/day less and get out and walk more. Stay on your feet!

• QWhat are some health risks of detox diets and fasts?

  2 Answers

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  A Ms. Ashley Koff, RD , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered

  You may lose weight sipping lemon water with cayenne pepper for days, but radical fasting detoxes and master cleanses such as these, especially when done for rapid weight loss, can challenge the body much more than your current daily routine. They can deny your body of nutrients it needs, downshift your metabolism, and leave you more sensitive to foods, beverages, and your normal daily chaos when you return to your precleanse eating habits. Not to mention they are a metabolic recipe for energy loss. During a fast the body slows its systems and workload to compensate for a perceived lack of nutrients. To this end, if your cleanse doesn't supply sufficient nutrients (the range of nutrients -- carbs, proteins, healthy fats) it's likely that the body may alter its metabolic functions in a way that prevents sustainable results and may compromise short-term energy and immune function. Not a good thing for your health or your energy.
  
  
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