For many of us, the idea of fasting – going without food or liquid – might conjure up terrifying thoughts of starvation. But what if I told you there was a way to lose weight without having to go hungry? Would you believe it?
You might be accustomed to hearing about the many ways in which dieting and exercise can help people combat their weight problems. But have you ever heard of ‘dirty fasting’?
This is a trend that has been gaining a lot of popularity in countries like Spain and Portugal, where people have realised that eating the right food during certain hours can help them shed unwanted pounds. The idea is that foods like eggs, beans, and grains are often considered ‘clean’ food – filling and nutritious. So by avoiding these foods during certain hours, you can cause your body to enter a state of ketosis, where it becomes dependent on fats for energy. The end result is often a loss of weight, even in the absence of dieting and exercise.
The concept of dirty fasting makes perfect sense – why should you limit the food you can eat when you’re trying to lose weight? The idea is that there are certain foods that might not be the best for you, especially when you’re in a state of ketosis. Strict rules regarding what you can eat and when you can eat it might upset your digestive system and cause you to gain weight. So instead of rigidly sticking to food lists, why not try a diet where you allow yourself to eat certain foods only at certain times? You might be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to shed unwanted pounds with such a diet.
Why Are People Embracing Dirty Fasting?
In recent years, multiple studies have been conducted into the effects of different diets on weight loss. One of the main findings is that a diet free from carbohydrates (think: fruit, pasta, rice, and potatoes) can be as effective as a standard keto diet in reducing body fat and improving health. (1,2)
Furthermore, intermittent fasting has been shown to improve the body’s ability to store energy as fat. In one study, researchers gave healthy volunteers either a normal meal or an intermittent fasting meal and measured the participants’ energy levels, insulin sensitivity, and appetite. They found that those who followed the intermittent fasting plan had lower energy levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and ate less than those who followed the normal diet. (3)
Although the concept of dirty fasting might sound complicated, it’s actually a really simple way to shed those unwanted pounds.
You see, most people who try out this diet for the first time fear that they will go hungry. They worry about not being able to maintain their desired weight. But what many people don’t realise is that you don’t necessarily have to starve yourself to lose weight. You can eat the right food in the right amounts and ensure that your body is always in a state of ketosis. What’s more, you might be surprised at how easy it is to satisfy your hunger without having to resort to unhealthy foods.
There’s also evidence to suggest that certain food allergies and sensitivities can play a role in excessive weight gain. (4) So if you’re struggling to shed those extra pounds but don’t know what’s causing it, try eliminating some foods that you know aren’t good for you and see how things change for the better. You might be pleasantly surprised by how effective this tip can be.
How Can You Practise Dirty Fasting?
Nowadays, there are many different methods of incorporating dirty fasting into your regimen. Not only will this way of eating boost your metabolic rate and help you to lose weight, but it could also enhance your athletic performance. (5,6)
If you’re accustomed to eating an omnivorous diet where you combine food from different groups – like meat and potatoes, fish, and veggie sides – then it might be a challenge to follow a completely gluten-free, vegan diet when you’re on a keto diet. But you should be able to satisfy your hunger without having to eat foods that you’re not used to in large quantities. What’s more, you can usually experiment with different ways of eating and don’t have to feel completely restricted by what your diet plan dictates.
Similarly, if you’re accustomed to having your food served on a plate, then eating food that is served in a bento box might feel a bit odd at first. But you should be able to get used to it, as long as everything is portion-controlled. (7)
As you can see, there are many ways in which dirty fasting can benefit your health and weight loss goals. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your diet and shed the pounds, then this might be the perfect option for you.