Most people think of dieting when they hear the word ‘fasting’. The popular mindset surrounding dieting is probably best summed up by the phrase “it’s what is inside that counts.” While it is undoubtedly true that your diet choices do affect your overall well-being, the effects from fasting don’t lie solely in what you put in your stomach. There are several different types of fasts which have different effects on the human body. Some experts even believe that different types of fasting should be implemented in different situations – for example, a sugar fast for those who are not at all happy with their weight, and a water fast for those who want to purge their bodies of toxins.
How Much Weight Can You Lose in 2 Days by Fasting?
There are several different types of fasts available, each with its perks and quirks. One of the more popular fasts is called the ‘water fast’. Taking a water fast means that you drink only water for the specified amount of time. Depending on the source, a water fast can range from a meal replacement plan to a lifestyle change built around drinking plenty of water. The theory behind the water fast is that since water is the most abundant substance in the human body, consuming water will help you lose weight without feeling deprived.
The Pros and Cons of a Water Fast
The pros of a water fast are obvious – you are not going to be hungry while on a water fast, and you will most certainly lose weight! If you are looking for a way to shed a few pounds, you could look into a water fast as a viable option. The most popular brand of water fasts in the UK is Fit Water, and the most popular variant is their Freedom Waterfall Diet. This is a popular choice among people who want to lose weight for a special occasion such as a wedding or party. The makers of Fit Water claim that its products assist with “instant weight loss” and help to “boost your metabolism”. The company’s website boasts of how efficient their product is, how long it takes to see results, and how easy it is to follow. While the notion of “instant weight loss” may be somewhat appealing, more information is necessary to ascertain the clinical effectiveness of these products.
Alternatives to a Water Fast
If you are not seeing significant results from your water fast, you might want to consider trying out an alternative. One of the more popular weight loss supplements which has been gaining a lot of popularity is called Acidophilus. This is a common component in intestinal health products, and it has also been shown to boost the immune system. A lot of people use it as an adjunct to their weight loss program, and it has been known to help them lose as much as 8 pounds in 2 weeks. This is mainly due to the fact that this product acts as a dietary fiber and provides sustenance for the good bacteria in your gut. According to the experts at Livestrong, eating fiber-rich food has been proven to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. While this might be valuable information, it is still only food for thought.
Other Forms of Fasting
If you are not seeing significant results from your water fast (or if you just want to try a different approach), you might want to consider trying out a different type of fast. One of the more popular forms of fasting is called the ‘sugar fast’. Taking a sugar fast means that you drastically limit the amount of sugar you consume. This could be in the form of refined flour products, or it could be in the form of fruit juices. Since the human body does not need sugar to function, going on a sugar fast will cause you to lose weight. The benefits of a sugar fast are mostly mental – you will feel more alert and focused, and it will change your perception of food and dieting. The downside is that as with the water fast, you will most certainly be hungry while on a sugar fast. The amount of weight you can lose on a sugar fast will depend on how long you are on it. The idea behind a sugar fast is that you will eventually “burn” the sugar you are not eating, and the initial results are usually very good. However, it is no secret that as the days go by, your resolve can start to wane, and eventually you will give into your cravings. If you are serious about losing weight, you should consider trying out a sugar fast as a way of losing a few pounds. But it might be a good idea to wait until you have tried some other methods first and see how you go before you commit to a sugar fast diet.
The Verdict
All in all, while a water fast can be extremely effective for weight loss, it might be worth trying out an alternative first. If you are not seeing significant results from your water fast, you could consider trying out a vegetarian diet for a couple of weeks to see if that helps you shed a few pounds. Most people who try a water fast will be able to reduce their weight very quickly. Depending on your current physical activity level, you might not see the results you want in just 2 days. If you are serious about losing weight, you should consider trying out a water fast as a way of losing a few pounds. But if this is not the route you want to pursue, you should probably focus on losing the weight through more conventional means.