Intermittent fasting has emerged as a popular dietary trend in recent years. Essentially, this approach involves designating specific windows for eating and fasting. Many followers opt for fasting periods of 14 to 16 hours, such as skipping breakfast and refraining from eating after 7 p.m., or they may choose to fast entirely for two days each week while eating normally at other times.
However, the underlying implications of this approach raise concerns. Some critics argue that intermittent fasting resembles a structured eating disorder rather than a legitimate lifestyle choice. While proponents claim that it’s not a diet but a way of life, it undeniably involves adhering to a specific eating regimen.
One of the main draws of intermittent fasting is the freedom to indulge in any food during eating windows, eliminating the need for calorie counting or food restrictions. Yet, this restriction on eating hours can lead to neglecting natural hunger signals, potentially fostering disordered eating behaviors. Even if individuals experience short-term weight loss, sustainability remains a significant question. Research indicates that a considerable percentage of participants—29 to 38% in a Harvard study—abandon the diet within the first six months, with some reviews noting dropout rates as high as 65%.
Despite claims of health benefits, including reduced blood pressure, increased energy, and improved mood, there’s a notable lack of discussion surrounding the mental health ramifications of intermittent fasting. Individuals with a history of eating disorders may find this approach particularly triggering.
I, too, have a personal narrative connected to intermittent fasting, though it wasn’t labeled as such at the time. Twenty years ago in college, I developed an unhealthy relationship with food, often bingeing to cope with unresolved anxiety. When I discovered I could fast all day—consuming only coffee and enjoying a reasonable dinner—I lost around 20 pounds and reached a size I had never achieved before. However, this came with dizziness and migraines, leading me to abandon the practice. For years, I struggled with my relationship with food, until I ultimately embraced my body and adopted a more intuitive approach to eating.
Reflecting on my experience, I am cautious about the intermittent fasting trend. The cycle of attempting and failing at various diets is a well-trodden path that often leads to increased feelings of inadequacy and a distorted relationship with food. Many will attempt intermittent fasting, only to find themselves unable to maintain it and subsequently regain lost weight, perpetuating a cycle of dieting and disappointment.
This cycle highlights the need to address the pervasive and toxic diet culture that influences our perceptions of food and body image. True liberation comes from stepping away from dieting altogether and embracing one’s natural size and preferences, a journey that can be profoundly rewarding, albeit challenging.
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Summary
Intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a dieting method, but it raises concerns about sustainability and mental health, particularly for those with a history of disordered eating. Embracing a more intuitive approach to food may ultimately provide a healthier relationship with eating.
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