Introduction
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that involves alternating periods of fasting and eating. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people seeing it as an effective way to lose weight and improve overall health. Personally, I was drawn to intermittent fasting because of its purported benefits for mental clarity, energy, and weight loss. However, after a few months of attempting this eating pattern, I began to notice negative effects on my body and mental health, which eventually led to my decision to stop intermittent fasting.
Why My Body Couldn’t Keep Up with Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting involves depriving the body of food for extended periods, which can trigger certain metabolic processes such as autophagy, the self-cleansing mechanism used by the body to remove damaged cells and improve immune function.
However, not everyone’s body can handle the stress of fasting. After consistently practicing intermittent fasting, I noticed that my body started to feel depleted of energy and often felt sluggish. I also experienced hair loss and unease when I was fasting. Research has shown that long-term caloric restriction, a condition achieved through fasting, can put the body under stress and lead to negative health outcomes like dehydration, mood swings, and weakened immune function.
The Mental Toll of Stressful Intermittent Fasting
Aside from physical effects, any form of fasting can have a significant impact on mental health. Fasting is a type of stress on the body, to which the body reacts by producing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Although in small amounts, these hormones can increase alertness and attention, chronic stress can lead to negative health outcomes. I often found myself feeling anxious and stressed about how I would manage fasting days, which led to a lower quality of life.
No More Starving: How I Gained Energy by Stopping Intermittent Fasting
Studies have shown that continuous fasting can lead to negative effects on the body, including fatigue and a weakened immune system. After I stopped intermittent fasting, I started to notice a considerable change in how I felt. My energy levels improved, and my overall mood was better since I was no longer stressing about trying to adhere to the schedule set by the fasting routine.
Why I Found Intermittent Fasting Unsustainable
One of the most significant downsides of intermittent fasting is its sustainability for long-term weight loss goals. Although the initial benefits are real, sticking to this routine can be challenging for long periods. This challenge can be due to inadequate food intake or living around a social life plan according to the restricted diet, leading to food-focused behavior and eventually consuming excess food. I experienced difficulties in adhering to the schedule for weeks, stopping fasting regularly, and wasting effort previously put into following the diet.
The Unexpected Side Effects of Intermittent Fasting That Led Me to Quit
Aside from the anticipated effects of intermittent fasting, there are unexpected side effects that can accompany the routine. One of the most critical side effects I experienced during my fasting was sleep disturbances. I started to experience insomnia, which impacted my daily activities to a great extent. Also, I would have mood swings if I couldn’t stick to my fasting schedule, leading to feeling miserable around others. These issues added up and became unbearable for me, leading me to reconsider my decision to keep up with intermittent fasting.
Why My Relationship with Food Improves After Stopping Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting puts a lot of stress on the mind and body, leading to an unhealthy relationship with food. Often we develop a food-focused mentality when following any restrictive diet plan, leading to consuming excess food once we finally can eat. After I made the decision to stop fasting, I adopted healthier eating patterns and made food choices based on my body’s needs instead of sticking to strict schedules and diet plans.
Why Taking a Break from Intermittent Fasting is Essential for My Overall Health
It is essential to take breaks from any diet and for any activity we engage in frequently. Continuing to restrict food intake for extended periods is too much stress on the body, leading to a decline in physical, psychological, and emotional wellbeing. Taking a break from fasting, eating nicely to cover energy expenditure has tremendously improved my overall performance and provided clearer and concise thinking.
Conclusion
Intermittent fasting can be an effective way to lose weight and improve overall health, but it comes with its fair share of risks. In my experience, long-term intermittent fasting put a considerable amount of stress on my body and mind. The effects of the diet on mental and physical health were detrimental, and I eventually decided to stop the plan. In conclusion, it is vital to establish healthy eating habits that lead to a balanced life.