Intermittent fasting (IF) can make you feel wonderful or mediocre depending on your situation, lifestyle, habits and health status.
IF can be very helpful for fat loss but it doesn’t suit everyone. Some possible reasons it may not work for you are:
- Individual differences
- Nutritional needs
- Hunger and low energy levels
- Hormonal imbalances
- Interference with social events
Individual differences
People have different metabolic, physiological, and psychological responses to fasting, and what works for one person may not work for another. For some people IF leads to overeating or poor meal choices at other meals.
Nutritional needs
Eating regularly may provide more consistent fuel and nutrients to the body, which can help with energy levels and overall health. Intermittent fasting may not provide enough of certain essential nutrients if the eating periods are not balanced and adequate.
Hunger and low energy levels
During the fasting periods, some people may experience hunger and low energy levels, which can negatively impact mood and well-being. Resulting in the feeling that performance is not at the highest level. Eating regularly may help alleviate these symptoms.
Hormonal imbalances
Intermittent fasting can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism, and some people may experience disturbances to their hormonal profile. Especially chronically highly stressed individuals.
Interference with social events
Intermittent fasting may interfere with social events that revolve around food, which can be difficult for some people, especially when your work involves a lot of socialising.
It is important to listen to your body and pay attention to how different eating patterns make you feel.
If you find that you feel better eating regularly, do that!
Fasting can, however, be an excellent tool if it makes sticking to a calorie deficit easier and if it reduces stress versus adding to it!
