People are always trying to lose weight and get into a healthy lifestyle these days and the effects on the body can range from good to bad – depending on what their diet and new lifestyle contains. Calorie restrictions and fasting can have similar effects that can be good or bad, depending on how they do it.
Calorie restriction is simply reducing the amount of regular calorie intake by 30-60%, while still “maintaining a diet that provides enough nutrients to prevent malnutrition” (Edward). The article also states that “[s]scientists believe calorie restriction stimulates a defensive state designed to help an organism survive environmental and metabolic adversity” (Edward).
But why do people do this diet? Some would think that it’s common sense to reduce the amount that you eat to lose weight. But that’s not exactly healthy. For a healthy calorie restricted diet, eat smaller meals packed with the nutrition that you need for the day. “Calorie restriction has been shown to extend longevity in animal models via a number of proposed metabolic avenues” (Edward). So, this way of dieting will help stimulate your metabolism. Thus, helping you lose weight in the process of healthy eating.
Other effects of calorie restriction is the reduction of the risk of heart disease since its help against obesity and hypertension. It is also stated in the article that people who practice this diet long term, “have shown a lower risk of cellular dysfunction” (Edward).
A different kind of dieting is fasting – abstaining from food. So, nothing but water. There are distinct kinds of fasting like, intermittent – only eating for a limited time of hours per day then fasting the rest. “At it’s very core, fasting simply allows the body to burn off excess body fat… If you don’t eat, your body will simply “eat” its own fat for energy” (Fung).
This way of dieting affects the body in diverse ways and there are advantages to a fasting lifestyle. Headaches are common and will disappear soon; dizziness; muscle cramps; and constipation is common. “Where diets complicate life, fasting simplifies. Where diets are expensive, fasting is free. Where diets can take time, fasting saves time” and so on (Fung). Obviously, if you are pregnant or underweight, then you shouldn’t be doing this type of diet.
However, there are always harmful effects to these diets. More so with fasting since you aren’t giving your body the food that it usually needs. Your body needs amino acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals, so if you aren’t eating that while on your fast break, then your body will show harmful effects. This can all be avoided if you eat balanced meals when you do eat (Cranston).
To conclude, calorie restriction is a way to a healthy lifestyle and can provide many benefits if practiced continually. Fasting, especially intermittent fasting, can provide a balanced lifestyle as well since it helps your body “eat” the extra fat and give your body the excess of true energy that it needs. These benefits will only work on these diets if you are eating well nutritional meals though. If doing both of these diets, then you are only creating a healthier lifestyle for yourself and can lose the weight, even maintain it, for your purposes.
Cranston, George. “The Pros and Cons of Fasting.” HealthGuidance, 21AD, www.healthguidance.org/entry/15649/1/The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Fasting.html.
Group DC, Edward. “5 Facts about Calorie Restriction.” Dr. Group’s Healthy Living Articles, Global Healing Center, Inc, 16 Oct. 2014, www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/5-facts-about-calorie-restriction/.
Fung, Jason. “Intermittent Fasting for Beginners – The Complete Guide – Diet Doctor.” Diet
