FASTING WHILE DIETING DURING LENT

 

As we are in the lent period, many of us who have been working on shedding the extra pounds are looking at a potential disruption in our well-crafted meal routines, fasting.  But does fasting really have to take our wellness plans off course? 

How do believers fast during the 40 days of lent? 

Over the years, denominations and cultures there have been many variations of fasting: 

1. All animal products are strictly forbidden, essentially a vegan diet, in other cases, fish or, fish and chicken are permitted. 
2. Some denominations prohibited fruit and eggs, while others will allow only bread. 
3. Only one full meal a day and that’s around noon. 
4. There are versions which allow what’s called a collation which is a smaller evening meal, and morning meal of a cup of a beverage, with a little bread. 
5. More commonly the observant will abstain from food for the day, until the mid-afternoon or evening. 

 

The problem with going on a fast during lent while on a fat loss diet. 

Fasting for nutritional purposes and wellness goals have reportedly worked amazingly for many individuals. It promotes your cell regeneration and supports weight management. It also helps build mental sharpness and assists in endocrine regulation. However, we are speaking specifically of fasting for other purposes, as in fasting for lent.

A proper fat loss diet is designed to do several things such as maintain a negative caloric intake resulting in the utilizing of fat stores for energy. It also provides a positive nitrogen balance for the preservation of all important energy burning and activity sustaining muscle mass and provides the nutrients required for the body’s proper functions. It also balances the meals to best reduce the spiking of insulin levels. 

How does Lent affect my fat loss diet?

Keeping in mind, we are speaking specifically about those of us who are already on a fat loss diet, let’s examine how fasting may affect these individuals.  

While fasting, the deviation from the planned balanced nutritional regimen can often undo the benefit of building new healthy habits and routines. The daily cravings may escalate to the point that the observant will seek to compensate for the self-denial with the highest calorie food available.  This is the most natural thing to do, but it’s also the most detrimental as it will likely reignite old habits. 

The possibly reduced protein intake can result in a loss of muscle mass, since muscle burns fuel. On average, the observant will be burning even less fuel daily than before the fast. That means as they continue their fat loss efforts it is likely that they’ll have to ingest even less calories per day to continue losing. Otherwise, they may even gain weight with their original diet. 

 

In many fasts the reduction of proteins for some lent observants is often compensated for with increased cravings for carbohydrates. The less frequent meals in some cases can also result in larger servings of carbohydrates, spiking insulin levels, promoting fat storage and further cravings. 

When you put all these together it is not a surprise that most people do not actually lose weight and keep it off because of this type of fasting. 

 

So, How do you fast while dieting?

If you are attempting to reduce your body fat and are planning to fast you should 

1. Stick to a plan, as always planning your meals ahead of time is the best way to manage your cravings and habits 

2. Make your meals as close to your fat loss diet as possible, you want to keep building on the wellness enforcing habits you have been working on  

3. Maintain your protein intake. With most of these fasts animal proteins may be restricted. However, if one animal source is prohibited, use what is available. If all animal sources are banned then seek  out plant-based proteins. These are readily available in packaged forms in stores or can be obtained from peas and beans. Have protein with every available meal. Ingesting proteins will reduce  cravings and support a positive balance for muscle retention. 

4. Consult with your diet’s coach, your nutritionist/dietitian or/and a support group. Never just go silent and attempt to navigate these changes on your own. Doing so, often doesn’t work well for your goals. 

With knowledge and help you should be able to easily navigate any fasting commitments, gaining the benefits that your convictions provide you while maintaining and continuing your goals for a healthier you.