Dieting or Fasting: Whats the difference?

Dieting and fasting are two popular methods for weight loss and maintaining healthy lifestyles. They are both effective in their ways while having some significant differences. Both have benefits and drawbacks, which we will explore in this article.

 

First, let’s understand what dieting is all about. Dieting is a controlled way of eating food with a specific nutritional content in order to achieve certain health goals. These goals can range from weight loss to improving overall well-being. When we diet, we limit our calorie count and make sure we eat only nutritious foods. The most common diets are keto, paleo, vegan, and low-carb.

 

On the other hand, fasting is a phenomenon that involves either abstaining from food altogether or restricting food intake for a specific period of time. It is a method that dates back to ancient times and is commonly used as a religious ritual. Fasting has gained popularity in recent years because of its numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved heart health, and an increased lifespan.

 

Now that we understand what dieting and fasting mean, it’s time to explore their differences and similarities. One of the main differences is the approach to food intake. While fasting involves periods of complete or partial food abstinence, dieting is more about controlling what we eat and how much we eat.

 

Another difference is that fasting is more challenging to maintain compared to dieting. This is because fasting requires intense discipline and commitment because it involves long periods of hunger. Dieting, on the other hand, is a more flexible and gradual way to achieve health goals because it can be easily customized to suit individual schedules and preferences.

 

However, both dieting and fasting have some things in common. Both of them can lead to weight loss and improved health, provided they are undertaken correctly. In fact, a recent study discovered that dieting can lead to an 8.5-kg weight loss, while fasting can lead to a weight loss of approximately 5-kg within a short period of time.

 

Furthermore, both dieting and fasting have significant health benefits. Dieting can lead to improved blood glucose control, better heart health, and reduced inflammation. Research also shows that dieting helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

 

Similarly, fasting has been found to be beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and enhancing heart health. It also promotes cellular repair and helps protect against chronic diseases.

 

While both fasting and dieting are useful ways to promote weight loss, it is vital to choose the method that best suits your health goals, personality, and lifestyle. Some people may prefer the gradual subsistence approach of dieting, while others may prefer the intense and challenging nature of fasting.

 

In conclusion, I would recommend that you learn more about the differences between dieting and fasting and choose the approach that is best for you. Furthermore, always consult your healthcare provider before initiating any specific diet or fasting regimen to ensure it meets your nutritional needs. Lastly, here are some useful references for further reading:

 

1. The Complete Guide to Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting, Dr. Jason Fung

2. The Ultimate Guide to Intermittent Fasting: The Science and the Practice, Dr. Jason Fung

3. The Ketogenic Diet for Weight Loss: All You Need to Know About Keto by Dr. Josh Axe

4. The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Food You Were Designed to Eat by Dr. Loren Cordain