Trying to lose weight is hard work. You need to plan meals and snacks, and make a big effort to avoid situations that trigger more eating and drinking than youd planned. Dieting can also be very antisocial. But what if you could speed up weight loss, spend less time dieting, with the promise of better results? This is where fasting diets come in.

What is a fasting diet?

Intermittent fasting is the broad name for diets when you fast to some degree on some, but not all, days of the week; you eat normally on the other days.

On fast days, the kilojoule (energy) restriction is severe, at about 25% of what you would normally eat. This is only 2,000 to 3,000 kilojoules a day. An average person needs around 8,700 kilojoules a day (depending on body size and activity level) to maintain their current body weight.

To lose between one quarter and half a kilogram a week you would need to reduce your energy intake by 2,000 kilojoules a day. Over a whole week, this is equivalent to cutting back total energy intake by 14,000 kilojoules. Fasting diets compress this 14,000 kilojoule reduction into fewer days of dieting. In practical terms, this means that you reduce your intake by so much on a couple of days, you do not to be so strict on the other days.

Depending on the type of fasting diet, you focus all your weight loss efforts into sticking to the severe restriction for either two days a week (as in the 5:2 diet) or every second day (for three to four days days a week), as in alternate-day fasting. Another variation is the 16-hour overnight fast where eating is restricted every day to an eight-hour window, such as 11am to 7pm. Across all types of intermittent energy restrictions diets, we dont know the longer-term benefits or harms.

Any intermittent fasting approach will work if you can tolerate the hunger pains and stick to it. Sounds easy, but it is a very hard thing to do and for many it is not realistic. When you are fasting, your body thinks there is a famine and will try to get you to eat. The idea is that by including non-fasting periods, when you eat what you want, you may feel less like you are on a diet, and that makes it easier to stick to.

Even though fasting dieters are told to eat what they feel like on non-fast days, most do not get a compensatory increase in appetite. In other words, they do not over-eat, but just eat normally on non-fast days. So they reduce their total kilojoule intake over the whole week.

How about very low energy diets?

A specific type of continuous (every day) fasting diet is called a protein sparing modified fast or a very low energy diet. These limit you to 1,800 to 2,500 kilojoules a day, every day. They use products called formulated meal replacements, in the form of milkshakes or snack bars to replace most meals and snacks. These are supplemented with vitamins and minerals to meet the bodys nutrient needs.

Such very low energy programs usually include one small meal that contains a couple of cups of vegetables (to boost fibre and nutrient intakes), a small amount of oil (to keep the gall bladder working) and sometimes a fibre supplement (to manage constipation). These are reserved for when you need to lose weight urgently for health reasons or ahead of surgery.

Continuous fasting using these very low energy diets is associated with a reduction in hunger. This is thought to be due to the production of molecules called ketones that cross the blood-brain barrier (from the brains bloodstream into its tissues) and reduce appetite.

Do fasting diets work?

Intermittent fasting diets that last for at least six months help people lose weight. However, they are no more effective than other dietary approaches that restrict your kilojoule intake every day, but not so severely as a fast.

Consistent with this result, a study published last week randomised 100 adults to either alternate-day fasting, a continuous energy restriction diet, or to no intervention, for six months. They were followed for another six months after that. There was no difference in weight loss between the diet groups after a year.

And a review that compared behavioural interventions for weight management to those that also included very low energy diets found very low energy approaches achieved slightly greater weight loss for up to two years.

Who should not try a fasting diet?

Fasting diets are not for everyone. People with major medical problems, or taking a range of medications including insulin, should not go on them, unless under medical supervision; they are not suitable for children, in pregnancy or for people with eating disorders; and they may exacerbate some mental health conditions.

Fasting diets can also have side-effects. The more days you spend fasting, the more likely you are to have them. Side-effects can include constipation, headaches, bad breath, gall bladder disease, gout and liver inflammation.

So, before starting a weight loss diet, see your doctor for a check-up. When you need more support to improve your eating habits, or the diet you were following stops working, you need to try another approach. That is a good time to also get advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

What is the best diet for weight loss?

The best diet to help you achieve a healthy weight is one you can stick with. It should also help you feel better and be healthier.

By making improvements to your usual eating habits, that you can live with permanently, you will drop some weight. It might not be your dream weight, but it is likely to be realistic. It might not sound sexy, but its true.

Disclosure

Clare Collins is affiliated with the Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, the University of Newcastle, NSW. She is an NHMRC Senior Research fellow. She has received a range of research grants including NHMRC, ARC, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Meat and Livestock Australia, Diabetes Australia, the Heart Foundation. She has consulted to SHINE Australia, Novo Nordisk, Quality Bakers and the Sax Institute. She is a spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia on some specific nutrition issues, including Australia's Healthy Weight Week.

Human Life Could Be Extended Indefinitely, Study Suggests

Goosebumps, tears and tenderness: what it means to be moved

Are over-the-counter painkillers a waste of money?

Does an anomaly in the Earth's magnetic field portend a coming pole reversal?

Immunotherapy: Training the body to fight cancer

Do vegetarians live longer? Probably, but not because they're vegetarian

Could a contraceptive app be as good as the pill?

Some scientific explanations for alien abduction that aren't so out of this world

Society actually does want policies that benefit future generations

Six cosmic catastrophes that could wipe out life on Earth

Big Pharma Starts Using Cannabis For Making Drugs In Earnest

Do you need to worry if your baby has a flat head?

Read more:
What are fasting diets and do they help you lose weight - EconoTimes

This past Saturday, May 6th, was International No Diet Day and we were here for it! All across the world, fat babes joinedin to party and rally for INDD, the annual celebration of fat liberation and body diversity. The focus of INDD is to promote a lifestyle of positivity which does not revolve around the pressure of scales and dieting.

Related: Dear Virgie: How Do I Call People Out For Their Fatphobia/Healthism?

Rejecting diets shouldnt be such a revolutionary act, but in a culture that glorifies thinness and Eurocentric beauty standards, how could it be anything but? Dieting can be a yo-yo journey based on ego rather than actual fact and real, lasting lifestyle modifications including the journey to self-love from within. According to The Institute of Medicine, those who complete weight-loss programs lose approximately 10 percent of their body weight only to regain two-thirds within a year and almost all of it within five years. This diet industry counts on this, banking approximately $60 BILLION dollars each year.

Started in 1992, the first International No Diet Day was created by a group of feminist from the UK. Now, it is celebrated across the world.

We interviewed fat liberation activist Crystal Newman of Fat Positive Louisville, a fat activist group based in Louisville, Kentucky. Newman worked hard to bring a fat positive celebration to Louisville this year during the ultra-visible Derby Days and hopefully many more to come.

Crystal Newman of Fat Positive Louisville.

Wear Your Voice: What inspired you to get involved in the fat liberation movement? Crystal Newman: I got inspired to participatein the fat liberation movement because I realized that being fat impacted multiple facets of my life in impactful ways, other than how I felt about myself. I realized that being fat was more than playground bullying in school. Fat impacts how people treat you at work, in interpersonal relationships, navigating transportation, and getting resources whether its for fashion or resources that impact your livelihood (like the healthcare system).

WYV: How do you feel that the body positivity movement is dropping the ball? Where does fat lib pick it up? CN: The body positive movement is dropping the ball by skimming the surface and it further aids in the oppression of populations that need it most. I am a superfat, black, queer, disabled, non-binary femme and in many instances, all I see is white, able-bodied, small-to-mid fat cis-women represented. Even thin white women are forcing their way into these spaces and I see people like me silenced and pushed out.

Body positivity only skims the surface and only accepts bodies that fall under the Eurocentric ideal and the only way progress is being made is under the guise of consumerism, dog-eat-dog culture, lookism, and Whiteness. Even when I ran the group for two years, I found myself to be erased and silenced as I stood in the background doing the majority of the work.

True, fat liberation aligns itself with other social justice movements (anti-racism, anti-capitalism, disability justice, anti-homophobia, anti-transphobia and so much more) and I try my best to live my life under those principles. Fat liberation, I feel, brings more community. [In contrast, being] body positive [encourages] every person [to be] for themselves.

Crystal Newman of Fat Positive Louisville.

WYV: Why is No Diet Day important to you? How is Fat Positive Louisville celebrating it? CN: Its important to me because Ive been fat shamed and encouraged to diet since elementary school. I got bullied a lot in school for my weight. I grew up into a fat adult and developed mental illness and eating disorders. I endured weight discrimination at work. While undergoing trauma therapy, I realized THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY BODY. Weight bias and discrimination is wrong.

Once I realized that the day was coming up and I was able to gather up a few spoons, I made this day a priority. Additionally, May 6th is also Kentucky Derby in Kentucky, so I didnt want to just celebrate by myself. I wanted Louisville, KY, the whole state, and the WHOLE COUNTRY to celebrate with me! Against the advice of a few loved ones, I said that Im going to involve my organization Fat Positive Louisville cause this is a once a year thing. I want to nurture the child in me that says every dream is possible. So I painted a picture, involved a few close friends, and said, We are doing this online campaign and here we are!

WYV: How would you like to see it embraced within the fat community? CN: I would like to see No Diet Day a day that fat folks can love on one another and bring back the community in fat community. Hold each others hands (with consent) and let each other know that we had a vision over 40 years ago. WE can stick to this and we can make an impact.

WYV: If you could tell the world one thing about fat oppression, what would it be? CN: Its not just a fat persons job to end their own oppression. EVERYBODY needs to do the work. Stop holding on to the biases and prejudices that influence oppression. Stop keeping silent cause you feel like you dont have many people on your side. If you KNOW ITS WRONG, fight it. Dont let oppression happen.

View original post here:
Fighting Fatphobia: Fat Positive Louisville's Crystal Newman Talks International No Diet Day - Wear Your Voice

In news that will shock no one, Pippa Middleton reportedly is hitting the gym hard and strictly adhering to a diet in advance of her May 20 wedding. According to E! News, the 33-year-old, set to marry hedge fund manager James Matthews, has been attending hour-and-15-minute Pilates classes at the exclusive KX Gym in Londons Chelsea, and sticking to the Sirtfood diet, created by health consultants Aidan Goggins and Glen Matten. (Adele and a bunch of other Brits weve never heard of also reportedly are fans.)

So what is the Sirtfood diet, anyway? And should you be doing it? Here's the lowdown.

What is the Sirtfood diet?

Research shows that certain foods contain chemicals called polyphenols, which stress out cells so much they stimulate your sirtuin genes, which go into fasting mode and control metabolism and trigger weight loss. Such foods include kale (of course), blueberries, capers, extra virgin olive oil, onions, and walnuts, to name a few, but also indulgences like dark chocolate and red wine (!).

OK, you had me at red wine. How does it work?

For the first three days of the diet, you are only allowed Sirtfood green juices and one full meal made up of approved Sirtfoods, for a grand total of 1,000 calories a day. After the initial phase, you can increase caloric intake to 1,500 calories by having two green juices and two Sirtfood-rich meals a day.

Sounds doable. Whats the catch?

The diet not only restricts calories, it also limits what you can eat. I never recommend completely removing foods from my clients lives because it never ends well, says Tracy Lockwood, a celebrity registered dietitian and founder of Tracy Lockwood Nutrition in New York. She recounts how whenever her clients complete a quick fix diet, they tell her how they celebrated their success with pizza and fries. Now, that doesnt make sense! she says.

Still, Ill lose weight on the Sirtfood diet, wont I?

Any weight loss you do experience on this diet likely isnt real, Lockwood says. The initial weight loss may be related to fluid loss, so its going to eventually come backand then somewhen people go back to their regular eating patterns, she says.

But how bad could eating kale, blueberries, and walnuts all day every day really be? Is the Sirtfood diet safe?

Not at all, says Lockwood. Anyone who is looking to lose weight wont effectively and safely do so by putting themselves in such a severe caloric deficit, she says. And this diet can cause disordered eating habits due to the restrictive nature of the calories and lack of essential macronutrients.

Whats more, maintaining such a diet long-term is near impossible for most folks, unless your sister is a princess and youre about to marry a millionaire. Instead, Lockwood advises, I would encourage people to simply incorporate foods that are high in sirtuins in their existing balanced diet rather than adopt this one.

It seems Middleton herself would even agree. I grew up with the belief that good health is about moderation in all things, she wrote for Britains Waitrose Weekend magazine back in 2014. So Ill be celebrating healthy living through exercise, a balanced diet, and a little of the naughty stuff sprinkled in.

The Feast is Bravo's home for the biggest, boldest, most crave-worthy eating experiences. Want more? Then Like us on Facebook to stay connected to our daily updates.

Read the rest here:
What Exactly Is the Sirtfood Diet, and Why Is Pippa Middleton On It? (Spoiler: You Can Drink Red Wine!) - Bravo (blog)

HARLINGEN Have you ever heard of the gluten free diet?

Would you like to learn more about the gluten free diet and how it is essential for people with celiac disease?

Harlingen Medical Center and Texas State Technical College are teaming up for the Celiac Disease Awareness 5k Run 1M Walk & Education Expo, scheduled for Saturday, May 20, at the TSTC Campus in Harlingen from 7 a.m. to noon.

Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder that is triggered by eating gluten. Gluten is the sticky protein found in flour.

It is also found in products that come from wheat, barley or grain. When a celiac patient eats food that contains gluten, it triggers a reaction in the body and the immune system attacks the small intestine.

This causes symptoms of pain, bloating, chronic diarrhea, weight loss and foggy thinking.

Over time, this damage to the small intestine can lead to anemia (low blood count), vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis (thin, brittle bones), infertility, lactose intolerance, nerve damage, increased risk of several malignancies and early death.

Celiac disease is a serious disorder with severe long term complications.

However, most people who have celiac disease are unaware that their symptoms are due to celiac disease.

Celiac affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide. In the United States alone, 2.5 million Americans have celiac disease and are not diagnosed.

There is a huge unmet need for awareness for celiac disease in the Rio Grande Valley, said Jason Phillips, MD, who is a local gastroenterologist who treats patients with celiac disease. As many as 13,000 people have celiac disease in the Valley and the vast majority are not aware that they have this treatable disorder.

They simply put up with the symptoms or blame their symptoms on something else such as food poisoning.

We wanted to create a Valley-wide event that brought attention and education to this relatively common but under-diagnosed disorder to help people get tested and started on treatment with the gluten free diet.

The mainstay of treatment is a strict gluten free diet.

A gluten free diet avoids all foods that contain wheat flour or traces of flour.

The gluten free diet is a very challenging diet to follow because it requires 100 percent commitment in order to relieve the symptoms of celiac disease.

Unlike other diets, if you cheat on a gluten free diet and have celiac disease, all of the celiac symptoms return for days to weeks.

This creates a huge challenge for patients when they eat out or visit relatives because even the smallest amount of gluten can trigger a reaction.

Many of these patients simply prepare all of their own meals at home, which can lead to social isolation.

We also want this event to be a launching platform to create a Gluten Free support group for the Rio Grande Valley, said Dr. Phillips. We want to be able to reach out to restaurants and help educate them on how to prepare their food safely for a strict gluten free diet.

The expo provides the Valley with an opportunity to learn about gluten free cooking and sample local vendors that already provide food for a gluten free diet.

Ultimately, we want to help people feel better to improve their lives through education and advocacy, he said.

There will also be an Education Expo featuring focused lectures from Gastroenterology physicians who are specialists that diagnose and treat celiac disease.

There will be talks about gluten free cooking from Brandy Rivera, MS, RD, LD (dietician) and Chef Marcel Fortuin (McAllen Culinary Academy) about the gluten free food.

Local vendors will be present to educate the public on products and menus already available in select restaurants and grocery stores.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: 1st Celiac Disease Awareness 5K run/1 mile walk and Education Expo

WHERE: Texas State Technical College campus, 1902 N. Loop 499, Harlingen

WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for the run/walk. 9 a.m. to noon for the Education Expo

WHY: To raise funds and awareness for Celiac Disease sufferers

MORE: For additional information regarding the Harlingen Medical Center and Texas State Technical College Celiac Disease Awareness 5k Run 1M Walk & Education Expo, please contact the Marketing Department at Harlingen Medical Center at (956) 365-1848 or at mchacon@primehealthcare.com.

Did you know?

In the Rio Grande Valley, there could be as many 13,000 people living with celiac disease and unaware.

Timeline for the day

Saturday, May 20

H 7 a.m. - On-site Registration and Free Medical Screenings

H 8:00 a.m. - 5k Run, non-competitive

H 8:10 a.m. 1 mile Walk, non-competitive

H 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Education Expo (free)

The event will also feature activities for children and families.

How to enter the race/walk

Entering the Harlingen Medical Center and Texas State Technical College Celiac Disease 5k Run 1M Walk & Education Expo, as a participant, is as simple as completing the on-line registration form available at the award-winning and nationally recognized hospitals website at http://www.harlingenmedicalcenter.com.

On the home page, simply scroll down and you will see the icon for the event on the right-hand side.

It will direct you to the registration webpage.

You may also register by requesting a hardcopy registration form at mchacon@primehealthcare.com.

The cost of participation

Children (under 17) - $15

Adults - $25

TSTC Students - $10

HMC & TSTC Employees - $10

There is no charge to only attend the expo.

There are sponsorships opportunities for the event. Contact HMC.

Read more here:
Harlingen Medical Center, TSTC host Run/Walk, Expo to bring awareness to celiac disease - Valley morning Star

Cyril the coeliac duck hates bread. He's surrounded by it on an almost daily basis. Countless well-meaning passers-by chuck huge lumps of the stuff at him and he smiles politely, to the extent that his beak allows, declines (because it will make him ill), and goes about his day, hungrily. He doesn't think his food rut will ever end.

But then, standing on the bridge over his beloved pond, he spots his favourite type of person; someone who knows that bread is bad for ducks. Along with his friends, Sophie and Sam, Cyril flocks to this well-informed maverick who is generously doling out corn, grapes, lettuce and peas - all things that ducks love and can safely eat. This man, is part of something that's going to change the world, the Gluten Freevolution.

You see, Cyril isn't alone on the gluten free diet, far from it. In fact, he's part of a market worth 100million a year and made up of more than 1.3 million people, and at least one duck. Cyril isn't afraid to praise the people who provide him with safe gluten free options, and he certainly doesn't mind spending his hard-earned money in establishments where he's enjoyed himself and eaten safely, and to which he's become loyal.

Cyril is representative of a very real, and very large group of people. These people want to see gluten free on more menus, especially in independent establishments. They want to see gluten free options, whether packaged or fresh, in every venue where you would expect to find their gluten containing counterparts. They want different types of food to be more accessible to those on the gluten free diet, especially Asian cuisines. And they want eating out, or on the go, to be an easier, safer, and more rewarding proposition for every person in the UK on a gluten free diet.

Despite the light-hearted nature of the Gluten Freevolution, there is a very serious message. People diagnosed with coeliac disease need to maintain a strict gluten free diet for life if they are to avoid complications such as osteoporosis, infertility and although rare, small bowel cancer. This isn't simply a food choice.

Don't delay, get your duck flag flying today and become part of the Gluten Freevolution. We need quacktivists like you to help build a better world for people on the gluten free diet. So, waddle over to the Coeliac UK website for an intro-duck-tion video from Cyril and his friends, and find out more about coeliac disease, the gluten free diet and the future of the food industry.

Coeliac UK Awareness Week 2017

Original post:
Ignoring The Gluten Free Market Is Absolutely Quackers - HuffPost UK