I'll be interested to learn what the proponents of IF regard as flaws in the study and other reasons to disregard its findings.
"I have so much more energy," is what the people I know doing IF like most about it. They say part of the reason for this is when the body spends less time digesting and processing food, it simply functions more efficiently, assuming an adequate amount of calories and nutrients are consumed during the eating window.
Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, is very common in seniors, and one of the primary culprits is protein deficiency, making IF especially tricky for this demographic.
As I pointed out in the video, I tried it for a few months and actually hated it. And I didn’t experience a lot of success with it. What I disliked most is that I felt hungry a lot and that’s just not a great feeling. So I was grumpier. It just wasn’t a great fit for me or my schedule. Now I eat normally and more healthily throughout the day, hit the gym frequently and walk 7-10 miles daily. As a result, I’m leaner than I’ve been in probably 40 years. Everybody is different. And while I’m sure there is validity on both sides of the IF argument, I do think more study needs to be done.
I suppose it boils down to, "If it's working for you, keep at it."
It's not unlike the soy protein debate that's been going on for years. The studies over here claim soy lowers testosterone levels and brings related health issues, while the studies over there seemingly disprove all those findings and demonstrate that soy is a healthy protein choice.
The safest bet is not to assume a "one size fits all" works for anything, including your diet. Just because it works well for your friend or looks good on paper, doesn't automatically mean it's good for you. Doing research before diving in head first is a good idea, but with a new eating program like this one, I guess a few people had to die before they could say "not recommended for people with heart conditions."
Personally, I think moderation is a good place to start; not too much of this, not too much of that.
That's too bad, but not surprising. Most studies that provided dietary advice 20 years ago have either being revised or outright disproven by now. So it's amazing that people still latch onto the next big trend with open arms to the point of insisting that others should follow the trend as well. Reading is believing.
Whether a study points to a magic bullet longevity solution or something requiring effort or sacrifice on our part, we should still be cautious and, perhaps, even take it with a grain of salt. I for one will always check in with my intuition before jumping on any bandwagon, regardless of how conclusive the study claims to be. Thanks for your post!
Thank you for that great comment! You hit the nail right on the head! Even though I was shocked by the results of this study, intermittent fasting just didn’t feel like a good fit for me when I tried it. I’ve since gone with common sense moderation and balance based on my own knowledge of how my body functions and reacts. That combined with my own customized exercise program has been nothing less than transformative and much more effective than my trial with intermittent fasting. We’re all different and we know our own bodies better than anyone else.
Such wise words. I'm glad to hear you say that. I wish more people were in tune with their bodies as you are. Maybe their efforts would then yield the kind of positive results you've experienced.
Well Street
I'll be interested to learn what the proponents of IF regard as flaws in the study and other reasons to disregard its findings.
"I have so much more energy," is what the people I know doing IF like most about it. They say part of the reason for this is when the body spends less time digesting and processing food, it simply functions more efficiently, assuming an adequate amount of calories and nutrients are consumed during the eating window.
Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, is very common in seniors, and one of the primary culprits is protein deficiency, making IF especially tricky for this demographic.
TMac
As I pointed out in the video, I tried it for a few months and actually hated it. And I didn’t experience a lot of success with it. What I disliked most is that I felt hungry a lot and that’s just not a great feeling. So I was grumpier. It just wasn’t a great fit for me or my schedule. Now I eat normally and more healthily throughout the day, hit the gym frequently and walk 7-10 miles daily. As a result, I’m leaner than I’ve been in probably 40 years. Everybody is different. And while I’m sure there is validity on both sides of the IF argument, I do think more study needs to be done.
TMac
Btw, more to your point, some experts question the accuracy of the methodology used in the study.
Well Street
I suppose it boils down to, "If it's working for you, keep at it."
It's not unlike the soy protein debate that's been going on for years. The studies over here claim soy lowers testosterone levels and brings related health issues, while the studies over there seemingly disprove all those findings and demonstrate that soy is a healthy protein choice.
Perhaps someday we'll have all the answers.
Slipstream
The safest bet is not to assume a "one size fits all" works for anything, including your diet. Just because it works well for your friend or looks good on paper, doesn't automatically mean it's good for you. Doing research before diving in head first is a good idea, but with a new eating program like this one, I guess a few people had to die before they could say "not recommended for people with heart conditions."
Personally, I think moderation is a good place to start; not too much of this, not too much of that.
TMac
Very well stated! So true! I have nothing to add. When I tried it, I didn’t feel it was a good fit for me so I gave it up after a few months.
Evangel
That's too bad, but not surprising. Most studies that provided dietary advice 20 years ago have either being revised or outright disproven by now. So it's amazing that people still latch onto the next big trend with open arms to the point of insisting that others should follow the trend as well. Reading is believing.
Whether a study points to a magic bullet longevity solution or something requiring effort or sacrifice on our part, we should still be cautious and, perhaps, even take it with a grain of salt. I for one will always check in with my intuition before jumping on any bandwagon, regardless of how conclusive the study claims to be. Thanks for your post!
TMac
Thank you for that great comment! You hit the nail right on the head! Even though I was shocked by the results of this study, intermittent fasting just didn’t feel like a good fit for me when I tried it. I’ve since gone with common sense moderation and balance based on my own knowledge of how my body functions and reacts. That combined with my own customized exercise program has been nothing less than transformative and much more effective than my trial with intermittent fasting. We’re all different and we know our own bodies better than anyone else.
Evangel
Such wise words. I'm glad to hear you say that. I wish more people were in tune with their bodies as you are. Maybe their efforts would then yield the kind of positive results you've experienced.