Starving yourself won’t lead to an effective weight loss

If you've been following various fitness experts on the internet, you've likely come across the popular notion of "calories in versus calories out" as the primary method for shedding pounds. While this idea does hold some truth, it fails to encompass the full spectrum of healthy and sustainable approaches to achieve long-term weight loss. Hence in this blog, we'll delve into why resorting to starvation is an unwise choice for weight loss and explore healthier strategies to achieve your weight goal.

Does starvation help in reducing body fat?

Using a starvation approach for weight loss offers only temporary solutions to a problem that demands long-term strategies. Rather than promoting fat loss, it forces the body to break down lean muscle mass, lean tissue, and even weaken bones.

How starving affects your body?

When you deprive your body of adequate food by starving yourself, its survival mechanisms may adjust to cope with the significant calorie deficits.

Slower metabolism:

In prolonged calorie deprivation, the body relies on fat stores for energy and uses muscle and skeletal tissue as secondary sources. It responds by lowering resting metabolic rate to conserve energy.

Body doesn’t work efficiently:

Subjecting your body to starvation creates an undesirable and unhealthy state that it strongly desires to escape from. This state can manifest as brittle nails and hair, a compromised immune system, menstrual cycle irregularities or cessation, delayed wound healing, premature aging, and weakened bones. To function optimally, your body requires an adequate calorie intake, and it will strive to regain weight and restore health as swiftly as it can.

Harmful for your mental health:

Adopting a starvation-based dieting approach can potentially trigger the development of disordered eating behaviors, including food restriction, anxiety about food choices, an unhealthy attitude towards eating, excessive exercise, and an obsession with body weight and size.

Opting for healthier weight loss tips:

Instead of jeopardizing your well-being in pursuit of weight loss, it is wiser to embrace healthy and sustainable habits.

Aim for a small calorie deficit of 10-20%, which is sustainable and manageable.

Increase physical activity with a combination of strength training and cardio for at least 200 minutes per week.

Incorporate strength training to preserve and build muscle tissue during weight loss, boosting metabolism.

Limit processed foods and prioritize whole, minimally processed meals that are lower in calories and higher in protein, fiber, and healthy fats for increased fullness.

Consume more protein to help preserve muscle tissue during a calorie deficit.

Hydrate, opt for water, flavored water, coffee, and tea over sugary beverages and energy drinks to reduce sugar and calorie intake.

Practice gradual weight loss of about 1-2 pounds per week for a healthy and sustainable approach.

Go slow and easy on your body, introduce new healthy habits slowly to enhance adherence to weight loss goals.

Bottom Line:

Resisting the urge to starve yourself is crucial for your body's well-being. Prolonged starvation slows metabolism, hampers bodily functions, affects mental health, and often leads to weight regain. Seek assistance from a health professional to cultivate healthy eating habits.