Warning: This article contains discussion of dietary habits which some readers may find distressing.
A TikToker has delved into the realities of ‘intermittent dieting,’ sparking a discussion on the practice. Navigating the realm of healthy eating can be bewildering, with numerous guidelines on what you should or shouldn’t do, making it challenging to decide which advice to follow.
Ultimately, the goal is to find an approach that ensures safety and health for your body.
If ‘intermittent fasting’ has caught your attention—some individuals practice it by skipping breakfast—it’s crucial to understand both perspectives.
A TikToker by the name of Wintertok7 shared insights on April 20 about the effects of ‘skipping breakfast,’ in the context of the eating style known as ‘intermittent fasting.’
He detailed: “Let’s imagine at 8:00pm you are completely done eating for the night which technically means your fast would start at 8:00pm.
“Four hours later, at midnight, your blood sugar would be normalized.
“When you wake up at 6:00am, your digestive system has completely reset.
“When you finally roll out of bed, you’re going to skip your cereal, your bagel, you’re not going to go to Dunkin’ or Starbucks, you’re just not going to eat anything.”
“By 8:00am, your fat burning is going to kick in and your HGH production is going to go up.
“By 10:00am, your body has really ramped up the fat burning process – and if you went to workout in the morning, it’s even better – your body is literally beginning to eat your love handles for breakfast.”
The TikToker suggests that breaking your fast 16 hours later, around 12:00pm, with a meal high in protein, fat, and fiber will prevent a spike in blood sugar and insulin, allowing you to maintain fat-burning mode.
While Healthline indicates potential health benefits to fasting, some experts have cautioned against this practice.
Nicci Roscoe, an expert in holistic wellbeing and Master NLP Practitioner, emphasized the importance of starting the day with a proper breakfast, no matter how busy you are.
She stated: “Eating breakfast helps to kickstart your metabolism and stave off cravings, and it needn’t be an elaborate affair.”
However, she concurs with the TikToker on prioritizing protein, minimizing sugar intake, and being cautious with caffeinated beverages.
Rather than eliminating certain foods, she encourages moderation and mindfulness—eating when you are ‘present in the moment’ rather than ‘eating on autopilot’ or when ‘distracted,’ suggesting to turn off the TV while eating.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this article and wish to seek support, contact the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). Their free hotline is available at 1(888)-375-7767, Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm CST.