Calorie intake during fasting
While fasting, you will optimally be consuming very few calories, depending on the chosen method. Some people even opt to undertake water fasting, which essentially means you will consume nothing but water during the fasting period. However, this can often be unhealthy and, in some cases, even dangerous. Learn more about water fasting.
In the minds of many, this creates the greatest calorie deficit, as every calorie you burn will not be compensated with a calorie consumed. As the body is not gaining any energy, it is forced to find new energy reserves within the body. This is when the body turns to fat reserves. However, if the body feels it is in starvation mode from not receiving any calories through food, it may even start to consume muscles or cause unnecessary stress to vital organs. Not only that, you are not only depriving your body of calories, but of nutrients and electrolytes that allow vital functions to continue while fasting.
Risks of refeeding
If fasting is not done with proper supervision of a medical professional or expert, you also run health risks when reintroducing food to your body. Through the body’s perceived starvation, the abrupt changes to electrolyte balances and calorie intake can cause the body to experience refeeding syndrome, as additional stress is put on organs and internal systems.