Humans have practiced fasting for centuries as part of religious rituals, but the medical community has shunned it as risky and dangerous. Megan Ramos, along with her co-founder Dr. Jason Fung, have embarked on a mission to change all that. At IDMProgram.com, Megan and Jason counsel patients how to use fasting safely to help with weight loss, diabetes, management, and overall health promotion. They recently published a case series showing how they can help people get off their insulin in as few as five days! But fasting can be a double edged sword with significant potential risks of hypoglycemia, loss of lean muscle mass, and feeling awful. Megan helps us understand how to overcome those concerns so that we can benefit from fasting in a safe and sustainable manner.
Since I began a low carb, Intermittent Fasting program recommended by Dr. Fung last June, I have lost 37 1/2 pounds, reversed my Type 2 diabetes (A1C down from 12.2 to 6.5 in 3 months), and I am now nearing my initial goal weight (only 7 1/2 pounds to go). I have mostly been doing OMAD since August and it is working wonderfully well. My question is – once I reach my goal weight, would it be reasonable to modify my OMAD program to 16:8 and continue with the dietary guidelines? Many thanks.
Hi Suzanne. First of all, congrats on your amazing success! That is fantastic. As for your question, there is no absolute right answer. Everyone responds differently to OMAD, 18:6, 5:2 etc. You should ask yourself what your goals are, what you are missing living the way you are now, what you would gain by going 18:6, and then it comes down to individual experimentation. You can also find a qualified practitioner to work closely with you to make sure you are progressing appropriately and safely. Best of luck!