The FastDay Forum

Just heard this story on NPR this morning, after I was convinced the "breakfast is healthy" thing was a myth! But at least they did have someone say in the story if you don't wake up hungry don't force it and just increase your calories by eating a breakfast you wouldn't normally eat.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/0 ... T-IS-RISKY

So what does this mean for intermittent fasting??

Without even reading the article I will say that I still don't get why some people insist that skipping breakfast has a relation to IF or 5:2. One can do both, I know I do, my mum does and my only real life friend who is on 5:2 has more calories for breaky than for lunch or dinner...

I tend to listen to my body. My body likes breakfast and I provide it. I wouldn't force an adult to have breakfast if they don't fancy one (yes, I would rather if my child/teenager had breakfast) and I don't see why one would force themselves to not have it just for the sake of kickstarting hunger and blah blah blah. Hunger is more likely to come if we don't eat, not when we do.

OK, and now that I've read it...
The diabetes argument makes absolute sense.

We are all different and I never eat breakfast as I am never hungry in the mornings so no change for me but if you want breakfast then have it

Ballerina x

[Betsysgr8]

The comments are quite amusing and a bit enlightening. I will continue to eat breakfast when I'm hungry and wait if I'm not. Besides they don't say WHEN is breakfast, first thing when you wake up? or a few to several hours later? Everybody breaks-fast some earlier and some later.

[Betsysgr8]

OK, and now that I've read it...
The diabetes argument makes absolute sense.

The statement about diabetes is absolutely mistaken and possibly a mis-quote or mis-print.

Personally, I am a breakfast eater, which is probably why 16:8 doesn't work for me. But I agree, if you are not naturally hungry I wouldn't start eating breakfast because of this study! It is interesting how the research is showing how "when" you eat can make a difference. But there are SOOO many factors to consider. Hopefully more studies will follow.

OK, and now that I've read it...
The diabetes argument makes absolute sense.

The statement about diabetes is absolutely mistaken

Why? All people with diabetes are instructed to never skip breakfast. I still remember a friend of mine -when I was a round 16- falling down in the classroom because she decided to start a diet without consulting her doctor. She had skipped breakfast that morning which was unacceptable with her condition (she was diabetic).

Betsysgr8, I completely agree, I think it is probably a mis-print or mis-quote.

The article goes: [Cahill says when you prolong fasting by skipping breakfast you can put a strain on the body. "And over many years ... it can lead to insulin sensitivity, which can lead to [type-2] diabetes, [and] it can lead to high blood pressure," she says, which over time can lead to heart disease.]

Of course those who actually have diabetes are not encouraged to fast as they need to keep their blood sugar levels steady.

However, the quote about diabetes from this article suggests that fasting for longer than between a traditional dinner and breakfast can lead to developing type 2 diabetes. The problem, according to this quote is not at what time of day you break your fast but prolonging the fast, "When you prolong fasting by skipping breakfast" Many of us here on the forum do fast completely for longer than 12 hours, whether or not we do it every day and the research that Dr Mosley and others cite shows this to be beneficial in the case of diabetes risks.

The quote talks about insulin sensitivity, which in the research is actually linked to a reduced risk of diabetes. It is, in fact, insulin resistance which can lead to developing diabetes. Dr Mosley cites some research which links fasting to lower risk of diabetes and one scientific review in the British Journal of Diabetes and Vascular Disease published by SAGE (April 26, 2013), suggests that fasting diets may help those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, alongside established weight loss claims.

I firmly believe in everyone listening to their own body and what it's telling you. I certainly don't see any hugely conclusive research either way on the breakfast/no breakfast argument.

[Betsysgr8]

TML13, type 2 diabetics are insulin resistant not sensitive. As @Curiouser&curiouser has explained and @carorees and others have posted many articles and studies showing that fasting is beneficial to type 2 diabetics. What is NOT beneficial is skipping a meal when you are on medication especially insulin injections without consulting with your medical advisor and adjusting medications accordingly.

As to your friend, since you were 16, it's likely she is/was type 1 diabetic which is a whole different kettle of fish when it comes to treatment, eating regular and fasting.

Yes but don't specialists advise against skipping meals? And if you do skip breakfast won't you go against their advice?

[Betsysgr8]

They advice to not skip meals so that the medication they put you on for type 2 diabeties will not cause your blood sugar to drop but if you are mindful and test regular and know your body it's needs and triggers, there are many that can fast safely.

Perhaps I'm thick but we know that we can both fast and not skip meals. We can do both, so why go against medical advice?