I am a member of LA Fitness in Marietta, Georgia and I saw an advertisement about you accepting email questions. I was wondering what you think about 16-8 fasting diet. My doctor told me about it. I’ve read a lot about it but it appears it’s just for obese people which I’m not. I need to lose about 10 to 15 pounds. Any advice would be much appreciated.
– Donna G.
From what I know of this variation of increasingly popular intermittent fasting, the 16-8 approach is strictly time based, with eating condensed into 8 hours after a 16 hour fast. Periodic fasting (time restricted feeding) allows one to forgo traditional calorie-counting in an attempt to reduce overall caloric intake. Successful long-term weight loss methods also incorporate routine food intake recording, weight monitoring and 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise.
Current articles show the following about intermittent fasting… In a small New Zealand study1 of 37 subjects with type 2 diabetes and obesity, 5:2 fasting over 12 weeks improved weight, HgA1C, fasting glucose, and reduced need for medication, though there were more hypoglycemic events. An even smaller pilot study2 on obese individuals following 16-8 fasting over 12 weeks resulted in lower systolic blood pressure, reduced daily intake by approximately 340 calories, and nearly 3% loss of body weight compared to controls. A Registered Dietitian’s review3 concluded that “There’s clear disagreement even among researchers on the benefits of fasting and which type of fasting would be best for which individuals,” yet “Fasting may be a viable weight loss option for obese individuals who can’t stick to a daily calorie restriction.”
The effect on normal-weight individuals is not known. See our previous answer to “Will intermittent fasting help me lose weight?” by clicking here.
References:
– Debbie J., MS, RD
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!
Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!
With so many sources offering nutrition advice, it’s hard to know what’s true. Even factual information can become distorted by the time it reaches you. Like a game of telephone, the message often changes as it’s passed along. Here, we debunk 5 common diet myths to...
Eating the right foods before a workout can make a significant difference in your performance and recovery. The goal is to provide your body with the energy it needs to perform at its best while minimizing muscle damage. Here’s a guide on what to eat before a...
If you’re careful with your nutrition, working out weekly, and still experiencing problems with your weight, take a moment to read this QA.
What are the recommended daily allowances for the areas below? For reference, I’m an LA Fitness member, a female aged 50, 135 lbs., and 5’6”.
– Loretta H.
If I were to create a profile with your age, height, weight, and gender in a decent diet analysis program, it would compare your food record to the following US RDAs [or alternative value] for women age 31-50 years, given in amounts per day:
– Debbie J., MS, RD
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!
Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!
With so many sources offering nutrition advice, it’s hard to know what’s true. Even factual information can become distorted by the time it reaches you. Like a game of telephone, the message often changes as it’s passed along. Here, we debunk 5 common diet myths to...
Eating the right foods before a workout can make a significant difference in your performance and recovery. The goal is to provide your body with the energy it needs to perform at its best while minimizing muscle damage. Here’s a guide on what to eat before a...
If you’re careful with your nutrition, working out weekly, and still experiencing problems with your weight, take a moment to read this QA.
I try to gain muscle by eating a lot. Unfortunately, I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. After joining LA Fitness, my weight has gone down and I’m still skinny. How can I grow some muscle so that I won’t scare people away due to looking like a skeleton? I appreciate you very much for your help!
– Kristine K.
Given your multiple conditions, you should consult with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for personalized advice according to your lab values and medications. If you choose to incorporate the following nutritional recommendations, do so only if you are under routine physician’s care for your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. These suggestions focus on nutrient density for muscle growth.
Include 1-2 tablespoon of raw nuts daily. Full of heart-healthy fats and calories with a little fiber, these won’t raise blood sugar or blood pressure. One ounce of almonds provides 164 calories.
Use tortillas instead of bread. Increased density without the pockets of air from leavened bread means more energy per bite. By turning to burritos or wraps in place of toast and sandwiches, you could add 100 calories to each meal (10-12” flour tortilla = ~220-350 Cals vs. 2 slices regular bread = 150 Cals).
Focus on potassium and energy-rich produce. Bananas, sweet potatoes, peas, and avocados are notably high in potassium which is important for proper fluid balance and thus blood pressure. Winter squash and beans are also significant plant sources with notable calories.
Increase eating sessions instead of volume. More frequent servings allow your body to better process your food without overload. By giving yourself a bonus low-sodium snack before bedtime, you can add calories without spiking your blood pressure and blood sugar.
Maximize your workouts. You’re not going to grow muscle tissue by eating alone! Muscles need a greater stress than they currently experience in order to increase in size and strength. Meet with a Pro Results® personal trainer for the best instruction on specific exercises to grow muscle.
– Debbie J., MS, RD
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!
Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!
With so many sources offering nutrition advice, it’s hard to know what’s true. Even factual information can become distorted by the time it reaches you. Like a game of telephone, the message often changes as it’s passed along. Here, we debunk 5 common diet myths to...
Eating the right foods before a workout can make a significant difference in your performance and recovery. The goal is to provide your body with the energy it needs to perform at its best while minimizing muscle damage. Here’s a guide on what to eat before a...
If you’re careful with your nutrition, working out weekly, and still experiencing problems with your weight, take a moment to read this QA.
I have trouble staying full between meals and while in class and at work. I usually reach for a lot of protein. I know I am consuming more than I need, but how much is too much? And what are some food ideas that can help me stay satisfied without a ton of protein? I would especially like some recipes with a lot of fiber. I am a 19-year-old woman and working with a trainer to build muscle and lose weight.
– Patricia C.
The US RDA for protein is only 46 grams for a 19-year-old woman of reference bodyweight (approx. 126 lbs.), based on 0.8 gm protein per kg, though individual requirements can vary from 0.5 gm/kg/d to 1.0 gm/kg/d. In an energy-balanced diet for weight maintenance, the recommended limit for protein is 35% of calories to reduce the risk of chronic disease. To allow caloric room for phytonutrients from plants, one should consider limiting animal protein to 6-8 oz. daily plus 1 cup cow’s milk product, depending on energy needs. Of course, you could meet all your protein needs from plant sources, too.
For higher fiber filling snacks without ‘a ton’ of protein try these portable suggestions: air-popped popcorn and cashews; freeze-dried corn, peas & carrots; soynuts; sugar snap peas; individual hummus tub, celery & carrot sticks; veggie chips; apple and peanut butter;
Don’t forget to start your day with a decent breakfast to stave off hunger throughout the day! If you base your first repast on oatmeal with nuts + dried fruit or home-fried potatoes with onions + peppers, then add a protein like eggs on the side, you’ll have a complete robust and balanced meal.
Resource:
– Debbie J., MS, RD
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!
Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!
With so many sources offering nutrition advice, it’s hard to know what’s true. Even factual information can become distorted by the time it reaches you. Like a game of telephone, the message often changes as it’s passed along. Here, we debunk 5 common diet myths to...
Eating the right foods before a workout can make a significant difference in your performance and recovery. The goal is to provide your body with the energy it needs to perform at its best while minimizing muscle damage. Here’s a guide on what to eat before a...
If you’re careful with your nutrition, working out weekly, and still experiencing problems with your weight, take a moment to read this QA.
I am a 29-year-old male, I’m fairly active, and would like to lose 5% of my body fat. I decided to start tracking my daily calories and set a goal of creating a 500-1,000 calorie-per-day deficit. I know that my resting metabolic rate is 1,850 calories and I’ve been tracking all my steps, exercises, and time spent at the gym to sum into my total calories OUT. Typically, I burn ~2,000+ to 2,500+ calories depending on the day. The problem has been that a 1,500 to 2,000 calorie diet usually leaves me feeling very hungry, and sometimes low on energy. I cut out dairy, bread, and sugar but I still eat lean meats, rice, quinoa, and veggies. Is my 1,500 to 2,000 calorie intake too low, or do I just need to find different low-cal foods to fill me up?
– Bill Z.
Bill, your question seems to already have answered itself in the description of your situation. You state you are usually hungry and low on energy, which would imply you’re eating less than normal, which you are trying to do. You’ve determined how many calories you’re expending but did not seem to track your previous energy intake to get your average baseline consumption. You’re working under the assumption that your personal body chemistry was following an equation* to begin with (rarely the case). Thus, your self-determined deficit appears to be from an expenditure calculation and not from analysis of your original diet intake.
What I’m trying to say is that it’s very likely that you were maintaining weight before on a much higher calorie intake, thus 2,500 Cals/day could be reduced enough from your true metabolic rate to assist with weight loss. By eating 2,000-2,500 calories/day for a while you will soon find out a) if satiety and energy improve, and b) whether weight loss is achievable at that level.
“To achieve weight loss while also maintaining RMR, calorie intake should be reduced by no more than 500 calories per day…” – Mark P. Kelly, PHD of the American Council on Exercise
* Whether your stated 1,850 RMR was calculated or extrapolated from a brief indirect calorimetry measurement, it may not reflect your actual physiological energy balance over 24 hours as it doesn’t take into account personal factors like digestion/absorption efficiency, level of stress, and sleep quality.
Resources:
– Debbie J., MS, RD
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!
Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!
With so many sources offering nutrition advice, it’s hard to know what’s true. Even factual information can become distorted by the time it reaches you. Like a game of telephone, the message often changes as it’s passed along. Here, we debunk 5 common diet myths to...
Eating the right foods before a workout can make a significant difference in your performance and recovery. The goal is to provide your body with the energy it needs to perform at its best while minimizing muscle damage. Here’s a guide on what to eat before a...
If you’re careful with your nutrition, working out weekly, and still experiencing problems with your weight, take a moment to read this QA.