Seven Facts and Myths on Circadian Fasting

A round-up of the most common facts and myths about circadian fasting 

Circadian fasting is quickly gaining more traction around the world and becoming a lifestyle for many. And while there is a lot of information out there about how to fast, break your fast, exercise, and more, not all of it is true. To help sum up the common misconceptions about circadian fasting, here are seven facts and myths to understand so that you can look and feel your best while circadian fasting.

Myth: Fasting will slow your metabolism down

Circadian fasting involves eating for a shorter period of time, in sync with your body’s natural circadian rhythm. When you under eat, your metabolic rate can decline, but circadian fasting promotes eating a normal range of calories, just within a shorter amount of time during the day.

True: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day

The most important factor to see results from circadian fasting is to listen to your body and stop eating when the sun goes down, and to eat the next day when you are hungry, after fasting for 12-16 hours. A big breakfast will work if you stopped eating early in the evening, but if your schedule doesn’t allow for this, and you must eat later in the day, then beginning your day with lunch won’t have any harm. A 16-week study done for Healthline tracked 283 adults—of which half of them ate breakfast and half of them didn’t—and no significant weight difference was found from those who ate breakfast.

Myth: You will lose weight

Circadian fasting can definitely help you lose weight when done properly, but this is a positive side effect of your new lifestyle that will happen on its own. Because you will be sleeping better, eating healthier and exercising more, you may lose weight and feel better overall, but don’t let this be your only goal when beginning. 

Myth: You can eat whatever you want when you break your fast

A common myth is that you can eat unhealthy food as long as it’s within the eating period, and this is not true. The point of circadian fasting is to eat healthier—a diet full of plants, healthy fats and protein during your eating window.

Truth: Morning sun and evening darkness will help you sleep

Getting up in the morning and going outside in the sun before 10:00 AM, along with turning lights and blue screens off two hours before bed will help to naturally produce melatonin when it’s time to sleep. 

Myth: You can’t work out while fasting

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Working out in a fasted state will actually help to burn the fat stored in your body, rather than the calories and carbohydrates from a recent meal.
 

Myth: Everyone will get the same results

Comparing your results to someone else is not healthy when circadian fasting. Everyone will see different results, but if you follow the key points to successful circadian fasting, along with some hacks to help you along the way, you will surely look and feel amazing.

 

 

 

 

 

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