Is OMAD intermittent fasting? Is it safe to do it every day? Is it the same as a 24-hour fast? How much weight can you lose with OMAD?
Keep reading to find out the answers.
Is OMAD Intermittent Fasting?
Yes, OMAD is a form of intermittent fasting. This is an extreme version of this type of time-restricted eating.
Many individuals who practice it swear that it has helped them lose weight. However, it’s not for everyone.
The primary benefit of OMAD is related to fasting.
Is OMAD Safe to Do Every Day?
OMAD is an extreme form of intermittent fasting. It may not be safe for everyone. Some Buddhists do follow this method. Other lay followers don’t fast at all.
Some individuals do follow this method of fasting and they are doing well. Dr. Eric Berg, a chiropractor, recommends it because of the following benefits:
- Improves digestion and immunity
- Promotes massive autophagy
- Decreases inflammation, blood pressure, and risk of heart disease
If you wish to know more about what Dr. Berg thinks about the OMAD diet, please visit his video here.
Is OMAD the Same as 24-Hour Fast?
It’s not the same as a 24-hour fast or alternate-day fasting. With OMAD, you fast for 23 hours and eat for a 1-hour window each day.
During the fasting period, you can’t eat or drink anything except water. However, some followers do eat low-calorie food. They also drink coffee.
But if your goal is to achieve autophagy, you must not eat or drink anything but water.
Does OMAD Restrict the Type of Food You Eat?
The OMAD diet doesn’t restrict what food you eat or the calories you can eat during the eating window. However, if your goal is to lose weight, you must still watch your calorie intake.
It means that you must still aim to eat the recommended amount of calories for your height, weight, gender, and age.
Since you’re only eating one meal a day, you need to consume the necessary calories to ensure you get the nutrients that you need to get through the day.
If you’re aiming to eat only 1,200 calories a day, then OMAD can help you achieve it. However, consuming less than 1,200 calories isn’t recommended.
Getting the necessary calories is vital. Because too few calories will only compromise your immune system, according to this study. It also promotes muscle breakdown. Without enough calories, your body will use other ways to ensure you maintain energy reserves.
Now, how are you going to obtain the necessary calories when you’re on OMAD?
When it comes to OMAD, it’s not just about calories but it’s also about the food that you eat.
To meet your daily calorie needs, you must consume a variety of healthy fats. Eat a lot of fatty fish and add healthy oils to your food.
Then, opt to eat fat-rich salad and make sure to reduce your sugar intake.
When is the Best Time to Eat Your Meal?
It depends on your lifestyle. However, experts recommend eating one meal after your most active time. It allows your body to recover from working out. It also replaces the nutrients that have been lost after such activity.
Some followers prefer eating one meal before bedtime. For them, they don’t want to go to bed hungry. Others want to break their fast at 10 am.
Whatever time you eat your one meal, you need to choose the same time every day.
What Foods to Eat?
OMAD can be a lifestyle. But it’s generally a type of dietary pattern. Just like any other diet, you should consider eating only whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Thus, make sure to fill your stomach with a variety of nutritious foods, like fruits, vegetables, healthful fats, legumes, and seeds, among others. You may refer to this guide to help you plan your OMAD.
When you do OMAD, you must limit or avoid eating highly processed foods, such as white bread, chips, sugary baked goods, and cereals. They have little nutritional value. They also make you feel hungry, which can break your fast.
Should You Try OMAD?
As mentioned earlier, OMAD isn’t for everyone. It may be safe for some people, like these celebrities. But it’s not designed for everyone to follow.
OMAD isn’t for children. It can be dangerous for the elderly. If you have a life-threatening condition, like diabetes, you should skip this diet.
Even though OMAD may help improve insulin sensitivity, it can still be dangerous for your condition. But if you really want to follow it, consult your physician. Some diabetics do follow this diet and their blood sugar level has become manageable. Then again, every person is different. Talk to your doctor about it.
Final Thoughts
Is OMAD intermittent fasting? Yes, it’s a method of intermittent fasting but it’s not the same as a 24-hour fast.
If you want to know more about OMAD, you should learn about its rules. Are you trying to incorporate a ketogenic diet with OMAD? If you are, read this first before you start your OMAD ketogenic diet. Now, if your goal is to lose a lot of fat, you might want to try the OMAD carnivore diet meal plan that you can find here.
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