Who Invented OMAD?

We’re trained to eat three meals a day (or sometimes more). Thus, when you hear of eating one meal a day, you might think that this idea is a bit crazy. So who invented OMAD? Is it true that hunter-gatherers only eat once a day? No snacks?

Who Invented OMAD?

Eating three times a day wasn’t always that way centuries ago. The world they lived in had no fast-food chains.

They also didn’t have pre-packed meals that you could pop into the microwave. At that time, the food was scarce, so they only had to eat one meal a day.

Because there were no fast foods, they hunted and gathered the foods they ate. Thus, didn’t have the luxury to eat more than once a day.

In that case, one meal a day wasn’t invented by someone. Rather, it was already a lifestyle by our ancestors.

Read: Can you do OMAD without keto?

Did the Romans Eat One Meal a Day?

The Roman culture believed that eating one meal a day was healthier than consuming food more than once a day. They prioritized productivity and more energy as they were gathering their meals. It was an optimal choice for them, instead of thinking about food.

Religion also played a huge role in society. People didn’t eat before religious services. The services typically start early in the morning. Thus, they didn’t eat in the morning. During this period, people didn’t have breakfast.

Most ate their one meal a day during noon. However, the meal was already considered dinner. It was the only meal they consume throughout the day.

Furthermore, the lack of electricity meant that they had to eat based on daylight hours. Typically, they ate in the middle of the day because they were hungry during this time.

Daylight would dictate how they’d live their lives. They went to bed early and woke up earlier.

During the 18th century, people started to eat three meals a day. But some people still followed the OMAD lifestyles. That is, they ate their one meal at dinner.

Unfortunately, with more food, people experienced more health risks. During prehistoric periods, people didn’t die of overweight. They also didn’t die because they were unhealthy. They were not fat.

They ran, gathered, and hunted for food to survive. They didn’t die because of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases that we know today.

Instead, they died because of no medical care or they got killed in the forest while hunting for food.

OMAD started again as part of a dietary regimen. It seemed to originate with experiments on animals in the 1940s.

The OMAD trend started when intermittent fasting became popular in 2012 after the documentary Eat, Fast and Live Longer.

It has become a fad in Silicon Valley, California. In 2018, IF became the most popular diet. Then, celebrities popularized eating one meal a day.

The interest in this type of diet resulted in many companies commercializing their diet coaching and full meal packages.

Because of too much commercialization, many companies were criticized as they offered expensive products that were not supported by science.

Who is the Inventor of Intermittent Fasting?

As mentioned, intermittent fasting has been practiced for centuries. In addition to it being part of our ancestors’ lifestyle, IF was also a part of religious practices.

Thus, the inventor of IF was really our ancestors.

In recent years, intermittent fasting has become popular again. This time, it’s not because the food is scarce. It’s just that people who are practicing it want to lose weight or improve their health.

There are various methods for this type of eating. Some people don’t eat for 23 hours and only consume one meal within an hour each day.

It’s called OMAD.

Each plan varies in the length of time you should fast and how regularly you should fast. There’s no one method that is the best overall.

People who do follow it may find a particular eating pattern better than other methods. Because of the various methods available, you can find a form that truly suits your lifestyle.

The benefits of intermittent fasting have not been fully studied. Thus, don’t expect your doctor to recommend it for you if you wish to lose weight.

Read: OMAD diet plan side effects

Longevity

Researchers found that there’s a link between restriction of calories and longer life. This study also found a link between IGF-1 or insulin-like growth factor-1 to some diseases that impact lifespan. Researchers discovered that eating proteins would boost IGF-1 production. Restricting calories could be a way to boost IGF-1 levels.

Read: Is it ok to only eat one meal a day on keto?

Affect Cognition

The review showed that restricting calories in animals could slow down signs of motor and cognitive decline. Researchers also uncovered that fasting might safeguard the nerves against injury.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Intermittent fasting has also shown that fasting could improve insulin sensitivity compared to other diets. However, other studies did not show the same benefit.

Who Invented Eating Three Meals a Day?

Many people consume three meals a day at the same time each day. This method of eating originated from Englanders who had financial prosperity.

This eating habit was brought by European settlers to America. But this habit caused people to eat when they’re not hungry.

Thus, if you wish to lose weight and keep it off, you must let your hunger guide you when it’s about time to eat.

If you let your hunger dictate you, you might find that eating six small meals will work best for your situation. Or you can choose to eat two large meals without snacks in between.

Intermittent fasting can be a great method for you to lose weight. However, it’s important to note that it’s not for everyone. If you have a chronic medical condition. This option may not be the most ideal way for you to lose weight.

Instead, talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor may recommend a diet that will work for you.