Is fasting recommended for people in the active Army?

2017-08-07T19:37:00-04:00

I have a buddy that is doing this diet that only enables him to drink or eat liquids (ex. Soup, protein shakes, And stuff like that). Do you think that's the right approach? What would be good alternatives for him to lose wait fast without impacting his body like that? To me that is not such a great idea.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 7 at 2017 7:42 PM

2017-08-07T19:42:29-04:00

Is it recommended, of course not. But we are members of a profession that requires you to be within a certain set of standards. One of those standards being a specific height and weight proportion. There's no such thing as "fast weight loss without an impact on the body".

A better alternative would be to be working on a diet plan starting after he steps on the scale. If he starts a serious diet now, he's just going to put back on the weight that he was trying to lose.

There are plenty of resources he can utilize both in the military and outside the internet. But he needs to work on a legitimate diet rather than the standard quick fix routines.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2017 8:44 PM

2017-08-07T20:44:27-04:00

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member Writing down what you eat every day and then making a conscious effort to cut out junk food, reduce portion size, and increase exercise. A gradual weight loss by changing your eating habits is the best way to reduce weight and maintain it once your goal is reached.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 8 at 2017 12:07 AM

2017-08-08T00:07:48-04:00

He might get down for that weigh in, but the rebound weight will be a b!tch. Take it from a moist a meaty guy. Start preparing for your next weigh in, the day after your last one. I used to tape myself weekly.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Aug 8 at 2017 12:52 AM

2017-08-08T00:52:14-04:00

Cut out carbs and sugar. Reduce alcohol consumption, drink more water...

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 8 at 2017 3:41 AM

2017-08-08T03:41:42-04:00

1) Don't wait until you are starving, to eat.
2) Have each meal with people whose conversation you enjoy, talk a bit between bites so that the meal takes at least 30-45 minutes from beginning to end. No TV, no reading, or anything that distracts you too much from the sensation of eating. If no one is around, listen to music and only eat during the chorus. Eat at a table not the couch or easy chair.
3) Don't take large bites. Nothing bigger than the end of your middle finger
4) Finish the bite in your mouth before you put in another bite. Take a half dozen breaths between bites
5) Eat what ever you want, as much as you want, but start each meal with a piece of fruit, a salad, a cup of hot clear broth, coffee, or tea. There is no such thing as food that is bad for you, unless it has spoiled. There is such a thing as too much food, too little variety, and not enough exercise. My grandkids are farm kids that are outside going 90mph all the time. They were behind on the growth rate curve until a farm customer who is a pediatrician told me they need a little extra calories because of how much they run around. He prescribed a big slice of pie and a scoop of ice cream at every meal. They're still lean as can be, but they are back on the normal growth curve. Their little guts can hold enough of the high nutrient, low caloric density "good for you foods."
6) Put small servings on your plate, nothing bigger than a tennis ball of any one thing. You can always go back for more. But wait at least 10 minutes before you go back for seconds. Stop eating once you are satisfied, instead of when you are full.
7) When you eat the main course, make sure there are at least four different flavors on the plate. Rotate through them. Don't eat all of one thing, then all of the next thing, etc. etc.
8) Finish off the meal with a small portion of sweet fruit, then something tart (radishes and cucumber with a little apple cider vinegar).
9) Brush your teeth as soon as possible after the meal. Then chew some gum.

All of these things are designed to trigger the hunger satiation mechanisms of your body. Watch how people who are really overweight eat, they do the exact opposite of almost all of these. Then watch how people that are thin, but not particularly active, eat.

Response by Sarah Zayas made Aug 9 at 2017 4:34 PM

2017-08-09T16:34:14-04:00

I don't recommend a liquid diet because your body needs fiber. What works for me is to eat high protein, low calorie meal for breakfast because protein helps you feel full. I also eat carbohydrates that keep me feeling full such as Oatmeal, or Cream of Wheat. I graze throughout the day on vegetables, my dessert are fruits. I eat bread but only very small portions, like the size of my palm. I avoid processed sugar completely. I avoid greasy foods completely. Anytime I can stand to have significantly more protein in my meal than carbohydrate I take it. I also drink lots and lots of water. If you have to have a sugary snack I tell myself I will have some for the weekend. I only indulge on the weekends.