Weight control is not only about eating but it is also about not eating. Not eating is actually a skill you must learn. Simply put, you need to learn how to fast. Stop overconsuming, reject food, skip meals, avoid snacks, and reduce your caloric intake to absolutely zero for a period of time. Lions can fast for 14 days without a problem. Bears hibernate and skip food for 100 days, and crocodiles can survive 300 days without a meal. And yet humans (grown men to be specific), somehow whine and cry like unattended newborns if they are forced to skip breakfast. How long can you make it without food? Is it measured in days, hours, or minutes?
Why is Fasting So Important?
For many men, fasting is the single most important concept that must be understood to promote good health and control weight. Why is fasting so important? Well, because most men are overweight! According to the World Health Organization, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In the US, about 42% of men and women are obese and almost 74% are overweight (including obesity), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means that only 26% of the US population is near a healthy body weight. Are you part of the 26% or 74%?
Obviously, mainstream handholding and coddling recommendations have not improved health. If mainstream guidance worked, weight and disease data would clearly prove it and unfortunately it clearly does not. Every bit of data shows that we are getting heavier and less healthy. Overweight or obese people suffer from considerably more health problems and die sooner than people who weigh less. The truth hurts, but a diabetic related foot amputation hurts much more and so does suffering from other debilitating and crippling diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Many disease processes can be halted or reversed by achieving a healthy weight so good nutrition practices are the key to your health.
Simple Steps to Take Now
There are more key reasons why fasting is critical to maintaining a healthy weight and those will be discussed in a future post. Right now, you need to take a simple step and check out this Body Mass Index (BMI) table. You’re likely overweight or obese (unless you are 11 feet tall) and the normal body weight range may be shocking to people. If you do not track your weight, immediately read our post, Attack Your Fear and Get on a Scale. Because of our deeply caring nature, we’ve listed some common excuses you can convincingly tell yourself as to why you are not at a normal body weight:
List of Common Excuses For Being Overweight
“BMI does not account for muscle!”
“I would be too skinny at that weight.”
“This chart is outdated.”
“It’s my genetics. Everyone in my family is big.”
“I have a slow metabolism.”
“If I don’t eat, I get lightheaded.”
“I don’t have time to follow a diet.”
“My doctor…..”
“I’m on Blah Blah Blah medicine.”
and my favorite…”I had a lot to eat over the weekend.”
Keep in mind that even if you are overweight or obese, our goal here is to create awareness and get you moving in the right direction. Every small step counts and you do not actually need to achieve idealized normal weight to improve your health. You may benefit from any weight loss. We want you to become incrementally healthier each day. So check the BMI table, get on a scale, and think about learning how to fast for better weight control.
Post or send us your own best excuses for not being in the normal body weight range. Love to hear them!
Any thoughts on whether a marginally higher (than normal) body weight might be protective? I’m not talking about being obese, just something a little bit north of a BMI of 25?
Enjoying your blog
-FatFitnessNerd
I apologize for the decade of time lapse in replying. There is a chance you died by now since it’s been so long. Your question was lost in the cyberspace void of new websites. BMI is only one factor to use in assessing health and it must be considered in conjunction with other information. For example, was your BMI 22 then slowly moved up to 25 by packing in calories like you’re getting ready for hibernation? Or was your BMI 27 and you consistently dropped weight (by following our tips), maintained muscle and now can work out and exercise more because you’re down to 25? If just north of 25 feels good, then I am certain there are protective benefits. For example, having a comfortable BMI (if it causes little stress on the body) can help ensure that your immune system functions properly and may be considered protective. Additionally, if a BMI just north of 25 keeps you strong and fit and mentally sharp then undoubtedly there is protection. On the contrast, starvation diets, nutrition fads, and other bad advice can wreck your health just as bad as Manziel wrecked his career. Would it be correct to say that everyone should set a BMI goal of 25? I am sure you already know the answer. A word of caution though, don’t try to lie to yourself, because you will always find out. If your weight is too high, admit it and get to work. If you’re healthy and comfortable, work on nutrient intake for added benefits and lower disease risk. Great job taking responsibility. Enjoy!