Various forms of fasting are becoming more and more popular, leading some people to try the OMAD diet.
What Is the OMAD Diet?
Naturally, a person eats fewer calories with this style of eating and tends to lose weight.
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Proponents of the diet like that they don’t have to count or track calories.
Besides the one meal per day, there really aren’t any other rules to follow.
it’s possible for you to choose foods that you enjoy and combine them into one meal.
Before diving headfirst into the OMAD diet, consider the pros and cons.
The authors concluded that a single meal per day in the evening lowers body weight without affecting physical performance.
However, the study was extremely small, with only 13 participants, and only lasted for 11 days.
More research is definitely needed in this area before the results are conclusive.
Time-restricted fasting with a larger feeding window, such as 8 hours, has been extensively studied.
A 2020 review inThe Journal of Physiologyobserved the effects of time-restricted fasting on weight and cardiometabolic health.
In addition, time-restricted fasting decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, regardless of weight loss.
Andrews also adds that “fasting causes headaches and irritability due to being ‘hangry.'”
Should You Try the OMAD Diet?
“As a registered dietitian, this seems like a punitive eating plan,” says Andrews.
“Personally, I couldn’t do it or advise this to my clients,” she adds.
Yet, some people may find it appealing due to its simple rules and omission of calorie restrictions.
If you decide to try the OMAD diet, consult with a health care professional first.
In addition, the meal should fit on one plate, without any second helpings.
Nutrition professionals do not advise trying the OMAD diet for any length of time.
It’s incredibly restrictive and unsustainable and can lead to extreme weight loss, nutrient deficiencies and binging.
