Intermittent Fasting vs Fast Mimicking Diet

Key Takeaways

• Intermittent fasting is a centuries-old practice that can be an effective tool for weight loss, disease prevention, and overall health improvement. It involves periods of fasting followed by periods of eating.

• The fasting mimicking diet is a newer approach that aims to provide the benefits of fasting while still allowing you to eat a restricted amount of food. It focuses on core nutrients that promote autophagy, a process that helps the body purge damaged cells and may prevent diseases.

• Both approaches have their benefits and drawbacks, and choosing between them depends on personal preference, lifestyle, and budget. Intermittent fasting may be more accessible and flexible, while the fasting mimicking diet can be more restrictive and costly.

• It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or fasting regimen, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medication.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting has been practiced for centuries, helping people successfully lose weight and change their life. It is an important tool in disease management and prevention, reversing the negative effects of a bad diet, including diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and more. It’s thought to boost your metabolism, helping you burn through fat stores to lose weight.  

Intermittent fasting may even reduce the amount of stress and cortisol in your body, helping you rest and sleep better while improving your gut health. It is a powerful lifestyle that goes farther than just a weight-loss tool, which is why it’s stood the test of time.

Benefits of Fast Mimicking Diet

If the idea of skipping all meals makes you squirm, then the fast mimicking diet may be for you. This diet tries to trick your body into thinking that it is fasting while allowing you to eat a select amount of food. It tries to give you all the benefits of fasting while reducing some of the common challenges, including hunger pains, fatigue, and headaches. The fast mimicking diet is through to speed up autophagy, helping your body purge damaged and dying cells that may lead to diseases over time. It only contains foods that promote autophagy rather than disrupt it.

What are the Differences?

Intermittent fasting and fasting mimicking diet may be similar, and let’s explore why.

• Eating

When you’re on intermittent fasting, there are periods of time when you do not eat. Those are your fasting windows, and the longer the window, the more benefits you’ll get. Your body has more time to rest and recover, triggering healthy processes like autophagy to help purge your body of damaged cells. 

The fast mimicking diet takes that practice and all the benefits - and allows you to eat while doing it. This restrictive meal plan focuses on core nutrients that won’t restrict autophagy; instead, it boosts its great benefits while allowing you to eat. 

• Cost 

Unless you purchase an intermittent fasting app to help keep you on track, there really isn’t any cost associated with this type of diet. It’s something you can do at your own pace without breaking the bank. The fasting mimicking diet is a little different. There are kits you can buy with pre-packed meals and snacks to help you with this five-day meal plan, which can retail for up to $249. For those on a budget, trying the fasting mimicking diet can be cost-prohibitive. 

• Disease Prevention

Early studies show that the fasting mimicking diet can have similar results on disease prevention as intermittent fasting, including improving Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and digestive issues. Intermittent fasting has long been thought to help manage and prevent various diseases, so it’s promising that you can get similar effects while on the fasting mimicking diet, though more research is needed.

How to Choose?

Intermittent fasting has a well-established history of success, but if you’re worried about fasting, give the fasting mimicking diet a try. It’s thought you could get similar benefits, though you have to follow a more restrictive, often costly, meal plan. You can always use it as a stepping stone for intermittent fasting.

FAQ

• What is the difference between intermittent fasting and a fast mimicking diet?

The main difference between intermittent fasting and a fast mimicking diet is that intermittent fasting involves periods of fasting and eating within a certain time frame, while a fast mimicking diet involves consuming a specific low-calorie, low-protein, and high-fat diet for several consecutive days.

• Is one diet plan better than the other?

Both intermittent fasting and a fast mimicking diet have been shown to have health benefits. The best option may depend on individual preferences and health goals.

• Are there any risks associated with intermittent fasting or a fast mimicking diet?

Both diet plans may carry risks, especially for individuals with certain health conditions or who are taking certain medications. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting either diet plan.

• Can intermittent fasting or a fast mimicking diet be used for weight loss?

Both intermittent fasting and a fast mimicking diet have been shown to be effective for weight loss. However, weight loss results may vary depending on individual factors and adherence to the diet plan.

• Can intermittent fasting or a fast mimicking diet be used for long-term health benefits?

More research is needed to determine the long-term health benefits of both diet plans. However, some studies have suggested that intermittent fasting and a fast mimicking diet may have long-term health benefits.

• What are some tips for starting intermittent fasting or a fast mimicking diet?

It is important to slowly and gradually increase fasting periods or decrease calorie intake. It is also important to stay hydrated and ensure that nutrient needs are met during periods of fasting or low-calorie intake.