Social media continues to play a large part in setting the latest trend for the public to try. This is very relevant when it comes to dieting. New fads appear so regularly, it is hard to know where the real information lies. The latest trend is Water Fasting and dieters have taken to social media in their thousands to share their experience. However, the supposed fad is actually a long-standing practice. Despite this, experts are warning that consumers are putting their health at risk for using a quick fix to solve a long-term problem.
Water Fasting Isn’t Anything New
Fasting has been part of some religious practices for centuries. Water fasting is followed by yoga practitioners. It is completed to relinquish attachment from food. This is especially relevant given that there is the major issue of people over-eating. Hunger is a basic survival tool, but humans have become glutenous. Food corporations pander to this; churning out goods that are high in salt, sugar and fat which give consumers feelings of satisfaction when also damaging their bodies.
Fasting has become a Western phenomenon. Intermittent fasting is now used by many health fanatics as an integral part of their daily routine. It has been said to have some benefits which include aiding weight loss. Traditional water fasting usually occurs for 24 hours once per week. During this time, practitioners normally exercise mindfulness through meditation and spiritual development. Essentially, they use water fasting to assist their overall well-being.
Hard Work is Better Than a Quick Fix
It’s not a dangerous practice, but it is the lack of understanding that makes it dangerous. People are using water fasting as a quick fix to a potentially long-term problem. To lose weight effectively requires identification of harmful eating habits, tackling them, to have a balanced and healthy diet and then incorporating more exercise in every day life. Essentially, to lose weight requires a lifestyle change. By doing so, the results are long lasting, effective and more importantly will maintain health for the rest of your life. Using water fasting will only cause people to lose water weight. Any weight that is lost will be gained again once normal eating has resumed.
Just Because It’s On Social Media Doesn’t Mean It’s True
The overall issue lies within the mindset of dieters themselves; particularly the ones who want instant results rather than a lifestyle change. The same pattern occurs whereby new information appears on social media and is shared like it is absolute gospel. Social media users absorb this information then feel compelled to share the information again. Regarding water fasting, it isn’t new, but it has appeared in the west as a trendy, new dieting plan when it is the exact opposite. It is a small aspect within an entire way of healthy living.
