Say goodbye to intermittent fasting! New study finds another effective way to lose weight

Nutritionists from the University of Surrey in England conducted an experiment involving 12 overweight adults to examine whether intermittent fasting actually speeds up “fat burning.”

Participants tried different feeding protocols on three separate days: free-feeding, a no-carb diet, and a low-calorie, no-carb diet.

Blood tests performed at the end of each session and regularly throughout the day showed that the body is programmed to produce energy primarily from carbohydrates, and when carbohydrate intake is cut, it can only use stored fat between meals and during the night.

"Our bodies already switch on the fat-burning mechanism when we cut carbohydrate intake for a day, so it makes more sense to balance carbohydrate intake over the days rather than fasting for long periods," says Prof. Adam Collins from the University of Surrey.

According to the results of the experiment; any fasting period that lasts for several days is as effective as completely cutting out the same amount of carbohydrates for a single day. Experts recommend that basic carbohydrate sources such as pasta, rice and bread do not need to be completely eliminated from the diet, but instead, alternate "carb" and "carb-free" days.

Dietitians also reinforce this view: Slowly digested complex carbohydrates support both brain function and daily energy, along with protein, fiber and B vitamins. “Starchy foods are essential for healthy cell activity and exercise performance,” they warn.

These findings highlight the importance of creating a balanced diet plan before jumping on the intermittent fasting trend.