IF Versus Starvation

Among the different questions people ask about intermittent fasting, a common one is 
comparing it to starvation. Fasting can be confusing because you are going a certain 
length of time without eating or drinking anything with calories, but that doesn’t mean it 
is the same thing as starving yourself. Keep reading to learn the difference.

What is Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is a way of eating where you only eat during certain times of the day 
or week. This is not the same as starving yourself. The point is to get where your body 
is burning fat for energy, instead of taking all day just to burn the food you eat. This is 
the difference between maintaining weight and actually losing weight. While you are 
fasting, you are not going so long that you begin starving yourself or entering the 
dreaded ‘starvation mode’. You are also not trying to deprive yourself of necessary 
nutrients.

The Difference Between IF and Starvation

This might sound like starvation so far to you, but they are quite different. One of the 
biggest differences is in your mindset. When you are starving yourself, you are doing it 
purposely to keep yourself from eating foods that will fuel your body. There is often a 
deep-rooted mental issue related to starvation, not to mention failing to provide nutrients 
that help to sustain life. With intermittent fasting, you know when you will eat next, and 
you will try to eat nourishing foods for your body. You also don’t fast for so long that it 
will have a negative physical effect on your health.

Knowing the Side Effects of Starvation

Another way you can tell the difference between intermittent fasting and starvation is 
that with IF, you won’t have all those classic malnutrition side effects. When you are 
starving yourself or simply not getting enough nutrients, you might have 
lightheadedness and feel faint, have nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation. If you 
are experiencing these symptoms while doing intermittent fasting, you are either not 
eating enough, or the foods you are eating do not contain the nutrition your body needs.

Doing Intermittent Fasting the Right Way

This is why you should make sure when you do eat while doing intermittent fasting, you 
eat the healthiest foods you can find. They should preferably not be processed, and be 
whole, fresh foods. Plenty of lean protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds, 
will sustain you during the following fasted periods.
