Active Low-Carber Forums
Atkins diet and low carb discussion provided free for information only, not as medical advice.
Home Plans Tips Recipes Tools Stories Studies Products
Active Low-Carber Forums
A sugar-free zone


Welcome to the Active Low-Carber Forums.
Support for Atkins diet, Protein Power, Neanderthin (Paleo Diet), CAD/CALP, Dr. Bernstein Diabetes Solution and any other healthy low-carb diet or plan, all are welcome in our lowcarb community. Forget starvation and fad diets -- join the healthy eating crowd! You may register by clicking here, it's free!

Go Back   Active Low-Carber Forums > Main Low-Carb Diets Forums & Support > Daily Low-Carb Support > Paleolithic & Neanderthin
User Name
Password
FAQ Members Calendar Mark Forums Read Search Gallery My P.L.A.N. Survey


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1   ^
Old Fri, Apr-06-07, 12:13
Sukiam6's Avatar
Sukiam6 Sukiam6 is offline
New Member
Posts: 24
 
Plan: Paleo diet
Stats: 215/175/125 Female 5 ft 7 in
BF:
Progress:
Default Interesting Article--Feast-Fast

It's not chock full of hard scientific evidence, and I think I have heard this idea before concerning the food + tired feeling, but nonetheless interesting.

Via HumanNatura.org

Feast-Fast Eating For Superior Health

A Switch to One Large Evening Meal Each Day May Offer Significant Health Improvements


Greg Battaglia © 2006

Being a part of the HumanaNatura community, we all aspire to achieve optimal levels of health and vitality through the use of evolutionary health practices. The foods that we eat are composed of the raw materials that humans are designed by nature to eat, the exercises we engage in mimic the activity patterns of our ancestors, and we strive to obtain and maintain healthy sexual and social lifestyles. The area that I want to focus on in this article is the topic of nutrition and diet, but more importantly on meal frequency.

When viewing meal frequency through an evolutionary scope, one can easily conclude that humans certainly did not evolve to consume food very frequently. In nature there is no absolute guarantee that food will be available or when it will be available. It is likely that humans would have been subjected to many hours or even days without food throughout the entirety of our evolution. It is also likely that when food did become available, for example, after a vigorous but successful hunt, that our ancestors would have consumed a large quantity of calories to make up for the deficit created during the fast. Once a kill and any gatherings were completely eaten, the fast would then begin once again and this cycle might continue as the basic template for a typical hunter-gatherer (H/G) eating pattern.

This same logic is consistent with the fact that many humans find it difficult to exercise on a full stomach. The question that must be asked in order to find the solution to this problem is: Why would H/G’s pursue food? The answer to this question is obviously because they were hungry! It only makes sense that H/G’s would exercise (hunt and gather) on an empty stomach because hunger is what initially motivated them to seek out food in the first place. It is therefore reasonable to assume that the human body will perform better both mentally and physically in a fasted state, due to the heavy reliance on this ability during the Paleolithic era of human evolution. During a hunt, humans would be required to be physically light and agile and mentally sharp in order to be successful. People who could not do this did not survive and ultimately failed to pass their genes on to the next generation.

The fact that people are more adapted to a feast-fast feeding cycle also may help to explain why modern humans have such a tendency to be sedentary. Since the advent of agriculture, the availability of food has become more constant. Rather than periodically hunting or gathering food, people now simply need to hop in their car, drive to the nearest grocery store, and are immediately supplied with a plethora of easily accessible, high calorie foodstuffs. The fact that modern people eat whenever they please removes feelings of urgency for hunting and gathering (exercise and other activity) and greatly influences our sedentary lifestyle. It is my contention that if modern people were to adopt a more evolutionarily appropriate meal frequency, they would also regain the desire to be active, resulting in a simultaneous improvement in both diet and exercise patterns.

So the central question is: How often should I eat in order to mimic the meal frequency that I would be presented with in nature? The answer to this question needs to be expressed as a range, since there was likely fairly high variation in food availability in different regions of the world and at different times of the year during our ancient life in nature. For instance, H/G’s living in Central Africa would normally have a much larger variety of plant food sources that could be consumed between hunts, reducing the fasting period. However, H/G’s living in Alaska would be much more dependent on animal sources for most, if not all, of his calories, which would result in longer fasting periods due to the inability to snack on plant foods between catches.

Loren Cordain, a leading researcher in Paleolithic nutrition, has concluded from studies done on modern day H/G’s, that the natural meal frequency for humans is characterized by one large feeding a day, which is consumed at night. This follows logic, as it would make sense that H/G’s would hunt during the day and then eat one large meal after a successful hunt. This eating pattern is probably conducive to proper sleeping patterns too. Meals tend to raise and then lower blood sugar levels and cause one to feel tired and lethargic, which is often seen in individuals who eat three large meals a day. The fact that meals tend cause one to feel tired is evidence enough to suggest that eating large meals during the day will greatly increase the likelihood one will avoid exercise due to lethargy. It is also supportive of the single large nighttime feeding, as a feeling of tiredness and exhaustion is appropriate to prepare one for sleep.

It is also important to note that a feast-fast eating pattern has been indicated in the scientific literature to decrease the occurrence of Syndrome X diseases (heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, etc) and increase life span in laboratory animals. What these studies have found is that by putting mice on a day-on/day-off feeding cycle, researches were able to increase their life span by as much or more than mice on a calorie-restricted diet (which has already been shown to be life-extending versus higher-calorie diets). The studies also observed a reduction in blood sugar levels, insulin levels, and improvements in blood lipid profiles, suggesting that intermittent fasting may be an effective tool in the prevention and treatment of diseases of modern civilization. Studies are currently in progress on squirrel monkeys, close biological cousins to humans, and have so far found similar beneficial health effects of intermittent fasting. Other studies utilizing intermittent fasting have yielded improvements in markers for disease.

With compelling ideas and evidence coming from evolutionary theory, observation of H/G populations, and scientific studies, it would be wise to consider a feast-fast meal frequency as part of the HumanaNatura lifestyle and reduce the frequency of large meals. The evidence seems to suggest that one large nighttime meal per day is appropriate for the human biological design, with fasting or light meals in between. The effects of this pattern of eating is still being studied, but may offer significant health benefits and a more active lifestyle.


Greg Battaglia is a member of the HumanaNatura community

Sources:

Beneficial effects of intermittent fasting and caloric restriction on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems.

Intermittent fasting dissociates beneficial effects of dietary restriction on glucose metabolism and neuronal resistance to injury from calorie intake.

Posted By Greg Battaglia, December 12th, 2006

Last edited by Sukiam6 : Fri, Apr-06-07 at 14:16.
Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
  #2   ^
Old Fri, Apr-06-07, 12:44
capo capo is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 518
 
Plan: -
Stats: -/-/- Female -
BF:
Progress: 100%
Default

I prefer to eat three balanced meals a day. Breakfast, to get my metabolism going and give me energy to be alert for my early classes, and lunch because I get hungry by then, and dinner because it allows for a source of nutrients and energy for my body to repair what I've worn out that day while I sleep.

So, three square meals a day seems to make the most sense to me. I mean, if you just ate one meal a day, your body would have a slower metabolism and you'd have less trouble gaining weight and fat. Your body would want to store everything possible and not let any fat, muscle, bone get lost. If this is what you want, then go ahead and eat only one large meal a day at night.
Reply With Quote
  #3   ^
Old Fri, Apr-06-07, 13:25
kallyn's Avatar
kallyn kallyn is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 1,998
 
Plan: life without bread
Stats: 150/130/130 Female 5 feet 7 inches
BF:
Progress: 100%
Location: Pennsylvania
Default

Dr. Eades has some informative posts about this stuff too.

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=278
http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=279

I think I usually end up fasting for at least 14-16 hours each day anyway, as I will stop eating around 10PM and I often don't eat my first meal of the day until 12-2PM. In high school I basically did the one huge meal a day thing without realizing it, and I was skinny as a rail. That could have just been my age, though...no way to tell.
Reply With Quote
  #4   ^
Old Fri, Apr-06-07, 13:25
Nancy LC's Avatar
Nancy LC Nancy LC is offline
Experimenter
Posts: 25,843
 
Plan: DDF
Stats: 202/185.4/179 Female 67
BF:
Progress: 72%
Location: San Diego, CA
Default

There's quite a few people doing IF (Intermittent Fasting) which is along the lines of this concept. We've had (at least) one diabetic person substantially reduce her fasting glucose levels by doing IF. The Warrior Diet is also the same sort of thing.

The link to the IF thread is in my signature.

I'm struggling to get back with it!
Reply With Quote
  #5   ^
Old Fri, Apr-06-07, 13:32
dina1957 dina1957 is offline
Registered Member
Posts: 1,854
 
Plan: My own
Stats: 194/000/150 Female 5'5"
BF:Not sure
Progress: 441%
Location: Bay Area
Default

feast/fast is similar Warrior Diet: undereating during the at day, and overeating at night.
http://www.warriordiet.com/
Reply With Quote
  #6   ^
Old Fri, Apr-06-07, 16:14
Lucysdream's Avatar
Lucysdream Lucysdream is offline
Registered Member
Posts: 88
 
Plan: Paleolithic
Stats: 100/100/100 Female 5'4"
BF:
Progress:
Default

I agree with the article and posters. I don't do it myself right now, but like Kallyn fell into a one meal a day routine at different times in my life. Yet I managed to stay very healthy. I agree that paleo people had times of feast/famine.
Reply With Quote
  #7   ^
Old Fri, Apr-06-07, 16:23
black57 black57 is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 11,822
 
Plan: atkins/intermit. fasting
Stats: 166/136/135 Female 5'3''
BF:
Progress: 97%
Location: Orange, California
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kallyn
Dr. Eades has some informative posts about this stuff too.

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=278
http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=279

I think I usually end up fasting for at least 14-16 hours each day anyway, as I will stop eating around 10PM and I often don't eat my first meal of the day until 12-2PM. In high school I basically did the one huge meal a day thing without realizing it, and I was skinny as a rail. That could have just been my age, though...no way to tell.



I remember a day that I went without eating. It was a Saturday and I was a college student. Up until recently I mistakenly thought that was the most unhealthy day of my life. I was quite thin up until about 10 years ago. Even now, as a low carber, I still eat way more than I did back in the day. Recently, I have been contemplating the possibility of eating one big healthy meal a day.

Last edited by black57 : Fri, Apr-06-07 at 17:29.
Reply With Quote
  #8   ^
Old Mon, Apr-09-07, 05:58
CVH's Avatar
CVH CVH is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 299
 
Plan: Carnivore
Stats: 000/200/000 Male 6'2"
BF:
Progress:
Location: FL, USA
Default

This is pretty much how I eat, not frequently, not even everday most of the time now, but when I eat at night, I eat huge quantities very fast.

When I don't eat I sleep less, have more energy and react quicker, when I eat at night(usually only at night and maybe left overs the next day) I relax and sleep 10+ hrs.

It's similiar to being on long hunting/camping trips or SERE , your senses, energy levels and alretness increase along with aggression levels, a great survival mechanism.
Reply With Quote
  #9   ^
Old Mon, Apr-09-07, 07:42
capo capo is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 518
 
Plan: -
Stats: -/-/- Female -
BF:
Progress: 100%
Default

It sounds interesting. Only eating once and at night. But doesn't that make your metabolism become extra slow so you don't burn fat or have adequate energy during the day? And what about supplements and bone health? Are these important to take only once a day as well?

I've never only eaten one meal a day, but I definitely eat way more on a high fat low carb diet than on the high carb low fat diet. Perhaps if you eat when you're hungry you'll have a higher bone density, more strength, and the ability to think more clearly if you eat whenever you're hungry (ie once or twice a day). I usually get hungry three times a day, so I eat three times a day. I think ultimately your metabolism adjusts to how much you eat, if its something like high fat low carb.
Reply With Quote
  #10   ^
Old Mon, Apr-09-07, 07:55
MeatGood MeatGood is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 183
 
Plan: Paleolithic
Stats: 243/179/179 Male 5-11
BF:
Progress: 100%
Default

I eat when I am hungry.
If I ever run out of food I hunt or gather, then I will skip a meal, but until then, I will eat when I am hungry and not eat when I am not.
Reply With Quote
  #11   ^
Old Mon, Apr-09-07, 11:07
black57 black57 is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 11,822
 
Plan: atkins/intermit. fasting
Stats: 166/136/135 Female 5'3''
BF:
Progress: 97%
Location: Orange, California
Default

THis is so different from what we have argued here for years but this is a journey for all of us. A learning process that will help us to understand our own boies. With all of this extra knowledge we learn how to make this work for us as individuals. I told Dr. Eades that I would try this change. I won't eat for another 2 hours. I can make it. I am on Spring break so perhaps I can adapt to this new schedule by the time work resumes next week.
Reply With Quote
  #12   ^
Old Mon, Apr-09-07, 11:45
black57 black57 is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 11,822
 
Plan: atkins/intermit. fasting
Stats: 166/136/135 Female 5'3''
BF:
Progress: 97%
Location: Orange, California
Default

I wish this thread could be stickied so that others can benefit from the results.
Reply With Quote
  #13   ^
Old Mon, Apr-09-07, 11:47
Nancy LC's Avatar
Nancy LC Nancy LC is offline
Experimenter
Posts: 25,843
 
Plan: DDF
Stats: 202/185.4/179 Female 67
BF:
Progress: 72%
Location: San Diego, CA
Default

It IS interesting to experience hunger. It is such a mind thing... I remember how terrified I was of it at first. But really, its just a feeling and it isn't constant. It comes and goes.

I remember how Waywardsis was scared about being hungry. I posted a link to help pump up her courage. I really need to dig up that link again for myself.

Oh yes: http://Yourname.here.youaremighty.com

So... http://black57.youaremighty.com
Reply With Quote
  #14   ^
Old Mon, Apr-09-07, 11:55
Sukiam6's Avatar
Sukiam6 Sukiam6 is offline
New Member
Posts: 24
 
Plan: Paleo diet
Stats: 215/175/125 Female 5 ft 7 in
BF:
Progress:
Default

When I was at the top of my paleo game, I only ate when iI was hungry and actually leanred to like the feeling. I had never really understood the concept of just eating to fill a stomach before...and when I did it was very eye-opening. I looked forward to eating not because I wanted the taste, but because I just needed to satisfy my body.

Oh and Nancy LC, very entertaining link
Reply With Quote
  #15   ^
Old Mon, Apr-09-07, 12:16
black57 black57 is offline
Senior Member
Posts: 11,822
 
Plan: atkins/intermit. fasting
Stats: 166/136/135 Female 5'3''
BF:
Progress: 97%
Location: Orange, California
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nancy LC
It IS interesting to experience hunger. It is such a mind thing... I remember how terrified I was of it at first. But really, its just a feeling and it isn't constant. It comes and goes.

I remember how Waywardsis was scared about being hungry. I posted a link to help pump up her courage. I really need to dig up that link again for myself.

Oh yes: http://Yourname.here.youaremighty.com

So... http://black57.youaremighty.com



Hey, Nancy, thanks for this link. How wonderful of you to do this.Thank you. Here I come to save the day
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:29.


Copyright © 2000-2024 Active Low-Carber Forums @ forum.lowcarber.org
Powered by: vBulletin, Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.