In the domain of health and fitness dietary trends often emerge seeking the attention of the individuals to improve their well-being and achieve their goals. The "One Meal a Day" diet or OMAD diet is a method of intermittent fasting and taking a single meal a day mostly dinner. It follows a ratio of 23:1 i.e.; fasting for 23 hours and 1 hour of meal time.
This method of fasting is generally practiced to lose weight in a shorter duration of time and improve the metabolism of the body. However, following this diet may not fulfill the nutrition requirements of the individuals daily hence, it is not ideal for everyone. In this article, we will learn about the pros and cons of the OMAD diet.
Pros of the OMAD diet
Weight loss
Practicing the OMAD diet reduces overall calorie intake restricting it to a single meal per day. This eventually fastens the fat-burning process in the body and improves metabolic health.
Maintains blood sugar level
When fewer number of calories are consumed as a regular diet the body gets metabolic rest and reduces insulin production in the body helping people to manage their blood sugar level, especially for type 2 Diabetic patients.
Saves time
Fasting all day and eating for an hour eliminates the time of preparation of multiple meals a day, restricting to a single meal a day.
Cons of the OMAD diet
Nutrition deficit diet
Since the calorie intake is limited to one meal it becomes difficult to fulfill the overall nutrition requirement of the body.
Binge Eating
Since only 1 hour is scheduled for eating meals people may eat more than required leading to problems such as overeating or binge eating and digestive discomfort.
Hunger and Irritation
Fasting for a longer time can make one feel hungry and irritated, leading to a lack of concentration during work hours, acidity problems, etc. It is important to note that the impact of the OMAD diet may vary from person to person and may not be suitable for everyone. Hence, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any such routine is recommended, especially for those with underlying health or dietary issues.