Published Mar 13, 2023

The Intermittent FASTING MISTAKES That Make You GAIN WEIGHT! | Dave Asprey & Lewis Howes

Dave Asprey joins Lewis Howes to delve into the misconceptions and benefits of intermittent fasting, offering strategies to avoid weight gain while enhancing longevity. The conversation also explores the importance of optimizing nutrition with whole foods, the impact of parental influence, and the critical link between sleep and dietary choices on overall health.
Episode Highlights
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Episode Highlights

  • Fasting Benefits

    highlights the transformative benefits of fasting, particularly in reversing the effects of dietary excess. He shares that fasting can effectively lower high blood pressure, eliminating the need for medications that often have adverse side effects 1. Fasting also plays a crucial role in mobilizing visceral fat, which is more harmful than subcutaneous fat 2. Asprey explains, "Fasting is the highest ratio of visceral fat. Adipose tissue mobilization, for example, typical patient in this study, might lose 20% of their fat, but would lose over 50% of their visceral fat during a couple weeks of fasting."

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    This approach not only aids in weight loss but also promotes longevity by reducing insulin resistance and enhancing metabolic health 3.

       

    Myths and Truths

    debunks common myths about fasting and diet, emphasizing the dangers of seed oils and industrially raised meat. He argues that these components of the standard American diet contribute significantly to insulin resistance and metabolic issues 4. Asprey also challenges the perceived healthiness of vegan diets, pointing out the lack of essential fats and the presence of anti-nutrients in plant-based foods 5. "When you go on a plant-based diet, you're getting two things. You're getting plant-based oils, which are not very compatible with you," he notes.

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    Additionally, he criticizes the cultural norm of constant snacking, which he believes leads to unnecessary calorie intake and weight gain 6.

       

    Fasting Techniques

    To make fasting sustainable, suggests forming habits and planning ahead. He recommends a consistent 16-hour fasting window to make it feel natural, akin to brushing your teeth daily 7. Asprey advises staying busy during fasting periods to distract from hunger, and engaging in activities like exercise to suppress appetite 8. "When you're actually exercising, you'll almost never be hungry," he explains.

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    He also emphasizes the importance of setting clear intentions for fasting, such as health improvement or managing prediabetes, to maintain motivation and discipline 9.

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