What is a ‘one meal a day’ diet and is it beneficial for weight loss?

In the ancient medicinal practice of Ayurveda, a person eating one meal a day is referred to as a Yogi- one who has strong control over their mind and is on the spiritual path. Eating ‘one meal a day’ can aid detoxification and promote faster

weight loss

and fat loss. In modern times, this is considered a kind of

intermittent fasting

, which is tougher than the other usual IF diet plans people follow. By eating just once in 24 hours, you are not only able to restrict calories, but also give your body sufficient time to repair, heal, and burn calories. But is the meal plan safe, or does it promote long-term weight loss? Here’s what you need to know.

How ‘one meal a day’ diet works

This type of intermittent fasting is also known as 23:1 style where people eat one meal a day, typically at dinnertime. However, no food or drinks with calories are allowed during fasting period. On the bright side, they can eat anything and there is no restriction on the amount or type of food. It is also 23:1 as people stay without food or drink for 23 hours at stretch, and can eat as much as they want in the remaining 1-hour window.
In another version of the diet plan, people are allowed to have one or two snacks apart from a full meal.

Benefits of the diet plan

People who are aiming for

fast weight loss

can benefit from this diet plan, but in the long-term, the diet can lead to side effects.
While many studies suggest that skipping breakfast can be troublesome for your health, few have suggested that skipping breakfast can help people manage their overall calories.
Fasting can help cut LDL (bad) cholesterol and control blood sugar. As per research, it can also reduce markers of inflammation. Fasting can support a healthy nervous system and may slow neurodegeneration and promote longevity.

Side effects of ‘one meal a day’

While this diet plan can help one with quick weight loss and fat burn, the

calorie restriction

over a longer period of time can lead to complications. According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, calorie restriction beyond a limit can increase total and LDL “bad” cholesterol and also lead to higher blood pressure levels.

This eating style is also not suitable for type 2 diabetes patients as it can lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
One may also experience symptoms like nausea, dizziness, irritability, low energy, and constipation.
It is certainly not recommended for expecting and breast-feeding mothers, older adults, children and teens, and people with eating disorders.

In nutshell, this diet plan is suitable only in the short-term. In the long-term, it can lead to several health issues.