Eating one meal a day may be a popular way to lose weight, but it's likely not a good idea for overall health. Although fasting in general — including prolonged fasting — may benefit health in a number of ways, people can reach the same health benefits using much more sustainable methods.
Study participants who tried eating one meal a day ended up with less total body fat. This particular group of people didn't experience significant weight loss. That said, intermittent fasting in general has proven to be an effective weight-loss method. The typical weight loss is 7 to 11 pounds over 10 weeks.
Specifically for bodybuilding, evidence suggests that meal frequency should be moderate with 3–6 meals a day, each with at least 20 grams of protein.
In conclusion, while you may experience some major benefits if you follow the OMAD diet, it is not sustainable for a long time and may actually create more health problems for you. According to research, it is best to have 2 or 3 meals a day instead of just one.
You can lose 1-3 kilograms in the first week of doing OMAD. Reduction of carbohydrates and sodium intake from diet triggers the body to release extracellular water. That said, any changes on the scale in the first week are due to the water loss (2). Ergo, during the first week, you will face only water loss.
Unintentional weight gain occurs when you put on weight without increasing your consumption of food or liquid and without decreasing your activity. This occurs when you're not trying to gain weight. It's often due to fluid retention, abnormal growths, constipation, or pregnancy.
OMAD is a very effective way for losing weight quickly, and with few (if any) negative side effects. In fact, you will likely see a decrease on the scale within the first few days or week of starting this type of intermittent fasting protocol.
So, the science seems to say the healthiest way to eat throughout the day is to have two or three meals, with a long fasting window overnight, to not eat too early or too late in the day, and to consume more calories earlier on in the day.
Any type of intermittent fasting, including OMAD, won't necessarily slow down your metabolism on its own. However, anytime you restrict calories, your metabolism will gradually slow down to try to match your energy output with your energy intake.
There is literally no difference. Multiple studies have compared eating many smaller versus fewer larger meals and concluded that there is no significant effect on either metabolic rate or the total amount of fat lost ( 1 , 2 ).
Unfortunately, it's possible to eat too little, which not only makes it harder for you to achieve a healthy weight, but it can also cause other health problems. In other words, eating below your needs can backfire big time. Everyone has a set amount of calories, or energy, they need to simply be alive.
Most bodybuilders do not exceed cuts of 4 months but usually do at least 2 months. This is because you will need enough time to provide decent results but not overextend yourself with a long-term restrictive diet.
And eating small amounts of food won't “shrink your stomach” either. The only way you can physically and permanently reduce your stomach's size is to have surgery. You can lose overall body fat over time by eating healthy food choices, but that won't change your stomach size.
But since the cutting phase strives to lose weight, lose fat and get lean, cheating smart may be ideal for optimal results. Since cutting is such a precise stage, most fitness experts recommend limiting your cheat meal to once a week, not one day a week… one meal a week.
In order to be able to cut calories without eating less and feeling hungry, you need to replace some higher calorie foods with foods that are lower in calories and fat and will fill you up. In general, this means foods with lots of water and fiber in them.
No. While OMAD might be able to help with weight loss, it is definitely not a diet made for weightlifting and muscle gain.
When practicing OMAD you consume all of your calories and macros in a one-hour feasting period. Though you don't necessarily count calories on OMAD, the type of calories is extremely important.
Some see OMAD as an “easy” way to reduce calorie intake. When you only allow yourself to eat in a 30-to-60-minute time window, it is physically difficult to exceed your daily calorie needs.
Eat frequently, every 3-4 hours, and aim for 6 small meals during the day. Try not to lump your calories into 3 big meals, as it will make you feel sluggish. Eat a minimum of 20-30 grams of protein at each meal. Eat simple carbohydrates directly before/after training ssessions.
Two Meals a Day Spaced Out is Optimal for Weight Loss, Studies find. While more frequent meals were believed to lower the risk of disease, there is now conflicting evidence that shows the low meal frequency (one or two meals a day) has been found to be most effective in losing weight, in a recent study.
Dieting is essential for weight loss, but exercising is equally important. OMAD works best when combined with strength training exercises. Exercising while fasting boosts your performance and overall strength.
The Pros of OMAD
Increased human growth hormone (HGH) levels: Fasting increases levels of this hormone that helps build muscle and burn fat. Lowered inflammation levels: Fasting is known for its ability to reduce inflammation. When you aren't eating, your body can divert its energy towards repair.
The OMAD diet is a form of intermittent fasting where you eat in the same 1-hour window each day. It's recommended you consume your one meal after your most active part of the day. Children, elderly, and people with health conditions like diabetes should not try the OMAD diet.