What Happens When You Eat Too Much After Fasting?

People fast for many reasons, whether it's for the potential health benefits, religious events, or in preparation for a surgical procedure. It's not uncommon to feel ravenous after a fast, but it is important to moderate your food intake when you begin eating again (via Simple). Overeating after a fast can cause your blood sugar and insulin levels to spike, which can cause symptoms like jitters, headache, and nausea. If they happen frequently, blood sugar spikes can lead to health issues with your kidneys, eyes, heart, and nerves (via WebMD).

You can avoid a blood sugar spike after fasting by choosing the right foods and limiting how much you eat when breaking a fast. According to Healthline, the best foods to eat after fasting are easily digestible. Some snack ideas include smoothies, dried fruits, soups, vegetables, fermented foods, and healthy fats like avocados or eggs. Be sure to chew or sip your food slowly and drink plenty of water. When your body has accepted that snack without issue, you can resume eating like normal the next time you are hungry.

Intermittent fasting, which is the process of eating during small windows of time during the day, has been marketed as a popular weight loss tool. It has also been said to provide numerous health benefits. But what is the truth when it comes to fasting? According to Healthline, fasting can be beneficial to some people but it isn't the best practice for everyone. Fasting has been shown to improve blood sugar control and reduce insulin resistance, which can be helpful for people with diabetes. It may also improve cholesterol levels, boost brain function, delay aging, and even aid in cancer prevention.

However, fasting is not a miracle activity. What you eat outside of your fasting window will impact your health the most. Fasting can be a useful tool when it comes to your overall health, but only when added to an already healthy lifestyle (via WebMD). When it comes to weight loss, fasting can decrease your probability of overeating throughout the day, but you will still need to watch your portions during your eating windows if you want to remain in a calorie deficit. Fasting is probably not ideal for anyone who has struggled with an eating disorder in the past or has disordered eating habits. It's always a good idea to speak with your doctor before you decide to fast.