Is Junk Food Better Than Nothing? page

[Dynastinae]

So I have a question:

I practice IF just about everyday. The 8/16 split variety (first feel free to tell me if THAT is healthy...I'm sure there's differing thoughts) and I'm curious about how I break it. My job often requires me to up and go which doesn't allow me always eat healthy or at all even (I've tried taking food with me jerky, boiled eggs, etc. but I somehow always end up not having them on hand.)

Anyways, is it better to tough it out at the end of my fast until I can get good food, even if famished, or is it better to grab something even if unhealthy say...a snickers bar, bag of doritos, etc.

Thoughts?

[eKatherine]

I eat a 5/19 split, so hey.

I always, always, always pack a snack. I am gluten-intolerant and sensitive to eggs. I have to break the fast with a healthy snack or I'll either blow my budget on sashimi or overeat at supper.

Ask yourself why you are never prepared to bring a snack in with you. Is primal a priority for you?

[Dynastinae]

@eKatherine - Thanks. 5/19 is pretty hardcore I've done a few 24 hour fasts but I don't think I can do that sustained. It's certainly a priority (hence the question) I have snacks in my desk, my car, even my laptop bag but every so often, I can't get to primal food. Make sense?

[Darz]

So I have a question:

I practice IF just about everyday. The 8/16 split variety (first feel free to tell me if THAT is healthy...I'm sure there's differing thoughts) and I'm curious about how I break it. My job often requires me to up and go which doesn't allow me always eat healthy or at all even (I've tried taking food with me jerky, boiled eggs, etc. but I somehow always end up not having them on hand.)

It's not a matter of being healthy or unhealthy, it is a timing protocol, if it doesn't affect you negatively in any way then feel free to do what's best. You break the fast with food.

Anyways, is it better to tough it out at the end of my fast until I can get good food, even if famished, or is it better to grab something even if unhealthy say...a snickers bar, bag of doritos, etc.

Thoughts?

Those foods you've mentioned offer very little, if any, micronutrient value; so, in my opinion, I'd replace them with some sort of whole food; however, if you are in a state where you must eat something, other than whole foods, otherwise you will faint, then have it. It won't kill you.

[RichMahogany]

Where's the squat video?

[Dynastinae]

@RichMahogany - Never let die, eh? Good memory. I posted in that forum that I injured my achilles so am taking a hiatus on heavy lifting for a while. It's been good actually, I'll have to join another gym (I recently bought a house about 40 miles from my last one) or get some home equipment. In the meantime I'm doing bodyweight stuff and yoga. Been using this resource for bodyweight and circuits: Travel WoDs - CrossFit Plano

[sbhikes]

I think you'd be better off breaking the fast with healthier food. If you can choose the least objectionable junk food item you might do okay, such as the trail mix or a bag of nuts rather than donuts, cookies or candy.

[JoanieL]

A lot depends on how often, your general health, etc. At 17, I would fast once a week from after Sunday dinner to Monday dinner. I almost always broke the fast by meeting friends at the local pizzaria and having a couple of slices of gooey, oily pizza. 40 years later, and the thought of that being the first thing I put into myself after a 24 hour fast is horrifying.

The foods you mention however in terms of primal are some of the worst. Lots of chemicals, HFCS, bad oils in the chips, etc. Maybe the better alternative is to always have a snack with you so you don't have to make that decision. Canned fish, hb eggs, jerky. Even some kind of shake or broth in a thermos.

OTOH, young bodies can take a lot. I broke my teenage vegetarian experiment with a bologna sandwich on white bread with mayonnaise and never felt a thing except, "Yum."

[ChocoTaco369]

If my options were to eat nothing or eat Snickers and Doritos over the course of a day, I'd eat nothing.

If my options were to eat nothing or eat Snickers and Doritos over the course of a week, I'd eat Snickers and Doritos.

I'll go up to 36 hours without food if need be. I won't go longer. At that point, give me SOMETHING. If your job takes you on the road a lot where there are literally zero options other than chips and candy, I suggest you practice fasting through lunch and make it a regular thing. If you can at least grab some raw almonds or some fruit or yogurt, no worries. Nearly all 7/11's and the like sell loose fruit and bagged nuts.

[Starkanda]

Lara bars pack just as easy as junk food and even 7-11 sells them.