UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has described fasting once a week as an “important discipline” in maintaining a balanced lifestyle. According to reports, Sunak abstains from eating anything for 36 hours at the start of each week. The Prime Minister admitted to having a “weakness for sugary things” and uses this fasting period to indulge in his favourite treats for the rest of the week. Sunak has previously described himself as a “Coca-Cola addict,” preferring Mexican Coke as it is made with “cane sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup”.
Intermittent fasting is a popular method of restricting food intake, which can lead to weight loss and health benefits. There are different types of fasting available, including the 5:2 diet and the 16/8 method. The 5:2 diet involves eating a normal amount for five days and then restricting calories for two days. The 16/8 method involves restricting food intake to an eight-hour period and then fasting for the remaining 16 hours.
Clare Thornton-Wood, a registered dietician and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, has said intermittent fasting could help people lose weight but “it needs to go hand-in-hand with eating a healthy, balanced diet for the rest of the time”. People should seek medical advice before trying intermittent fasting as it may not be advisable for some groups, including children, teenagers, those with diabetes, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sunak is known for his dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet. He is a keen Peloton bike enthusiast and exercises in the morning. Friends of the Prime Minister have been reported as telling The Sunday Times that Sunak doesn’t eat from 17:00 on a Sunday until 05:00 on a Tuesday. Sunak has stated that everyone will fast differently, and it is essential to find what works for individuals to ensure a healthy lifestyle
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