Dahaad actor Gulshan Devaiah has revealed that he has been eating only one meal a day (OMAD) since 2018. He explained that this routine allows him to eat what he wants without strict dieting. But what is an OMAD diet? Read on to know its health benefits here.
Gulshan Devaiah Has Been Following OMAD Diet: Know Its Health Benefits Here (Image Credits: Instagram)
Believe it or not, Dahaad actor Gulshan Devaiah has maintained a one-meal-a-day (OMAD) routine since 2018. Sharing insights into his eating habits, Devaiah stated, “I like this way of eating. The positives are that you can eat what you want without necessarily being on a diet because your portions are controlled. However, the drawbacks include potential nutritional deficiencies if you don’t consume a variety of foods. For instance, my B12 and D3 levels tend to get low, so I have to supplement them with prescription-based medicines.”
Despite these challenges, Devaiah remains committed to his meal pattern, even when visiting his native Bengaluru. But what is an OMAD diet? Is it healthy to consume? Let’s check.
What Is OMAD Diet?
The OMAD diet is a form of intermittent fasting where individuals consume all their daily caloric intake within a single meal window, typically ranging from one to two hours. Outside of this window, fasting is maintained, often extending for 20 to 23 hours. This approach contrasts with traditional meal patterns but shares similarities with other intermittent fasting regimens like the 16/8 method.
The simplicity of OMAD lies in its straightforwardness: no calorie counting, no restrictive food choices, just one substantial meal per day. Advocates of the OMAD diet argue that by condensing all food consumption into a narrow timeframe, the body enters a prolonged fasting state, thereby triggering various physiological responses that promote health and well-being.
Health Benefits of the OMAD Diet
Weight Loss and Improved Metabolic Health: One of the primary reasons people adopt the OMAD diet is for weight management. By restricting the eating window, proponents suggest that the body taps into stored fat for energy during the fasting period, leading to weight loss. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting, including OMAD, may enhance metabolic health by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.
Enhanced Focus and Mental Clarity: Many OMAD practitioners report heightened mental clarity and focus during the fasting period. Some attribute this to ketosis, a metabolic state where the body primarily utilizes fat for fuel in the absence of carbohydrates. Ketones, the byproduct of fat metabolism, are believed to provide a steady source of energy to the brain, potentially improving cognitive function.
Potential Longevity Benefits: Intermittent fasting, including the OMAD diet, has been linked to longevity in animal studies. By activating cellular repair processes and reducing oxidative stress, intermittent fasting may exert protective effects against age-related diseases. Human studies are needed to validate these findings fully.
Improved Digestive Health: By giving the digestive system an extended break between meals, the OMAD diet may promote better gut health. Some individuals report relief from digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and reflux after adopting this eating pattern. However, responses may vary from person to person, and it is advised to consult a health expert especially for those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions.
