A new interview with Loren Cordain has been published over at the Healthy Fellow. The most interesting part of the interview for me was this section:
"The available evidence suggests that there likely were two norms for meal patterns in foragers. First, a large single meal at the end of the day wherein the hunters brought their spoils back to the group and/or the gatherers brought their food back to the group for a central meal. Men almost always were the hunters, whereas women, children, the elderly and men were the gatherers. If food existed in camp then everyone stayed in camp and tended to nibble and snack all day long. Hence three formal meals were not the norm and intermittent fasting was a common pattern, particularly among the hunters."
First, this shows a sex difference in regards to fasting: men were more likely to fast than women.
Second, it shows that intermittent fasting happened on an irregular basis. If men were in the camp, it appears they would eat during the day, but if they were on the hunt they would most likely fast. It also shows that fasting and exercise went together, as there would be no reason to hunt if food was plentiful in the camp.
This type of evidence would go against some type of daily fasting pattern, and would support a more sporadic fasting pattern throughout the week.
I have found an ideal pattern for me in fasting in the workweek (only thee with brown sea salt, lemon juice and a couple spoons of virgin coconut oil throughout the day) and some Vitamine C + gelatin + cocunut oil before going to bed. In the weekend or during holidays I just eat whenever and whatever the rest of the family eats.
I have found that I really like and now need this ‘empty stomach feeling’ to perform optimally (aggressively ?) at work.
Also it allows me to go outside during lunch for a long walk in the nearby forest which destresses.
It would also explain why women tend to gain weight more easily.
With exercising it seems like no brainer. I’d be interested in how long the fast continued after a successful hunt. Personally, the first thing I want to do after a heavy workout/hunt is to move slowly (taking meat back home) or sleep or both.