The Secret of Good Health: It's Not What You Eat, It's When You Eat

Now in my 40s, I observe many of my peers, including friends and family members, grappling with weight issues. I wouldn't label them as overweight, but they do carry a bit more than their ideal weight, especially around the belly. This is a typical characteristic of Bangladeshi individuals over 40, regardless of gender.

Although I'm not a health expert and wasn't particularly health-conscious in my younger years, a recent observation piqued my interest in wellness. Last year, I embarked on a month-long journey across Europe, traveling from Croatia in the south to Norway in the north, spanning 11 countries. This trip was enlightening in more ways than one. Surprisingly, most of the individuals in these countries appeared remarkably fit. It was a stark contrast to what I often observed in the UK and USA. Similarly, during my visit to South Korea this year, the fitness levels were equally commendable. This disparity between Bangladesh and these countries left me pondering.

Contrary to what one might assume, it isn't that these fitter populations are constantly dieting or working harder physically than us. Then, what makes our middle-aged population less healthy? Why do so many of us have noticeable belly fat? One could argue factors such as increased activity levels, healthier diets, and superior genetic predispositions. While these might be contributing factors, there's more to the story.

To illustrate, my wife shed about 6 kgs over a span of 6 months without adhering to any specific diet or workout routine. Initially, I feared it might be a health concern. However, medical check-ups confirmed she was in good health. Similarly, my sister experienced a weight loss of about 7 kgs without significantly altering her diet. Although she began practicing yoga, I'm skeptical that it alone caused her weight loss. So, what's their secret? Keep reading to find out.

After putting on some weight post the pandemic years of 2020-21, I too felt the need to take control of my health. With a beautiful park conveniently located in front of my home, I embraced walking as my exercise. Initially, I aimed for a modest 15 minutes, which gradually increased to an hour. I wasn't fixated on shedding specific pounds or inches but focused on rejuvenating my energy levels. This approach kept me consistent and motivated. Interestingly, even with months of walking, I hardly lost any weight. Yet, it significantly reduced my stress and enhanced my productivity.

I soon realized that one pivotal lifestyle change can trigger weight loss: adjusting your meal timings. Increasing the interval between dinner and breakfast can make a world of difference. It's essentially a form of intermittent fasting. For instance, if you have dinner at 8 pm and delay breakfast until 12 pm, you achieve a 16-hour fasting window. This doesn't mean you refrain from all consumption. Water, black coffee, or tea are permissible. By simply extending this gap by a few hours, I lost 3 kgs in three weeks. The only adjustment I made was the timing of my meals.

While the science behind this can be delved into more deeply, I won't delve into those details here. However, countless YouTube videos explain the benefits of intermittent fasting. I'd caution against strictly adhering to their other recommendations, especially concerning drastic diets. It's essential to remember that our bodies require carbohydrates and fats. Enjoy your meals as I do, just be mindful of the timings.

To conclude, I recommend this TED Talks video on this topic, which echoes much of what I've shared. Should you have any queries or feedback, please contact me at tashfin@kotha.app or @tashfind on X.