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Binge (Properly)
The word “binge” tends to conjure up negative connotations – images of people seeking solace in a biscuit tin, or eating obscene amounts of ribs after a particularly heavy workout. But science shows that when binging is done right, it can actually be an incredibly useful nutritional tool to have in your dietary arsenal.
Research published in the American Journal of Physiology sought to analyse the effect calorie restriction has on our thyroid hormones such as T4 and T3. These play a key role in the management of our metabolism. Perhaps surprisingly, they discovered that “during caloric restriction, transport of T4 and T3 into tissues is diminished”. The conclusion basically suggested that eating like a squirrel on a diet will leave you’re hormonally handicapped to burn fat. Bad news for dieters.
However, swinging to the other end of the spectrum appears to offer positive effects. Research published in nutritional journal Effectors of Thermogenesis states that, “serum thyroid levels are increased by over nutrition.” So, a huge, tactical homemade burger or a well-timed mountain of cheesecake can in fact serve to regulate your fat burning hormones and get your metabolism firing correctly. Of course, timing is key here: it's not something you'd want to do regularly, and exercise should never be far away.
Yummy, I would love (gluten and dairy free) cheesecake - is there such a thing??
