Fasting: a reduction of food and/or drink for a period of time. Some see it as a way of cleansing the body, or even to prevent weight gain. But doing it once a week, every week can be harmful for long-term health.

Usually with an athlete’s sportseason on its way, it’s all about developing muscle, strength, and staying fit.

In hopes of gaining the muscle and strength that is needed to play the sport, some athletes will fast on a weekly basis.

They believe it’ll improve their endurance and help develop muscles faster. But this is false.

“Fasting constantly actually results in losing more muscle, strength, and size,” conditioning specialist John McBride said.

If an athlete were to try intermittent fasting, periods of fasting and non-fasting while running on just water, it could be beneficial. It helps with cleansing the body.

Although intermittent fasting can be helpful, relying on it just as plain fasting could be harmful.

Our bodies are in need of protein and carbohydrates.

Consuming raw fruit and vegetables have a more positive affect than just running on water.

Some people have the mentality that if you fast before you exercise, you’ll lose weight quicker. Truth is, if you’re not eating you won’t be able to function.

“They don’t have enough strength because they haven’t eaten,” varsity football coach Don Norton said. “There’s nothing there for them to get energy needed to exercise.”

If someone wanted to gain muscle mass the healthy way, they’d need to consume sufficient calories and protein. Also, the proper training has a lot to do with it.

For someone who wants to lose or maintain weight, it’s helpful to eat every meal.

Skipping meals has no effect on weight but can damage the body.

Eating healthy before a nice workout is key to staying in shape.

In the end, fasting just deprives your body from the nutrients needed to function with. There are more cons than pros.

A balanced diet and propertraining is key to a healthy body.

“Educate yourself,” Nicole McBride said. “Get someone who can help you. Your dreams and aspirations won’t mean anything if you don’t have your health.”