Trends from social networks have been shaping the eating habits of many people for years, and the last one that attracted a lot of attention is called “fasting on sardines”.
It is a challenge in which a person eats only canned sardines for several days, without bread, vegetables, fruit, snacks or any supplements. Although sardines in themselves are nutritionally valuable food, experts warn that such extreme experiments can have serious consequences, writes Slovenian Metropolitan.
According to proponents of the trend, a multi-day diet based only on sardines supposedly “resets” the body, reduces bloating and accelerates the consumption of fat stores.
Proteins, vitamins…
Sardines are indeed rich in proteins, B group vitamins, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, but nutritionists point out that no food, even the healthiest, can provide everything the body needs by itself. A sudden and drastic change in diet can lead to digestive problems, lack of energy, lack of key nutrients and a general feeling of weakness, which is why it is recommended to consult a specialist before such challenges.
Despite the warnings, a content creator known as Pigmi decided to try the trend for himself. He ate only sardines for a full 48 hours, and documented his experience on social media.
In the first hours, he claimed that he felt lighter and slimmer, but the euphoria quickly subsided. The hunger became stronger and the desire for any other food more and more pronounced. At one point he went so far as to drink canned liquid, oil and sardine juice.
As the hours passed, he began to feel the effects of completely cutting out carbohydrates and sugar. He became tired, exhausted and without energy, which does not surprise the experts at all.
After a sudden change in diet, the body often struggles with a lack of energy, irritability and a feeling of weakness. However, at one point Pygmy also described an unusual burst of focus, claiming to have reached a “zen state of complete concentration.” Towards the end of the challenge, the sardines became more and more repulsive to him, but he also noted some positive effects, less pain in his joints and injured shoulder, and a subjective feeling of improved vision.
A state of ketosis
Since he cut out carbohydrates almost entirely, his body probably entered a state of ketosis, in which it begins to use fat stores more intensively as a source of energy. This is precisely why changes on the body can be visible after a short time, but experts warn that it is often a matter of fluid loss, not real fat.
In the end, Pigmi himself admitted that excessive consumption of sardines can carry certain health risks, including a potentially increased risk of blood clotting disorders in certain individuals.
Nutritionists emphasize that sardines can be an excellent part of a balanced diet, but the problem arises when one food becomes almost the only source of food.
Experts therefore say that such Internet challenges should not be understood as a recommendation, but as a reminder that trends from social networks often have no scientific basis.
