Fans Slam Ellie Goulding for Doing 40 Hour Fasts: ‘It’s Really Dangerous and Triggering’
Ellie Goulding has come under fire for sharing what many found to be an unhealthy practice regarding her diet. The singer told The Mirror that she has fasted up to 40 hours, a dieting tip that many critics believe is a dangerous way to lose weight. Goulding responded to her critics on Twitter on May 17, explaining her reasons for fasting.
Goulding shared the details of her fasting plan
In an interview with The Mirror, Goulding explained how she has worked her way up to 40-hour fasts, starting with 12-hour fasting. Her method didn’t resonate with everyone, however, as many called her out for the unsafe practice.
“I do it very safely by having a purposefully nutritious food day the day before and after,” she explained during the interview. “On the fast day, I drink high-grade electrolytes and a LOT of water (plus tea and coffee).”
She added, “Fasting is safe and beneficial unless you are diabetic or have serious health issues. I built my way up to 40-hour fasts over time (started with 12). Fasting from time to [time] is a great way to give your digestive system a break. It helps blood sugar control and helps fight inflammation — the mother of all health problems.”
The Mirror noted that the singer’s “extreme measures had been okayed by a doctor pal.”
Fans called her out
The extreme method didn’t win over all of her fans, who were concerned that this type of diet advice would have others copying her and the outcome could be very harmful.
“Call it ‘fasting’ or ‘reducing’ inflammation’ but this is an eating disorder,” one person tweeted. “F*ck @snapchat and f*ck @elliegoulding for showing this just in general but what about for the kids already thinking they need to starve themselves?”
Another person tweeted: “I know you intend no harm but the fasting igstory is really dangerous and triggering for people struggling w/ eating disorders. please consider your statement @elliegoulding.”
She responded and defended her diet
Goulding responded to the criticism on Twitter, writing, “I eat a seriously huge amount and exercise regularly. I’m super healthy, I drink sometimes, eat whatever I want, and then I fast for one day a week. It is not starving myself. As far as people in the spotlight go I consider myself a good role model x.”
“@elliegoulding do you think this is good advice to be giving out to the younger generation, giving them ideas?!,” another person wondered. “In a world where everyone thrives to be perfect, I myself had anorexia when I was younger and to see this actually makes me feel sick! This is not normal.”
Goulding responded, explaining that she “didn’t give it as advice,” adding, “Was asked about my health and fitness during an interview, and consider fasting for one day (plus the night — when I’m asleep) part of that. I do it safely and am incredibly fit and healthy. I’d say I’m a pretty decent role model x.”
