Hunger hinders EF even in OK

(Claire Poppy) #1

Hi there

Just joined as I am really needing some support in my fasting and I figured this was the best place to get some support. Really hope someone can point me in the right direction :slight_smile:

I have been ketogenic for 3 years and lost 30 kg. Just over a year ago I was nearly at my target and tried to transition into a maintenance diet. Since then I have steadily put on weight and cannot get it under control - now regained 12 kg. I have done a lot of experimenting and I think the bottom line is that I am severely insulin resistant - I need to eat almost 90% fat to consume a sufficient amount of food whilst keeping my insulin in check which isn’t tenable. I use 23:1 IF and this works well for me as it gives me the opportunity to feel satiated on the small amount I am able to eat. Inevitably, however, I end up binging as I really want to eat a normal amount of food which is probably why I am gaining weight more than anything.

I have come to the conclusion that I need to do longer fasts (a) to lose the weight, and (b) to fix my system. A 42 hour fast is OK but I struggle after this. I would like to do 5 days. The problem is that I cannot control my hunger even when my ketones are above 1.5 mm and I am buzzing. Whenever I have to do something I don’t want to do I become ravenous - I have five sons and I work 3 days a week. Whatever I do, I am faced with numerous situations that make me hungry each day. Even filling the dishwasher makes me hungry! I try to breath through it, chew on a pen lid, do some stretching exercises - I know it will pass. But really, it hinders me every time and I really need to fix my system. What should I do?

Thank you so much.

(Justin Jordan) #2

I’ve been experimenting these last two weeks with doing 42 hour fasts MWF. Oddly, I find them MORE difficult to do than longer fasts, for whatever reason. So if you’ve not done longer fasts, you might actually find them easier rather than harder.

(Candy Lind) #3

Me, too - it’s all emotional eating, not hunger. Keep reminding yourself it’s NOT hunger. If what you’re trying isn’t working, you might want to check into Overeaters Anonymous or some counseling to help you find alternative distractions, or take a dip in the EF pool. I am finding that my food obsession lessens with each day in an EF. I’m going for 5 days this week and I’m feeling good food-wise, even looking through recipes.

PS Your cortisol production is not helping matters, either. Maybe some meditation or yoga would help both areas.

(Claire Poppy) #4

Thanks. I think you are right about the cortisol and perhaps i need to look more closely at my life and make a few changes. I wonder if it is all to do with boredom or being home alone and under-stimulated, socially and intellectually. I have had a stressful day at work and having to work late but no hunger has kicked in - 26 hours into the fast so far. So it isn’t stress per se that is affecting me.

Thanks for your comment. It has made me think.