I’m about 7 weeks in eating LCHF and trying the 36hr 3x week. I have done a couple of 36-hr fasts and felt fine. I started at 143 w 30.5% body fat but you could see pocket obesity on hips and thighs even tho my numbers say I’m not overweight at 5’7”. Down to 137 and 28.8% body fat. My goal is 134 or lower to drop those pockets and get to 25-26% body fat if possible.
Yesterday I was 16 hours into my 36 hr fast and had to be outdoors in 15 degrees wind chill for over two hours. I was drssed for it except for my feet. I became hypothermic and felt so awful I had to break the fast. Tried bone broth and hot coffee. Ate some avocado and macadamia nuts. But still very fatigued and foggy.
Is anyone fasting while contending w cold outdoor exposure? Any advice appreciated!
Hypothermia?
I’m conflicted in deciding to either suggest that your fatigue and brain fog is from not being fat adapted or a result of hypothermia… or even a combination of both. Typically, it takes a month or two of eating low carb to become fat adapted in such a way that in the absence of ingested food, you can use body fat for fuel without suffering metabolic consequences. Fasting for extended periods of time without fat adaption is glorified starvation.
As for fasting and being exposed to severe cold weather, I have read that:
Feeling Cold
Cold fingers and toes while fasting is pretty common, but for a good reason! When you fast, blood flow increases to your fat stores. Called adipose tissue blood flow, this helps to move fat to your muscles, where it can be burned as a fuel. Stephanie says that when your blood sugar decreases, that can also make you more sensitive to feeling cold. Combat coldness by sipping hot tea, taking warm showers, wearing extra layers, and avoiding being outside in the cold for prolonged periods of time.
… so being exposed to cold while fasting is probably going to increase your chance of hypothermia and you should probably take extra precautions like wear 3 pairs of socks or something.
I will note with an eye-rolling-smile that the author of the above article is Jenny Sugar.
Thanks for this. Glad to have the validation that hypothermia which could occur outdoors in subfreezing temps could be worse while fasting. I think I am fat adapted as the 7-8 pound weight loss is remarkable given my recent utter failure to lose an ounce after very stringent CICO yo-yo dieting for decades. I"m back on the horse today–just ended a 36 hour fast without hunger and w very good energy. Really appreciate you searching out a resource for me!