Trying different fasts

(Michael Haisten) #1

I decided to give fasting a whirl. I have never been a fan of such things as I really look forward to food. After reading this forum for a while, I decided it may help me reach my goals. 22/2 intermittent fasting is no problem, especially during the work week. This week I set out to try a multi day fast. Ate dinner Sunday @ 6, black coffee and water only on Monday, black coffee Tuesday morning, and then the wheels came off. By 10 AM, I am at work by 6AM, I could not hold a thought for more than 5 seconds and generally felt like crap. I had been taking salt every few hours. Monday I did my usual exercise routine, 3 mile walk mid day, 1:15 cardio body weight after work and felt absolutely fine. No hunger at all. So when I got home Tuesday at about hour 47 I decided to break the fast and eat. I immediately felt better. So I decided to try a couple of 36 hour fasts a week as that seems like a non event,

Pros, cons, comments?

(Jeremy Storie) #2

Sounds like a good plan. You have to listen to your body. I’ve done a couple of 72 hr fast with no problem and set out to do a couple more and broke them early because I was feeling crappy.

(Doug) #3

Sounds like you are finding things that work well for you. For me, not eating for a day - a whole day, usually supper to breakfast or later on the second day afterward - works well and is easy.

Let’s say we do “start” the fast after supper. If you sleep during the night, then next morning you’ve already got 12 hours or so behind you. I just tell myself, “not eating anything today.” That day goes by and after another sleep period then it’s been 36 hours. Easy to stop then and eat, or easy to go until supper, making it about 48 hours.

(Michael Haisten) #4

I was really trying to make it to bed Tuesday night without eating as that would have bought me those precious 8 free hours while I slept. I really felt bad and was unable to bring myself to do my normal work out. My goals are far more fitness related than weight related. That started weighing on my mind and I decided that the fast was not my priority.

(Sonia A.) #5

If you’re not obese or overweight, it comes a point when your body doesn’t have enough fuel to continue a fast. It’s better to listen to your body and break the fast. If 36 hours is doable for you, you should do it. Short fasts have a lot of benefits too.

(Doug) #6

Yeah, there are several things to think about. The idea of the benefits of autophagy sounds really good to me. Almost everybody can benefit from eating fewer times per day, so I’ve read, i.e. eating once or twice versus more times, constantly snacking, etc. And of course we want to feel good and fully functional.

(Michael Haisten) #7

I definitely have been coming from obese. I am now at 190 lbs and about 13% body fat. While I would like to continue weight loss, it is no longer my primary goal. My fasting is an effort to kick in autophagy to reduce loose skin, battle arthritic old joint injuries, and hopefully stave of the onset of Alzheimers that is taking my father. I do believe there to be a genetic link in Alzheimers.

(Michael Haisten) #8

I have cut out all snacking for 10 months now. It definitely helps reduce over eating. My normal day starts with BP coffee with collagen protein added, then a small lunch, and then a good size dinner. All Keto and nothing in between.

(Doug) #9

Sounds great, Michael. Congratulations on the 190 lbs. - I’d love to see that, some day. I hear you on autophagy and avoiding Alzheimers. Have it in my family too - both paternal grandparents.

(Michael Haisten) #10

Just a quick follow up. Friday weigh in after a 47 hour fast, 24 hour feed, 36 hour fast resulted in 5.8 lbs lost. The 100 lbs loss mark is just around the corner!