Have you ever fasted for a few days?

[InTheNameOfAllThatIsHonest]

I have been reading up about fasting and how it can be very good for your body to only take in water for two or three days (provided you don't do any exercise at that time). Has anyone here on MN ever tried it? If so, what were the results? Did you feel better? Did your skin look better? Or did you have a bad experience? Keen to hear from anyone who has done it. Thank you.

I've done 4 days.

The hardest thing for me was boredom, not hunger. I also noticed that when I woke up in the mornings I didn't feel more hungry on days 3 or 4 than I did on day 2.

Do your research, and if you have any history of eating disorders it's not for you. But if you're overweight and otherwise healthy I can recommend it. More and more research seems to be suggesting it's beneficial in all sorts of ways.

I've found Jason Fung's work helpful though I know he divides opinion.

Yep, I fast regularly - usually a 36-42 hr fast 3 times a week.
I’m just about to start back up again after a few weeks off.
Bonuses are clear skin, sense of calm, next to no hunger, healthier food choices when I do eat.

The first day is the hardest, gets so much easier after 7-8pm on the first day.

OP if you've never fasted before it is recommended that you prepare your body before you start.

Eat lightly, increase your water intake and lower your carbs for a few days before hand.

If you don't want to add extra stress to your body, at least for the first time, do it during a time when you can rest at any point during the day. A week off work for eg.

And don't binge on a large meal when you end the fast.

Come out of it gradually as you went in.

I regularly used to do a 2 day fast but have done a 5 day one.
It's really not that difficult and I enjoyed the experience of realising that we are often scared of feeling hungry. But we're meant to feel hunger as a prompt, and somehow with all the plenty we forget that.

@Strokethefurrywall

Yep, I fast regularly - usually a 36-42 hr fast 3 times a week. I’m just about to start back up again after a few weeks off. Bonuses are clear skin, sense of calm, next to no hunger, healthier food choices when I do eat.

The first day is the hardest, gets so much easier after 7-8pm on the first day.

Have i read that right? You fast for 36 to 42 hours three times a WEEK? So you only eat on 1.5 to 2.5 days a week? Do you do that every week or just once in a while?

Dh does either a 24 hour or 48 hour water fast every few weeks. He is under the care of the GP though so they are aware he does this and he is fine, bloods are regularly taken.

does describe what happens to your body at each point.

Some people do water fasting for 7 days when they have been glutened or they have some severe medical condition, however when done for prolonged periods it is usually done in clinics with bloods and obs being taken throughout and then when "food" is reintroduced it is juiced fruits and vegetables.

Intermittent fasting has been around for an incredibly long time, what "intermittent" means depends on which method you follow. Some do 16/8 some fast for entire days.

@evianlion
Actually I didn’t have any bloat coming off and slept very well.

I've done 5 days but like many on here, not intentional. It was caused by stress and a physical inability to eat. It's hard to get back to regular eating as your stomach won't accept it. Can't imagine anyone doing it for health benefits.

@Strokethefurrywall

Yep, I fast regularly - usually a 36-42 hr fast 3 times a week. I’m just about to start back up again after a few weeks off. Bonuses are clear skin, sense of calm, next to no hunger, healthier food choices when I do eat.

The first day is the hardest, gets so much easier after 7-8pm on the first day.

3 times a week?

Yes so I adopt Eat-Stop-Eat. No food after 7pm Sunday until 7am Tuesday morning, stop after 7pm Tuesday until 7am Thursday morning and so on.
I will be doing this to kickstart my fasting regime again, and after first week will drop it back to 42 hour fasts twice a week.
On days I do eat, I don’t restrict calories but I don’t eat junk/processed foods either.

[quote Audit]@evianlion
Actually I didn’t have any bloat coming off and slept very well.[/quote]
Cool, well you're obviously an exception from human biology then.

That sounds passive aggressive @evianlion

I can only report what I experienced. No bloat and I slept well.

I thought it sounded just plain rude.

I think we might be in the presence of a 'wannabe' or two.

Yep.
Messes with your sleep but makes me much more productive with stuff like cleaning the house and makes me feel a bit high at times (talking too much, can’t sit still, gushy)

Peter Attia has a lot of good info on fasting and autophagy

Well I started last night so I'm coming up to my first 24 hours. The thought of food has been stronger than the hunger - I'm hungry but not excessively so. Keeping busy with work has helped. I may need to go out tonight to avoid sitting in front of the TV and thinking about eating! But I don't feel high or dizzy. Just fine, really.