Extended fasting, anyone?

[Bearyhumcrack]

I like to fast for 48-72 hours most weeks. Works well for me and then I minimise carbs the rest of the time (weekends not so much).

I'm almost at the end of my longest ever fast of 156hours (14 to go) and I've lost about 10lb. Based on my last long fast, I expect 3-4lb of that to go back on once I have refed but half a stone or so should be in the bin!

Curious if there's anyone else on here who's a faster?

I aim to do one extended fast per week. Usually 6pm Saturday to 10am Monday.
I look at the fat on my body, and thank it for sustaining me.
I drink water, green tea, and a few bits of salt if I feel like I need something savoury.
First day is rough, second day is amazing and I feel I could longer.

Feel I could fast longer, that should say!

Day 17. Just had a phone appt with my GP about this inflammation that started in my hands one November morning and a month ago in my hips, leaving me in pain and unable to walk for more than 5 min at a time. Tests keep coming back normal. I told him I found a temporary solution - fasting - and that first time I’m able to make a closed fist with my left hand but still not with my right in 6 months. Pain in hips gone. Asked if we can run blood tests while I’m fasting and compare to ones from a month ago to see if anything pops out, since the referral still hasn’t come through. His response.. Day 17 you said? Ok. We can try that.

@Nekoness I hope your doctor finds the problem soon.
I am currently 100 hours in to an open ended fast, feeling fine as usual. Interestingly it was my GP who recommended fasting to me, and that the science behind Dr Fung et so is valid. Obviously his advice was for my needs not everyone’s - I am still obese so have a weigh to go using up stored fat - but it’s interesting.

@Bearyhumcrack I have done a 10 day water fast I lost 6kgs felt like I was floating at the end lol 😂 I since fasted on and off.
I’m going to start a 3 day fast tomorrow to help with my anxiety stocked up on smart water as it has electrolytes

I just think you need to go with how your body feels, fasting is a good tool if used correctly

good thread enjoyed reading through

I'm currently on a 72hr fast, 8hrs to go! I made the mistake yesterday of downing some salt water with electrolytes which meant a very sharp trip to the bathroom lol! Now understand you are meant to sip the electrolyte water through the day.

It's weird, the first 24 hrs were the hardest then it's like you overcome a barrier and no longer feel hungry. Last night I couldn't stop sniffing chocolate though, LOL.

Absolutely love the reddit fasting subreddit for information and encouragement. The transformation pictures are amazing.

Here are some of the top all time posts and before / afters for inspiration:
www.reddit.com/r/fasting/top/?t=all

It's funny, when you stop eating you realise how much it takes over our lives - buying, prepping, cooking, washing up, eating, thinking about foods.... and another bonus - you save loads of cash.

Must be done with caution, electrolytes and listening to your body but it really is a revelation.

I feel like I've lost quite a bit. Hoping to do another longer fast next week.

You save so much time!! It's amazing. I browse Reddit when I'm struggling and it largely helps!

I’m not uninterested, but would be interested to hear about listening to your body — what are danger signals etc.

Nausea, dizziness are the main ones that tell me to stop. As you get longer, you understand whether the symptoms will pass or you should break. Sometimes insomnia stops me but I have that whether I fast or not.

Thanks, OP. So how long would you start with? As a complete beginner.

And can you exercise at all when fasting over a certain amount? I’d find it hard not exercising.

I did five weeks on a juice fast for health reasons - not weight loss

three litres of fresh juice a day

my energy levels went through the roof

I wasn’t fat to start with but I never dipped below 10 stone - which I know is my ideal weight

Essentially just start by missing a meal, breakfast is easiest for me, then just extend the time you fast for, one meal a day then alternate days and so on. You can exercise after you start to adapt, this happens a lot more quickly if you've avoided carbs before you start your fast.

Has anyone here done a 7 day (or longer) water fast?

I started last night. I've been fasting for several years and have gone 5 days a few times but I'd like to get to 7 this time, possible longer if I'm feeling good.

The only thing I'm not sure about is refeeding. Jason Fung recommends bone broth during the fast to avoid any issues with refeeding but I'd really prefer to do water only.

You need some electrolytes @LittlePearl

Thanks Beary. I'm checking them out now.

I ate at 9 last night and then not until 5 pm today, which was fine. Do you mean I should not eat at all tomorrow and then return to one meal the next day? I realise you didn’t want this thread to become a ‘how to’ — apologies, and thanks.

I definitely can’t do bone broth as am vegetarian…

@GreenFridge any broth is fine! I'm lazy so a hot marmite works for me!

You could try not eating at all today and planning to eat tomorrow. I find a written plan is useful as if I don't know when I will end a fast, it usually feels harder.

That’s a good point about a written plan. And thank you for the broth ideas. I’m going to give it a go.

Is this not just legitimising developing an eating disorder?

Miso soup is a good veggie option.

there may be a risk if someone has such issues already, but the health benefits are well documented and it’s very common to do so in many countries/cultures.

When I have done this in the past. . 5 days.. I find my metabolism just drops and then I gain weight eating the simplest meals. I ended up in a cycle of fasting and then barely eating anything to try to maintain... and ending up heavier than I was before I fasted.

@ChateauMargaux I find the opposite tbh. Interesting that it affects us all differently.

This fascinates me as my ideal
FDs for convenience would be
Consecutive days. Please keep talking

When you guys are fasting are you having absolutely nothing to eat or eg under 500 cals?