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 made this point yesterday and received the expected rudeness which only proved my point really.

Mumsnet should be ashamed

I feel like I'm qualified to make that point as I'm in recovery from an ED triggered by low carb and fast diets. I think threads like this are dangerous. They're akin to the old pro ana forums.

@RoeK well done. I also feel qualified through my professional life. Convincing yourself (and others) that 'research' supports this is typical abnormal behaviour.

I won't get involved in any more debate though. This isn't the place. I hope they get help though.

to everyone who is interested in extended fasting I would visit reddit.com/r/fasting - you will get a minimum of the "this is dangerous" stuff and pushback as people on there embrace it as a lifestyle, safely and carefully. There's also a ton of information and warnings about doing it safely, avoiding if you have a history of eating disorders etc. People here on MN can be very closed minded and opposed to it so you will end up with endless debates of people pushing back against it. For MANY people it can be a very healthy and useful option for weight loss that should not be discounted. It does not have to be dangerous. Caveat: not everyone should try it and it should be done carefully and on an informed basis.

You clearly don't understand the subject of ED as well as you think
Please stop making rude remarks on this thread. It's tedious and unnecessary

Yeah I'll check it out thank you
It's actually really pissing me off to see these daily ignorant, offensive comments suggesting that I have or am promoting an eating disorder
The passive aggressive tone this morning is beyond the pale

Genuine eating disorders are mental health issues usually related to a history of trauma.
Having had "disordered eating" because of irresponsible use of dieting regimes does not qualify you to make these personal, unfounded claims
Why on earth are
You even looking at subjects you're not interested in? There's probably a flourishing career for you in any one of the totalitarian regimes around the world checking what people are thinking and saying

Do you really feel qualified to say what is a 'genuine' eating disorder.

Whatever the cause (which is usually complex) doesn't change that someone who is unwell with an eating disorder may read this thread and join in with extended fasts with a group of cheerleaders telling them how well they've done. Do you genuinely think that's a good thing.

You have no idea about the state of the physical and mental health of those on this thread. You could be encouraging someone with a BMI of 17 not to eat for days

Yes, I do feel qualified to state what is an eating disorder

Considering this is a forum for discussion and debate I don't see a willingness for it, just an absolute determination to be right and convince others they are right.
Anyone who suggests an opinion is rudely told to stop arguing, they know nothing and are being offensive.
Really worrying.

It's not a debate board. It's a place for support with different types of eating style/ weight loss programs/ diets
You didn't come to debate, you make derisive comments and quite personal remarks

I was hospitalised with my ED, which was triggered by fasting and low carb diets. Please do not tell me it wasn't genuine.

So you know that you shouldn't fast
as people with a history of ED should not do IF
I'm not asking you to fast
I'm trying to have a conversation with a couple of people who are fasting
You are not invited

We know you're not asking people to fast. No one who is questioning you wants to fast. That isn't the issue and you know it.

Once again, the issue is that you have no idea who the people who are fasting on this board are, and whether they have an eating disorder. Encouraging someone who may already be unwell not to eat for days can be hugely dangerous and surely you wouldn't want to be a part of it. That's why it's better to have these discussions in real life with people you know.

Since when did we need an invitation to comment on a thread. Conversations should be done on PM

There is too much encouragement to starve yourself on here.

I was enjoying this thread until now.

If you are aware that you have disordered eating, and that fasting is dangerous for you, then please don't feel you have to post on this thread. This is providing support for those of us who do choose to fast and a place to interact with each other.

If we were all to remain silent for fear of upsetting or triggering others online, there would be no MN! Many people have problems with alcohol, for example, but I've not seen anyone suggest that threads where people discuss drinking are shut down for fear of encouraging others who might be reading to drink to excess.

For electrolytes on a longer fast I have these, which I bought from Amazon.

https://highfive.co.uk/products/zero?variant=31620327309384

I've also found them good when out hiking in hot weather when on holiday abroad.

I fast regularly but never for more than 24 hours. I would like to fast for longer once a month and would take electrolytes in this case. I had a look at those you recommended and they contain sucralose, which I have read can spike insulin levels and break fasts. Weight loss isn't my primary motivation for fasting (I have found it helps me manage menopausal symptoms for one), but it is still a tool in weight management for me so I am curious if it's something anyone else considers when taking electrolytes?

Oh, that's interesting. I had a look at the ingredients list on mine and no Sucralose, but I have the Neutral ones, which I tried to post above, but the link went to a flavoured one instead.

@Seeingadistance Thanks - that's really helpful. I did see the neutral electrolytes and will go for those.

MN is a discussion site, I'm as entitled to give my opinion on this thread as you are. Wind your neck in.

Are there threads telling people it is healthy to binge drink, then? I must have missed those.

No. You are mistaken
There is no encouragement to starve oneself. Fasting is not starving, we are not promoting underweight physiques or avoidance of essential nutrients. Fasting is a long studied practice and we are learning about it together

It's not acceptable for people to come and derail this thread that we we're finding supportive

No roek wind YOUR neck in. You're being offensive, disrespectful and disruptive. All you're doing is making ill informed comments and derisive remarks.