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Did my first 20hr fast

Sorry if it’s TMI but I went out to breakfast to break it and I had to run to the bathroom during digestion. Not sure if it’s fast related or particular food related but I didn’t have anything “new”. Any advice?

Answer

I got COVID and spent almost two days in bed, no food only water. By the time I opened my fasting app to break the fast with some soup I had been fasting for 40 hours. Didn’t get gastro issues after. Maybe what you ate was too heavy?

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Yes, this happens to me when I do longer fasts 24h plus. I’ve tried bone broth, lean protein, nuts, whey protein shakes and other suggested techniques to break my fast gently….to no avail.
I just think when my body sees food again it yells down to the intestines “hey guys, food is coming in again, better flush everything else out RIGHT NOW!!”

Answer

I remember my first extended fasts (24hrs). I had to be real careful about what I ate to break them, or I would have the same problem you did, including light diarrhea (sorry for the TMI).

Now, a year into 20:4 or OMAD, even after 36 or 48 hours, I can eat whatever (I think, I usually eat pretty healthy) and my body is like “oh, hey, food. Been a while. yawn“. Idk why.

I would advise a light breakfast with food that is soft or liquid, easy to digest, and not greasy or heavy. Also not too caloric in total, and smaller portions. Things like soup / broth, avocados, scrambled eggs, or a smoothie - avoid sausages and pancakes. Then go ahead and have a normal meal 30 minutes/1hr later.