For me it’s more a question of HOW do you want to die. Or to put it another way, it’s about health span as much as lifespan. I want to remain active, full of energy, relatively free from pain, and die of heart failure in my sleep rather than being cared for as an invalid only to have my loved ones watch me die a horrible, prolonged death from cancer or diabetes.
Doing 3 day fasts (72 hours) spread throughout the year is almost as effective as doing one long fast of multiples of 3 (12 or even 21 day fasts, for instance). So, don’t feel discouraged. I think 3 day fasts are highly effective too! Were you aiming for a more long-term fast?
Steven Pressfield, the writer, talks about something called Resistance - the way your mind will do whatever it takes to get you NOT to do the hard thing that you really want to do.
I don’t think about dying, but even if I did, my thinking would be: looking spectacular naked would allow me even more hedonistic fun than eating would. So it makes sense not to eat so I can be more attractive later.
Congrats on accomplishing multiple 3 day fasts! Most people will never know how that feels.
If you eat less food per average day, but extend your lifespan, you may be able to eat more total food! That depends on some variables.
There are also multiple pleasures to enjoy at once. If you moderate the pleasure of food, you can add the pleasure of looking good, the pride of accomplishing a goal, and the feeling of dashing up a couple flights of stairs with ease.
In any case, three days is a good length if you’re not binging on food days. If that’s your limit, it’s still something to be proud of. Consider what you’re doing on non-fast days that could contribute to success.