Assuming you’re getting enough electrolytes (and hopefully you are… You read the Fasting FAQ, right?)…
I always find that I want to break the fast because I’m bored. Food is a form of stimulation for me and not eating for days on end makes my life less interesting. So to compensate, I find I have to keep myself busy with other activities.
Like you said, it’s not actual hunger. Mostly just a desire for stimulation.
I’ve been doing 3 day water fasts weekly since end of November and it’s always been difficult but this last week it felt completely natural to do the fourth.
Some things that have made fasts easier was starting the fast the day before without having too much processed foods and going through my caffeine/sugar withdrawal(headaches) before I even start the fast.
I start and break my fast after noon because that’s what my body is most comfortable with.
I also make sure workout the days where I’m not fasting(Friday-Sunday) and stop being as active the farther I go into my fasts.
During my fasts I constantly prep myself saying “I’m supposed to be hungry” or “I’m supposed to have a headache” on whatever day those kick in. I’ve done it so many times now its like clock work.
It sounds like your really close but you’re putting a lot of pressure on yourself. Just take your time and let your body and mind get used to the process.
I’ll be doing a 4 day fast starting Sunday to get rid of the Christmas Feast pounds. But I know you can do it just go easy on yourself.
Same way you overcome any difficult day. I’m on day 26 and my trick is to distract myself. Whether it’s to leave the house, watch a movie, play a game, or do a chore. Hunger/boredom isn’t an issue if you’re busy. My main goto however, has been to look for sales at local stores (grocery/clothing/etc) and then heading over there. But it’s a waste to just grab that one item and leave, right? So it only makes sense to slowly browse the entire store, and it doubles as going for a walk! Then the next thing I know, several hours have gone by, and I’ve completely forgotten about the hunger/boredom, by the time I’ve unloaded my car.
I’m being serious here. Watch fasting videos! Watch where they explain how your body does all the really cool stuff on day 4. New stem cells being made. Your immune system basically resetting itself! Watch some Dr.Jason Fung or any number of good motivating informative resources out there. Works for me everytime!
Here’s how I overcame it in the past. I had to start with something less extreme and move into full blown fasting. I used Soylent meal replacement shakes (I’m vegan, celiac, so these work for me because I like the higher cal count of 400 versus a lot of other shakes only 150-250 cals). First few days I drink as many shakes as I need to feel satisfied all day long. Then I start removing a shake every day or two until one a day. This helps me mentally break from meals and foods I eat for pleasure. Once I’m on one shake a day I move to fasting and don’t beat myself up if I break with a shake here and there (just start my fasting over knowing nothing was “undone” by one shake).
So basically I break the mentality of eating first by using shakes as a crutch, then slowly remove the crutch.
If I’m really desperate I will drink a ton of water and pretend I am bloated from eating too much, and try to do meditative exercises to summon all my feelings from day 1 and pretend I’m starting over. It doesn’t always work lol, especially on day 3 it feels like you’ve already won the battle and it’s time to break. It truly takes a lot of discipline and is a constant battle. It’s like your own unconscious mind and the environment are always seemingly scheming to make you break the fast.
For me it’s usually the end of day 2, it sucks!! Last time I specifically planned to be out of the house during that time, so I couldn’t break my fast.
I planned a walk with a friend, healthy activity + outside influence always keeps me more motivated
It all depends on your activities and how often you fast.
You really need to dig your head into something if you can’t just bruteforce throught it with mental. I, even fasting for several months periodically, still see food as reward, goal, joy and what makes me happy and acomplished. But I just know that I can enjoy it later, and do my stuff which I like. Don’t ever be bored. And constantly talk to yourself if you feel urge. Don’t let urges to silence you, since there are two systems, logical and this-moment one. You, as voice in the head, decide what you want from choices those systems give you. If you don’t, fast one will definitely win (different people have different balance btw).
But, again, don’t be bored. Will power is for losers, and you will break if it’s the only thing keeping you. Also you will perform mentally worse, it’s like mental muscle.