Manual labor and extended fasts.

Hello. I’ve done a few 48’s and have done some Alternate day fasting but never more than 48. I’d like to do a 3-4 day fast but in order to stay busy, I’ve lined up a bunch of stuff to do. I have a 3 day weekend coming up and figured I would use this time to fast and catch up on a bunch of house projects. It will be a lot of manual labor, digging post holes, framing, mowing, and I’d get a workout or two in with some weights. I plan to only drink coffee and electrolyte water like I’ve done in the past. Is the combo of fasting and manual labor a recipe for disaster? I’ve done some workouts and manual work in fasting days but never past 48. Thanks for the assistance.

Answer

I don’t know. My guess is that you’ll be OK.

I say that because I think of long distance atheletes like marathon runners, ironman competitors, etc. At some point most all of them ‘hit the wall’ which, as I understand it, is when they go from burning glucose stores to ketosis quickly/forcefully due to the exercise.

Overall, watch your water, maybe bump up your electrolytes a little depending on how you feel. If you feel weak, dizzy, faint etc. chill/quit the physical effort.

Answer

I would skip the workout and confront the manual labor. Just came off a 48 and rolling right back into one and my job is largely outdoor manual labor. Strength isnt the problem, endurance is. Typically I would lift but I’ve stopped for now until I get more used to the hunger and transition. Ill probably save lifts for weekends