Hi everyone, I’m planning to start my first long term fast probably January 1st or 2nd. Wanting to get past the holidays before trying something like this out. For context, the longest fast I’ve ever done is 4 days, but I also have been intermittent fasting for many years. I’ve seen a lot of research in the health benefits of long term fasts and I know I could use those benefits dearly.
My goal would be to do a 20 day fast, but I would really love to make it 40. Being that I’ve never fasted for this long, I have some questions that I think this community could answer better than Google could:
- Is there anything that I should be aware of when starting a long fast that most people don’t think about?
- What are fasting salts and are they worth it or even useful?
- What should I be doing the days leading up to the fast? Should I start decreasing food intake gradually?
- What will my physical capabilities be like? I don’t have a physically strenuous job, but I am on my feet a lot so I’m slightly worried about how the fast will affect my job performance.
- I’m a big coffee drinker, but usually always black coffee. Can I still drink that daily on a fast?
Thank you all so much in advance for taking the time to answer my questions!
EDIT: I saw some other posts add in their dimensions so I’ll do that too.
Height: 6’0ft
Weight: 320lbs
Age: 24
Answer
My longest fast was 10 days so I give you props for attempting the 20 👏 What helped me was eliminating sugars and carbs a few days prior to starting. I focused on eating protein and healthy fats and increasing my water. Black coffee is definitely allowed (helps with hunger for me). I also took the extended day fasting electrolytes which help with energy, headaches and light headedness. Good luck! https://www.amazon.com/Extended-Electrolytes-Himalayan-B-Complex-Vitamins/dp/B08ZYWC5Q8/ref=sr_1_5?crid=DOW5CQ8RIKBI&keywords=reset+electrolytes&qid=1671728275&sprefix=Reset+%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-5
Answer
Currently 78 days into my fast.
- Boredom is something you should be aware of. If you tend to eat when you’re not truly hungry, just to keep your hands busy, boredom may prove to be annoying. I keep myself busy as much as I can (signed up for overtime at work, listen to a lot of podcasts, walk a lot , etc)
- I make an electrolyte mix with Sodium, Potassium, and Magnesium following that Snake Juice recipe that was popular years ago. I’m sure the recipe can still be found somewhere. I don’t drink it too often, but I don’t want to get banned, so I’ll say the standard “take your electrolytes and talk to your doctor, blah blah blah” lol.
- Leading up to the fast, eating low-carb will prove useful in your transition into ketosis and help avoid the “keto flu” stage common to the first few days of fasting.
- I don’t believe being on your feet a lot will be a problem. I’m still walking 15k-25k steps per day without any issue. If I start to feel weak, I find it’s a symptom of low blood pressure. I solve it by drinking water. I’ll also put a dime-sized portion of pretzel salt in my palm and slowly lick it up.
- I don’t drink coffee myself, so I don’t know how it’ll impact your experience. I drink only water, Cinnamon-Apple-Chamomile tea, and a few swigs of Diet Dr Pepper in the morning to help me wake up.