I started fasting last Fri (137 hours ago bit who's counting....š) with originally the intention of doing 7 days and then because my flatmate is doing 14 days I decided I would give it a go. I have fasted once before, about 4 years ago and jumped right into 8 days. I loved it!
This time transition was easier because I was keto first so I've been feeling pretty good throughout. I made a mistake last night though by exercising for the first time in about a year. By exercise I mean yoga, which I thought would be wonderfully relaxing. I was wrong. OMG the DOMS!!!
I've been feeling really shit today. I'm sore, I'm tired and just generally weak and pissy. My flatmate is going to continue on but has said if I quit she will too which just adds guilt. I feel like I would be a failure if I at the very least don't beat my previous record of 8 days. I'm know that it's up to me to do what I want and the world won't end nor is stopping a fast after 6 days anything to be sniffed at. I just can't help feeling disappointed. However I'm torn between my emotions and listening to my body. I don't know which one I'm doing.
I walk daily 2 miles, sometimes 4 and thought a walk today would help with feeling better. Nope. I've had electrolytes and good multi-vitamins but sadly nothing is helping.
I'm 36, 175cm, SW 72.7kg, CW 71kg. I don't know at what point weight wise you should reduce length of extended fasts. I definitely still have fat to lose. Used to have muscle but with COVID that all went when I stopped exercising due to illnesses. So yeah fat to lose so thought I could do 14 days, pretty much get down to about 60kg....but at what point should I reconsider EF and consider rolling fasts?
Mainly this post is asking for advice: stop or continue? I'm being too irrational to think clearly. I'm just so impressed at everyone who can do 14, 21, 28 and 30+ days!!! š
Answer
>whoās counting
Heh who indeed\~
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First, donāt let your flat mateās decision alter your feelings. Sheās responsible and can make her own choices. You have no idea what her reasoning is so carrying guilt based on something youāll never be able to control isnāt healthy. (Heck, for all you know, this might be her idea of being supportive - like hey, we did great! Now letās break it together over a nice meal)
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Second you listen to your body 100%. If you tried the usual stuff - electrolytes, exercise, rest and things arenāt coming back around and/or getting worse - thatās a clear sign you lost control of the fast. I will never recommend to anyone - healthy or not - to ātough it outā. You know your body and know when something is wrong. If something is wrong and you canāt correct it, cut the fast, regroup, and prepare for the next one. No shame, no guilt. You are putting your health first and that is the most important and meaningful thing you can do now
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And congratulations on a wonderful fast! Youāve done something fantastic\~
Answer
Agree with the earlier comment about OMAD. It can be super effective, and you donāt feel like poo. I usually lose about a lb/day when I do OMAD. Eat around 9-12, then seltzer and tea the rest of the day, donāt feel any actual physiologic hunger, just occasionally a little jealous of whatever my husband is eating for dinner. But itās working so well and Iām not miserable, so itās motivation to keep going š