Water Fasting...What's your experience?
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I've fasted for 24 hours on accident or because I'm too busy to eat before. There was nothing spiritual about it. But I did get a feeling deep down in my stomach although this was probably hunger and not a spirit0
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I fasted (water only) for 18 days last year. My goal was 21, but I let my body tell me when to get off. Days 2-4 were rough at times with hunger n some back, possibly kidney pain. Day 5, once my body was in ketosis I felt wonderful. I'm not encouraging, n not a Dr. Just giving my own experience. Pros: Mental clarity (no more brain fog), my thinking was quick n sharp, my eyesight improved, pain from inflammation in my hips basically went away n has not returned, lost about 20 lbs, re-set my cravings n eating habits, n just felt really good (light, clean, bright). Cons: weight came back (coming off the fast is much more difficult than staying on it), stomach cramps, quite a few days with headaches n dizziness, some days feeling very weak (simply going up the stairs was exhausting). I did go on as usual throughout my fast. Stopped exercising though n slept more. A fast isn't easy. You have days u don't think u can possibly get through, just to feel great the next. I can't speak for anyone else, but I personally loved how I felt after. I'm sure some here will think I almost killed myself... I'm still here. I love food! Prob have a Mexican food addiction. This fast helped (me) break a lot of old habits and re-set myself for a better chance at maintaining healthier eating. I'll be starting another water only fast Jan 15, 2018, as will my husband. Fyi: whether u agree w/what someone wants to do or not, they'll usually still do it. Making them feel stupid usually doesn't sway them. I am not recommending or "not" recommending fasting as it's a very personal desicion, but if you're going to do it, above are my "real" results and feelings about it.19
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katurlacher wrote: »Cons: weight came back (coming off the fast is much more difficult than staying on it), stomach cramps, quite a few days with headaches n dizziness, some days feeling very weak (simply going up the stairs was exhausting). I did go on as usual throughout my fast. Stopped exercising though n slept more. A fast isn't easy. You have days u don't think u can possibly get through, just to feel great the next. I can't speak for anyone else, but I personally loved how I felt after. I'm sure some here will think I almost killed myself... I'm still here. I love food! Prob have a Mexican food addiction. This fast helped (me) break a lot of old habits and re-set myself for a better chance at maintaining healthier eating. I'll be starting another water only fast Jan 15, 2018, as will my husband. Fyi: whether u agree w/what someone wants to do or not, they'll usually still do it. Making them feel stupid usually doesn't sway them. I am not recommending or "not" recommending fasting as it's a very personal desicion, but if you're going to do it, above are my "real" results and feelings about it.
If the fast broke old habits and reset you for a better chance of maintaining healthier eating, but you put the weight back on after the fast, on top of all the other cons you mentioned I'm still curious how the first time was a valuable experience. Kinda sounds like you didn't actually get much out of it.
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katurlacher wrote: »I fasted (water only) for 18 days last year. My goal was 21, but I let my body tell me when to get off. Days 2-4 were rough at times with hunger n some back, possibly kidney pain. Day 5, once my body was in ketosis I felt wonderful. I'm not encouraging, n not a Dr. Just giving my own experience. Pros: Mental clarity (no more brain fog), my thinking was quick n sharp, my eyesight improved, pain from inflammation in my hips basically went away n has not returned, lost about 20 lbs, re-set my cravings n eating habits, n just felt really good (light, clean, bright). Cons: weight came back (coming off the fast is much more difficult than staying on it), stomach cramps, quite a few days with headaches n dizziness, some days feeling very weak (simply going up the stairs was exhausting). I did go on as usual throughout my fast. Stopped exercising though n slept more. A fast isn't easy. You have days u don't think u can possibly get through, just to feel great the next. I can't speak for anyone else, but I personally loved how I felt after. I'm sure some here will think I almost killed myself... I'm still here. I love food! Prob have a Mexican food addiction. This fast helped (me) break a lot of old habits and re-set myself for a better chance at maintaining healthier eating. I'll be starting another water only fast Jan 15, 2018, as will my husband. Fyi: whether u agree w/what someone wants to do or not, they'll usually still do it. Making them feel stupid usually doesn't sway them. I am not recommending or "not" recommending fasting as it's a very personal desicion, but if you're going to do it, above are my "real" results and feelings about it.
Trawling through those pages of unhelpful comments it's refreshing to see a post from someone who has actually done it...and survived! It's a miracle! Nice work on the post, you've covered my experience (and then some) - I just wanted to add my 2 cents...
My own little disclaimer - The following is by no means advice, just my experience with fasting.
I fasted for 6 days on water (goal was 7) a couple of years ago to see what would happen. My thinking going in was I might lose a little weight and experience this clarity that people talk about. Above all it was a personal challenge - one which I didn't complete (got what I wanted out of it) but so so so x 100 glad I did it.
It had nothing to do with the weight lost (it wasn't that much really and put straight back on once I started eating again). I had moments of clarity but that stopped once I forced myself to move around and I felt like I was in a soft fuzzy dream.
Long story short - water fasting helped me self diagnose a food allergy that had been plaguing me for years. Read on if you want a blow by blow.
At the time I had a very unsightly skin problem that had gotten worse over the years. It looked like big angry ingrown hairs all over my scalp. These presented as big red bumps and a lot of greasiness (not a good look when you sport a bald head). Anyway I'd probably spent over a thousand dollars on lotions, potions and pills from various doctors ranging from some custom made acidic paste i'd have to smear on my skull to antibiotics that made my skin sensitive to sunlight. Some things helped while I was taking it but inevitably it would come back in full force. Anyway a few days after I started the water fast I noticed the disappearance of these bumps. At the end of the fast they were totally gone! A short water fast did what lot of dollars to the medical and pharmaceutical industry couldn't do. I figured it was probably a food allergy or something directly or indirectly related to food. The first thing I ate when breaking my fast was home made cheddar and broccoli soup. Wow it was delicious but holy crap my scalp erupted with those bumps and lasted for about 2 weeks. Fast forward and after some trial and error I now don't eat cheese. I tested it out and if I don't have cheese I might get the occasional bump. I'm still half halfheartedly trying to nail down exactly what the trigger is to this day.
Sorry to hijack the discussion but I just wanted to add a positive experience into the mix.
Cheers.3 -
Just for emphasis OP
Starvation mode, detox, reset, are terms based on myth and hype.
Find your TDEE and choose a reasonable deficit from there. If you choose IF for the “fasting element” there’s forums that explain the approach. But really, there’s no off limit foods despite what the trend of the day may say, and all diets boil down to cico.
And since you mentioned you like research, make sure your sources are legitimate, medical journals and not broscience.
Btw, have done several fasts (common in my religion). I find it improves my focus, and I enjoy using that time to meditate. I also like that it reminds me what food means and it’s purpose, not something to be abused or taken for granted.6 -
Regular faster here. Longest fast was 10 days, lost 14lbs. After the 3rd day, there is generally a bliss and uproar of energy. It’s great, and by this time, the cravings and hunger pains are gone. Keep in mind, it’s complete fasting- none of that 16:8 stuff, nothing but liquids/water each day.12
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I was just wondering if anyone here has ever done one, and if so, what was your experience? Yes, I've done it often. I find it helpful for weight control."
How long did you fast for? usually 36 hours at a time (for example - 10 pm Sunday to 10 am Tuesday)
What were your pros/cons? pro - a quick large calorie deficit, sometimes to offset a large calorie surplus sometimes just to kind of 'reset' as you put it" con - can't think of any
Overall, how did you feel during and after it? Surprisingly not overly hungry during or after
Would you do it again, why or why not? I'm sure I will. I've been doing it for decades (periodically of course, I have not had only water for decades).
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MS asked, if I had cons and put the weight back on, how was it a valuable experience?
Basically, because I felt so good. I felt "I" was in control of my body for the 1st time. I felt great and wanted to continue feeling like that by eating healthy nutritious foods after. Hence, I did not keep it up, thus the return of the weight, n quickly. My personal largest reward was the decrease in hip pain. At 190 lbs, I mean I'm not skinny, but not that big either...was debilitating. Two Dr.'s stated Fibromyalgia. They put me on horribly body addicting medication. It was awful. I finally got off it prior to my fast. Though my hip pain is currently about 40% of where it was, been slowly creeping back, my personal pros vastly outweighed my cons. I was also prepared for some pain as my research prepared me for my body detoxing and healing itself. I tried to be real about My cons, but they weren't an everyday experience. My husband has never fasted, n was SO against me trying it. Yet, has asked to join me this time. There's that. He obviously agrees my experience was a beneficial one. Again, this is my own personal experience. I was on no medication, and have no known health issues besides my hips. *This prob doesn't matter, but I also have no gall bladder/rmvd yrs ago. I'm just
trying to give insight of my own experience, as people are asking questions. ☺0 -
So you fasted, felt great for awhile but ended up putting the weight back on. The decrease in hip pain likely would have happened just by eating at a deficit. I mean I get that people are going to do whatever they're going to do anyway but I just don't see how something that seems to have had only a short-term effect is beneficial. Sounds more like a cycle of fast, feel great, fall and put weight back on, repeat. I'd rather do something that's going to work the first time, otherwise what's the point.6
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Old_Cat_Lady wrote: »I don't want to steal a thread, but cabbage soup for a day is not unhealthy. Carrots, broth, onions, garlic, and i forgot white beans for protein.
It's better than water only, and you know OP is going to do the water fast anyway. Giving options.
That actually sounds delicious. I'm making "unstuffed cabbage soup" for dinner tomorrow night - very similar, only add ground beef. Yummo0 -
My husband occasionally fasts for spiritual reasons.
I don't. I have no desire to fast for any reason unless I have to do a short term fast prior to a medical procedure - and then it is PURE HELL. Nope.
When I eat "on plan" - and make sure I meet my nutritional goals for protein, fiber, fat, etc, and drink enough to stay hydrated (for me it's 10 cups / day - otherwise I start to "feel dry") I feel GREAT - no need to "reset" anything.
When I eat too much food that has poor nutritional value and do not make sure I am hydrated enough - then I feel gross.0 -
I hate being hungry and I get cranky when I'm hungry so, no, I wouldn't do it.0
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I had to do a 48 hour water fast before my brain surgery. After surgery, I ended up binging. Never again.1
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I just did 36hrs water-only last weekend and felt great. My anxiety (GAD) diminished and my memory was quick. Numular dermititis was clear. After re-entry, my digestion feels much better; less bloat etc. Energy levels were great, I was worried I was manic because I felt so good. Zero hunger pains. My blood sugar stayed at its normal fasting level; 84. I believe the trick was my diet leading up. Three weeks of nothing more glycemic than sweet potatoes or strawberries, and plenty of quality fats and meat: 2200 cal/day, carb 15% (83g), fat 45% (110g), protein 40% (220g). Also a factor: I lift heavy 3x/week and I’m at 13% body fat. My reason? Autophagy.10
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I'd stay away from water fasting, unless it's in a metabolic ward type of environment (with doctor supervision).2
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awildwomanatheart wrote: »Hi Everyone,
So recently I've been researching water fasting. Not just for my health, but I also feel very drawn to it for other personal reasons as well. An overall reset lets say. I was just wondering if anyone here has ever done one, and if so, what was your experience? In addition:
How long did you fast for?
What were your pros/cons?
Overall, how did you feel during and after it?
Would you do it again, why or why not?
Just hoping to gain some insight, so that I can make a well informed decision. Thanks so much. I hope you all are having a great day and your journey is awesome
I did one for two days during November 2015. The pains of stomach growls got to me but I felt refreshed physically and mentally afterwards. My workouts were better.
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I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
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awildwomanatheart wrote: »Hi Everyone,
So recently I've been researching water fasting. Not just for my health, but I also feel very drawn to it for other personal reasons as well. An overall reset lets say. I was just wondering if anyone here has ever done one, and if so, what was your experience? In addition:
How long did you fast for?
What were your pros/cons?
Overall, how did you feel during and after it?
Would you do it again, why or why not?
Just hoping to gain some insight, so that I can make a well informed decision. Thanks so much. I hope you all are having a great day and your journey is awesome
The question is why even do it. To lose weight, you don't need to do any fancy gimmicks with the fanciest name....all you need is to eat less than you burn... that's it. Why make it complicated by restricting and restricting all the time.4 -
I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.14 -
awildwomanatheart wrote: »Hi Everyone,
So recently I've been researching water fasting. Not just for my health, but I also feel very drawn to it for other personal reasons as well. An overall reset lets say. I was just wondering if anyone here has ever done one, and if so, what was your experience? In addition:
How long did you fast for?
What were your pros/cons?
Overall, how did you feel during and after it?
Would you do it again, why or why not?
Just hoping to gain some insight, so that I can make a well informed decision. Thanks so much. I hope you all are having a great day and your journey is awesome
The question is why even do it. To lose weight, you don't need to do any fancy gimmicks with the fanciest name....all you need is to eat less than you burn... that's it. Why make it complicated by restricting and restricting all the time.
I'll share my anecdotal experience here. My TDEE is around 1700, so losing weight at a reasonable pace means eating around 1200 calories.
Eating 1200 calories makes me ravenous. It's a constant struggle to find the best foods to keep me full, I'm always planning my next meal.
Water fasting? I don't need to think about food at all. Hunger disappears after a couple days. So much more free time. I feel good. Weight loss is quick and relatively painless.
So would I rather stick to a 1200-cal diet for a month, or fast for 7 days of the month and eat at maintenance for the rest? The total calorie count will be similar but one process is much easier - in my experience.8 -
stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out. 9 -
stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.
If you're gaining weight, you're not eating at maintenance.5 -
stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.
If you're gaining weight, you're not eating at maintenance.
I said 'if my weight begins to creep back up'. Like, over months or years.3 -
stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.
If you're gaining weight, you're not eating at maintenance.
I said 'if my weight begins to creep back up'. Like, over months or years.
Wouldn't be easier to lightly lower calories slightly below your TDEE and not feel starved or feel the need to restrict yourself so extremely?3 -
stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.
If you're gaining weight, you're not eating at maintenance.
I said 'if my weight begins to creep back up'. Like, over months or years.
You're on an 8 day water fast. Following a 6 day water fast in February.
So clearly you're not actually eating at maintenance and it's not an "IF", but when. And every month(February and now March) is often. not occasional and certainly not "years"5 -
stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.
If you're gaining weight, you're not eating at maintenance.
I said 'if my weight begins to creep back up'. Like, over months or years.
You're on an 8 day water fast. Following a 6 day water fast in February.
So clearly you're not actually eating at maintenance and it's not an "IF", but when. And every month(February and now March) is often. not occasional and certainly not "years"
I'm about 10lbs away from maintenance so yes, I am currently in a weight loss phase. But I'm planning ahead for maintenance. And I really don't want to calorie count during maintenance, so this is my way of planning to maintain my weight. Daily weigh-ins, intuitive eating, and the occasional water fast if I have weight creep.4 -
MacrosandMacaroons wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.
If you're gaining weight, you're not eating at maintenance.
I said 'if my weight begins to creep back up'. Like, over months or years.
Wouldn't be easier to lightly lower calories slightly below your TDEE and not feel starved or feel the need to restrict yourself so extremely?
I mainly just don't want to calorie count anymore. After so many years of it, I'm sick of it. I'd rather eat intuitively, monitor my daily weight and if I notice a slow upwards trend, throw in a water fast to lower my weight back down. I enjoy water-fasting, it simply doesn't feel 'extreme' or like 'starvation' to me. I get that it's a weird concept to most people.5 -
stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.
If you're gaining weight, you're not eating at maintenance.
I said 'if my weight begins to creep back up'. Like, over months or years.
You're on an 8 day water fast. Following a 6 day water fast in February.
So clearly you're not actually eating at maintenance and it's not an "IF", but when. And every month(February and now March) is often. not occasional and certainly not "years"
I'm about 10lbs away from maintenance so yes, I am currently in a weight loss phase. But I'm planning ahead for maintenance. And I really don't want to calorie count during maintenance, so this is my way of planning to maintain my weight. Daily weigh-ins, intuitive eating, and the occasional water fast if I have weight creep.
You're all over the place here.
So you've never actually been in maintenance, but you've never actually been overweight.5 -
stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.stanmann571 wrote: »stanmann571 wrote: »I did a 6-day water fast in February, now I'm 2 days into a planned 8-day water fast. I supplement with electrolytes.
I know water-fasting is extremely controversial and frowned upon, but I'm really liking it. After the first couple days, your hunger just disappears. My energy levels are fine. Compared to trying to maintain a 1200 calorie diet, fasting is extremely easy. I plan to manage my maintenance weight by eating normally and occasionally water-fasting if my weight begins to creep back up.
Woo away, folks!
So instead of finding an appropriate maintenance, you've elected to go with binge and restrict/yo-yo cycles.
Bingeing and restricting is a vicious, mental cycle common with EDs. I can't say I've ever struggled with body image and I've never even been out of a Healthy BMI range as an adult. Do you feel that IF protocols are also ED behaviours?
I find fasting easier than sticking to a calorie deficit. Your hunger really does just go away after a couple days, it's pretty awesome.
I find fasting occasionally then eating at maintenance the rest of the time much easier than feeling hungry with a constant calorie deficit.
Anyway - as I mentioned, I know fasting is very controversial so I'm not surprised with backlash. So I'll just leave my anecdotal experiences in this thread and politely bow out.
If you're gaining weight, you're not eating at maintenance.
I said 'if my weight begins to creep back up'. Like, over months or years.
You're on an 8 day water fast. Following a 6 day water fast in February.
So clearly you're not actually eating at maintenance and it's not an "IF", but when. And every month(February and now March) is often. not occasional and certainly not "years"
I'm about 10lbs away from maintenance so yes, I am currently in a weight loss phase. But I'm planning ahead for maintenance. And I really don't want to calorie count during maintenance, so this is my way of planning to maintain my weight. Daily weigh-ins, intuitive eating, and the occasional water fast if I have weight creep.
You're all over the place here.
So you've never actually been in maintenance, but you've never actually been overweight.
All over the place? I've been around 150lbs for most of my adult life (5'7" woman). My ultimate goal weight is 130lbs. I'm currently at 140lbs. Hopefully that clears it up.3
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