Water Fasting...What's your experience?
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@awildwomanatheart
I have fasted throughout my life—most regularly, when I was in my 20s and I fasted two (separate) days per week (24 or 36 hours each time). I also did a week's water fast during this time. I would get headaches (I think, in retrospect from sugar withdrawal) and a bad-tasting, dry mouth, and felt hungry, naturally, but those were the only negative side-effects. I went to work (office job) as usual on the fasting days.
The pros were:
1. It enabled me to maintain a healthy weight (even though in retrospect I overate on the other 5 days a week)
2. Everything tasted delicious afterwards! I think the best thing I've ever tasted in my life was a humble pear (the first thing I ate after my week-long water fast)
3. It got me out of the mindset that I ever had to eat at a specific time/day or that I would starve if I missed a meal.
4. It helped me build up a tolerance for hunger.
I wouldn't do it now, as I am on too many medications (for non diet-related health problems) but I regularly skip meals and I don't panic if I have to go hungry. I think (3) and (4) were the biggest benefits and I've maintained those to this day.
I didn't try the week-long fast until I was very experienced at doing the 24- and 36-hour fasts. I would suggest initially trying a 24-hour fast (barring any medical issues) and when you break the 24-fast eat only fruit and raw vegetables for the first two meals.
*Disclaimer: "Visit your doctor before water fasting. If you’re thinking about doing a water fast, consult your healthcare provider. Though fasting may offer health benefits for some people, others should avoid it. Be sure to discuss your medications and medical conditions with your doctor to determine if water fasting is safe for you."
Could your health problems be related to the way you treated your body by starving it?24 -
TheWJordinWJordin 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.
Well, water for one day really isn't unhealthy either. I'm not sure 24 hours is going to make a huge difference in the grand scheme of anything for anyone, assuming the person doesn't have any existing medical conditions (things like diabetes come to mind). However...water fasting for 24 hours or eating just cabbage soup for 24 hours isn't going to have any benefit either. You might feel terrible at the end of that 24-hour period, but you're not going to have lost weight or created any other health benefits.
If we're talking about fasting for longer periods of time, then it would be time to tell the OP to consult with her doctor.5 -
What would be the point in your mind?
How long are you thinking?
I personally think there's no diet reason to do it (I think it's more likely to be counterproductive) or "reset" reason. If there might be some other benefit to a short term fast for you? Dunno, but not really about fitness or diet, IMO.
My experience, I've done full day fasts on occasion on religious fast days (the way we do them these days, a full fast is not required, but may encouraged if you want to) and I think that can be fine, even beneficial, depending on the point, but I think it's a really bad idea to encourage it as an approach to weight loss.
How did I feel? Like I missed food, but it wasn't horrible or anything (like I said, short term, nothing from dinner to breakfast the day after). I think there can be some benefits to becoming conscious of a lack or various other spiritual elements. There was no amazingness or severe hardship, and it made 0 difference to how I wanted to eat afterwards.4 -
briana_aka_bunny wrote: »We have a lot of Muslim employees. When they do their fasting(keep in mind they still eat at night) many of them struggle to function through the day. As soon as sundown hits they all are allowed to take a break and eat. Fasting isnt a solution. Its harmful to your body and if you dont eat at all your body will go into starvation mode abd any weight you lose you will gain back as soon as you eat.
Of all of the issues regarding water fasting starvation mode is not one of them, because it doesn't exist in that way.18 -
i almost plowed my car into an overpass because I was fasting. Two days in and I was done.10
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My advice is do not try this unless it's doctors ordered for a procedure of some kind. Even then it can be potentially harmful.7
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A post like this shows desperation. I know it's hard. But there's no easier or softer way. Trying to lose weight is a *kitten*. But such is life. If you want to reach your goal, eat appropriately and exercise. Do not harm your body just because some scam artist says a miracle. I agree with the girl above. Unless you're under doctor's close supervision, do not do this for your own sake.18
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nomorepuke wrote: »A post like this shows desperation. I know it's hard. But there's no easier or softer way. Trying to lose weight is a *kitten*. But such is life. If you want to reach your goal, eat appropriately and exercise. Do not harm your body just because some scam artist says a miracle. I agree with the girl above. Unless you're under doctor's close supervision, do not do this for your own sake.
I'm sorry if you feel that way, but I can assure you that in no way, shape, or form am I "desperate". Haha. In all seriousness, it would be absolutely absurd to believe all the weight I want to lose will just drop overnight or with even one fast. Trust me when I say that I am well aware of that fact. I actually find it quite sad that people, such as yourself, would feel inclined to make such assumptions about someone they don't even know. It just goes to prove that it doesn't matter what you post or how you post it, every one will look at it and you in their own way. Alas, to each their own. I appreciate your concern, I do. I'm not following some guru, or trend, I was legitimately asking for the experience of others on such a topic to indeed get all the facts. To be well informed. I have known some individuals who have fasted for both health and spiritual reasons, done properly, they came out of it in a much better state of being than before and still are. So my post wasn't to be "desperate" or ridiculous, I was sincerely just asking for others experiences and thoughts on the matter. If its not your thing, that's fine. Don't agree with it, that's fine too. Personally I haven't made up my mind yet on the subject, hence why I like to research things thoroughly. I can see that the majority of opinion is not for it, thank you for your insights. Hope everyone has a good evening.22 -
@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
9 -
Chef_Barbell wrote: »
Could your health problems be related to the way you treated your body by starving it?
Nope. As I said in my original post, my health problems are not diet-related.
Ok.0 -
Ok let's look at two situations
1. You water fast aka don't eat anything for 24 hrs once a month
2. You replace one 150 calorie beverage a day with water
Does it effect your weight
1. Well you didn't consume your tdee so let's call that 2000 calories down all month that's half a lb
2. 30 days x 150 is 4500 calories or 1.3 lbs down
Does it get you sustainable lifestyle change
1. No
2. Yes
During the event how do you feel?
1. Tired miserable cranky hungry
2. Good
Should you try this?
1. No
2. Yes16 -
Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.25 -
Maybe it wasn't your fast. Maybe you were going too fast?Tiny_Dancer_in_Pink wrote: »i almost plowed my car into an overpass because I was fasting. Two days in and I was done.
A deadly combination, thanks for pointing that out. Now I just drive fast. Watch out!4 -
NPO (nil per os, aka, nothing by mouth) for 24 hours if medically indicated or due to vomiting/diarrhea? = OK.
NPO for 24 hours just because? God bless. Have fun with that. Every time I've tried to correct my average weekly calories by doing so, it has backfired and I ultimately end up eating more calories than I would have otherwise.
Also, there is no "resetting" your gastrointestinal tract unless there is known transient benign gastroenteritis a 24 hour fast would indeed be medically therapeutic for by giving the intestinal mucosa a chance to heal from that simple, non-reoccurring, superficial, insult.15 -
awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
In that case, in all honesty, I wouldn't bother.15 -
OP, a dietary detox is a thing made up by the diet industry. If you have a working liver and kidneys you are already detoxing every day.
The only possible benefits are psychological, meaning people who have been tricked into thinking they have damaged their body with backed-up junk food can wash themselves clean by fasting. As a placebo, it can have an effect for people who need a dramatic turnaround for that reason.
Obviously there are some people who believe depriving your body of fuel for a certain amount of time makes you spiritually stronger or purer or what have you, but I can't speak to that.
Considering you have already switched to a fairly restrictive diet, and are already seeing weight loss success, I'm not really clear on why you are considering this. You will be putting your body through a stressful situation to achieve something you're already achieving.
I tried juice fasts a few times when I was younger and was miserable for the half day I made it through. Turns out I really like chewing and fueling my body on schedule
I doubt a 24 hr fast would do any damage, it would just be unnecessary. Any longer than that and I would strongly advise checking in with your doctor first, especially if you have any hormonal, blood sugar, blood pressure, or heart related medical issues.26 -
awildwomanatheart wrote: »Christine_72 wrote: »@awildwomanatheart I guess it would help to explain why you want to do this water fast, and what you're hoping to accomplish by doing it?
Well first of all, I haven't decided yet to do one, but my initial interest was drawn by some friends of mine who have done so before. They talked about how it, in their words, helped to detox/reset their systems, start their new lifestyles fresh, and for one over time has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle. I've already changed my habits, sticking mainly to proteins, veggies, fruit and only water. No added sugars or processed foods, and already I feel a lot better. I was only considering a fast for a day or two just to perhaps help detox a bit more. Nothing extreme, I assure you.
There is no such thing as needing a detox. That's what your kidneys and liver do for you. "Reset" and "detox" are made up to get people to try fad diets and/or buy junk they don't need. More of the bullsh**t that is too much of the "health/diet" industry.
The changes you've already made are what have you on a path to weight loss and better health. Stick to that and you'll get results. 14
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