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Fasting
evegenia1
Posts: 4 Member
Hey, guys!
I've decided to try out a fasting period. Just for updating my mind and body. Who wants to do the same? Anyway, I am going to focus on food intake only from tomorrow.. Let's see har far I can go.
I've decided to try out a fasting period. Just for updating my mind and body. Who wants to do the same? Anyway, I am going to focus on food intake only from tomorrow.. Let's see har far I can go.
5
Replies
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Hi Evegenia1! I have been intermittent fasting for a little over a week, with 16hr fasting periods. It has been great! I stop eating at 530 and start again around 930/10am.3
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Hi, Kate! Do you mean you stopped eating in her evening and start again the following morning? Or is it after a week of fasting that you started eating again?0
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Are you saying you want to see how long you can go without eating???
While some people do fast for extended periods of time for religious purposes, there are risks involved, and no one should be encouraging others to do so for any other reasons.
Many people here do intermittent fasting or alternate day fasting as a means of appetite or calorie control. For health purposes, giving your body the fuel it needs is always a good idea.8 -
To all posting here who haven't read it previously, there's an Intermittent Fasting group here at MFP. If you're an IF practitioner or want-to-be one, join us and be among liked-kind people supporting one another. Find it here:
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/49-intermittent-fasting
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Hello Evegenia1!
Congrats on deciding to do the unthinkable in our modern thinking - going without food for a period of time.
Once you get over day 3 the hunger pangs should vanish, but it gets easier every time you fast. Expect an initial drop in weight to be water being released from the body - a side effect of not consuming any salt. Expect that initial loss to come back after eating again (again due to dietary salt drawing water into your body). After that, you can expect on average almost a pound a day in weigh loss. If you decide to interrupt your fat for any reason (say for a birthday party or something), that's okay but keep in mind that it can take 3 days for your body to get back on track.
You will have some foul smelling breath as your body begins to detox. I recommend more frequent brushing and mouthwash but avoid all mints of any kind as the sugar will stop any benefits of fasting and leave you with hunger cravings.
You can do this. I've been fasting since March 2nd without hunger. One more thing I'd mention is to expect some boredom. The time you would have been shopping, prepping, cooking and eating is suddenly freed up. That's the hardest part.
Take care!32 -
There are two very different things: IF, which is intermittent fasting, which is only eating certain hours out of the day. Versus what she appears to be talking about, which is not eating any food for a prolonged period of time.
Unless under close medical supervision, a prolonged fast is not advisable. As Kimny said, some people do fast for religious purposes, that does not mean it is beneficial for health reasons. Your body needs food. Just because you could survive for a week without food does not mean that it is advisable to do so and that your body won't experience negative side effects. You are likely to burn a lot of lean muscle mass and could even damage your organs.
If you want to lose weight, restrict your calories to a deficit but still eat a reasonable amount. You can eat that either throughout the day or intermittently. But still eat a proper amount every day. You will lose plenty and it is better for your health.7 -
Hi! I fast from 4pm to 9am, 17 hours. I eat my calories during the day while I'm at work. For me eating after 6:30pm is too much for my stomach and then going to sleep. I stay satisfied with water and peppermint tea.2
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Hello Evegenia1!
Congrats on deciding to do the unthinkable in our modern thinking - going without food for a period of time.
Once you get over day 3 the hunger pangs should vanish, but it gets easier every time you fast. Expect an initial drop in weight to be water being released from the body - a side effect of not consuming any salt. Expect that initial loss to come back after eating again (again due to dietary salt drawing water into your body). After that, you can expect on average almost a pound a day in weigh loss. If you decide to interrupt your fat for any reason (say for a birthday party or something), that's okay but keep in mind that it can take 3 days for your body to get back on track.
You will have some foul smelling breath as your body begins to detox. I recommend more frequent brushing and mouthwash but avoid all mints of any kind as the sugar will stop any benefits of fasting and leave you with hunger cravings.
You can do this. I've been fasting since March 2nd without hunger. One more thing I'd mention is to expect some boredom. The time you would have been shopping, prepping, cooking and eating is suddenly freed up. That's the hardest part.
Take care!
Are you saying you havent eaten anything for 7 days? This is seriously dangerous and you should not be encouraging anyone to do something like this as is it against forum rules. Your body is not detoxing it is eating itself to try and survive.
OP please do not try to starve yourself for days on end it is really dangerous.11 -
I feel like there I need to clarifying my previous statement. I was simply stating what to expect during a prolonged fast. At no time do I advise just pushing through any warning signs your body gives that its time to resume eating - that is of course dangerous.
Starvation does not occur when there is fat for the body to use - this stage is never recommended. The body does burn some protein, a process of autophagy. This process go after damaged and bad cells first, so its a benefit.
Danger is not listening your body when it's telling you its time to eat, trying to extend a fast to reach a 'goal of x days,' or not drinking water, or trying to do plenty of cardio (as your body will not have the sugar to burn).
Fasting is a choice and one is expected to use common sense.
@manderson27, no, this would be day 6. However, I am an experienced faster. The longest I have gone for is 18 days and it was not dangerous in and of itself. It only becomes dangerous when one does dumb things.
I do believe people should be free to make their own choices and should have access to all relevant information to make an informed choice. If they don't know what to expect, they can't make informed choices or know what's normal or what's not. Hunger after the 3rd day is not normal and should be listened to.
Hope that clarifies.25 -
I feel like there I need to clarifying my previous statement. I was simply stating what to expect during a prolonged fast. At no time do I advise just pushing through any warning signs your body gives that its time to resume eating - that is of course dangerous.
Starvation does not occur when there is fat for the body to use - this stage is never recommended. The body does burn some protein, a process of autophagy. This process go after damaged and bad cells first, so its a benefit.
Danger is not listening your body when it's telling you its time to eat, trying to extend a fast to reach a 'goal of x days,' or not drinking water, or trying to do plenty of cardio (as your body will not have the sugar to burn).
Fasting is a choice and one is expected to use common sense.
@manderson27, no, this would be day 6. However, I am an experienced faster. The longest I have gone for is 18 days and it was not dangerous in and of itself. It only becomes dangerous when one does dumb things.
I do believe people should be free to make their own choices and should have access to all relevant information to make an informed choice. If they don't know what to expect, they can't make informed choices or know what's normal or what's not. Hunger after the 3rd day is not normal and should be listened to.
Hope that clarifies.
You didn't eat for 18....days? Is that what you're saying? What?
6 -
As someone with a disease that makes eating very difficult and death from starvation is a real threat you do hit starvation before you run out of fat.16
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I feel like there I need to clarifying my previous statement. I was simply stating what to expect during a prolonged fast. At no time do I advise just pushing through any warning signs your body gives that its time to resume eating - that is of course dangerous.
Starvation does not occur when there is fat for the body to use - this stage is never recommended. The body does burn some protein, a process of autophagy. This process go after damaged and bad cells first, so its a benefit.
Danger is not listening your body when it's telling you its time to eat, trying to extend a fast to reach a 'goal of x days,' or not drinking water, or trying to do plenty of cardio (as your body will not have the sugar to burn).
Fasting is a choice and one is expected to use common sense.
@manderson27, no, this would be day 6. However, I am an experienced faster. The longest I have gone for is 18 days and it was not dangerous in and of itself. It only becomes dangerous when one does dumb things.
I do believe people should be free to make their own choices and should have access to all relevant information to make an informed choice. If they don't know what to expect, they can't make informed choices or know what's normal or what's not. Hunger after the 3rd day is not normal and should be listened to.
Hope that clarifies.
When you don't eat for long enough, your body stops feeling "hungry". That doesn't mean you're not hungry anymore, just that your body realized that telling you that its hungry hasn't caused you to feed it and so it's not going to bother wasting energy on it anymore. Not feeling hungry does in no ways mean that the prolonged fasting is healthy.10 -
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I feel like there I need to clarifying my previous statement. I was simply stating what to expect during a prolonged fast. At no time do I advise just pushing through any warning signs your body gives that its time to resume eating - that is of course dangerous.
Starvation does not occur when there is fat for the body to use - this stage is never recommended. The body does burn some protein, a process of autophagy. This process go after damaged and bad cells first, so its a benefit.
Danger is not listening your body when it's telling you its time to eat, trying to extend a fast to reach a 'goal of x days,' or not drinking water, or trying to do plenty of cardio (as your body will not have the sugar to burn).
Fasting is a choice and one is expected to use common sense.
@manderson27, no, this would be day 6. However, I am an experienced faster. The longest I have gone for is 18 days and it was not dangerous in and of itself. It only becomes dangerous when one does dumb things.
I do believe people should be free to make their own choices and should have access to all relevant information to make an informed choice. If they don't know what to expect, they can't make informed choices or know what's normal or what's not. Hunger after the 3rd day is not normal and should be listened to.
Hope that clarifies.
Jubes, I do extended fasting all the time as well BUT will admit that I worked into that over many years and, like you, am a very experienced faster. That being said, previous repliers PLEASE go do your research - fasting regularly has so many benefits...like a RIDICULOUS amount of benefits - here's a great podcast that talks about it:
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSR82vmZ5lk
Transcript: https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/transcripts/transcript-the-complete-guide-to-fasting-how-to-heal-your-body-through-intermittent-alternate-day-and-extended-fasting/
27 -
RunnerGrl1982 wrote: »I feel like there I need to clarifying my previous statement. I was simply stating what to expect during a prolonged fast. At no time do I advise just pushing through any warning signs your body gives that its time to resume eating - that is of course dangerous.
Starvation does not occur when there is fat for the body to use - this stage is never recommended. The body does burn some protein, a process of autophagy. This process go after damaged and bad cells first, so its a benefit.
Danger is not listening your body when it's telling you its time to eat, trying to extend a fast to reach a 'goal of x days,' or not drinking water, or trying to do plenty of cardio (as your body will not have the sugar to burn).
Fasting is a choice and one is expected to use common sense.
@manderson27, no, this would be day 6. However, I am an experienced faster. The longest I have gone for is 18 days and it was not dangerous in and of itself. It only becomes dangerous when one does dumb things.
I do believe people should be free to make their own choices and should have access to all relevant information to make an informed choice. If they don't know what to expect, they can't make informed choices or know what's normal or what's not. Hunger after the 3rd day is not normal and should be listened to.
Hope that clarifies.
You didn't eat for 18....days? Is that what you're saying? What?
I believe that is what he is stating, yes - this is a very common practice, has been around for AGES, and is completely safe if done correctly 13 -
mistymeadows2005 wrote: »I feel like there I need to clarifying my previous statement. I was simply stating what to expect during a prolonged fast. At no time do I advise just pushing through any warning signs your body gives that its time to resume eating - that is of course dangerous.
Starvation does not occur when there is fat for the body to use - this stage is never recommended. The body does burn some protein, a process of autophagy. This process go after damaged and bad cells first, so its a benefit.
Danger is not listening your body when it's telling you its time to eat, trying to extend a fast to reach a 'goal of x days,' or not drinking water, or trying to do plenty of cardio (as your body will not have the sugar to burn).
Fasting is a choice and one is expected to use common sense.
@manderson27, no, this would be day 6. However, I am an experienced faster. The longest I have gone for is 18 days and it was not dangerous in and of itself. It only becomes dangerous when one does dumb things.
I do believe people should be free to make their own choices and should have access to all relevant information to make an informed choice. If they don't know what to expect, they can't make informed choices or know what's normal or what's not. Hunger after the 3rd day is not normal and should be listened to.
Hope that clarifies.
Jubes, I do extended fasting all the time as well BUT will admit that I worked into that over many years and, like you, am a very experienced faster. That being said, previous repliers PLEASE go do your research - fasting regularly has so many benefits...like a RIDICULOUS amount of benefits - here's a great podcast that talks about it:
Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSR82vmZ5lk
Transcript: https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/transcripts/transcript-the-complete-guide-to-fasting-how-to-heal-your-body-through-intermittent-alternate-day-and-extended-fasting/
Oh hey the person pushing this is Jason Fung. Whoever could have thought that he would be pushing quack theory? If the source you post in your defense is Fung, I'm gonna be that much sure that position isn't backed by actual medical science.11 -
Here's another great research article should you like additional info MikePTY
https://www.the-scientist.com/features/running-on-empty-31436
8 -
When you don't eat for long enough, your body stops feeling "hungry". That doesn't mean you're not hungry anymore, just that your body realized that telling you that its hungry hasn't caused you to feed it and so it's not going to bother wasting energy on it anymore. Not feeling hungry does in no ways mean that the prolonged fasting is healthy.
That doesn't make a lot of sense. A normal body will do whatever it needs to do to survive and giving up does not make evolutionary sense. If that were the case our ancestors would not have survived. Neither do we go into power conservation mode and loaf about. Our bodies allow us to use stored fat to burn for the purpose of finding more food. Hunting is easier when the senses are heightened and our stomachs are quiet.
Anyway, my point of hunger after the 3rd day not being normal is to point out that its a danger sign and should not be ignored. The point that seems to be escaping everyone is that one needs to listen to their bodies when it says somethings not right.
My personal experience with fasting is shared as a matter of record and I do not encourage people compete with me on that. I do believe that they should be aware of what to expect should they decide to fast and make an informed choice. Fasting should never be a competition. Period.14 -
I feel like there I need to clarifying my previous statement. I was simply stating what to expect during a prolonged fast. At no time do I advise just pushing through any warning signs your body gives that its time to resume eating - that is of course dangerous.
Starvation does not occur when there is fat for the body to use - this stage is never recommended. The body does burn some protein, a process of autophagy. This process go after damaged and bad cells first, so its a benefit.
Danger is not listening your body when it's telling you its time to eat, trying to extend a fast to reach a 'goal of x days,' or not drinking water, or trying to do plenty of cardio (as your body will not have the sugar to burn).
Fasting is a choice and one is expected to use common sense.
@manderson27, no, this would be day 6. However, I am an experienced faster. The longest I have gone for is 18 days and it was not dangerous in and of itself. It only becomes dangerous when one does dumb things.
I do believe people should be free to make their own choices and should have access to all relevant information to make an informed choice. If they don't know what to expect, they can't make informed choices or know what's normal or what's not. Hunger after the 3rd day is not normal and should be listened to.
Hope that clarifies.
I believe that depriving your body of nutrients for 18 days is a dumb thing to do. Your brain cannot use ketones in any prolonged way which means your cognitive abilities are compromised. Think slower reaction times when driving etc not good for us other road users. It is not about fat it is about nutrition/vitamins/minerals all those things your body needs to function in an optimal way.
I agree you can do what you like with your own body and as you do this a lot so no argument I can make will change your behaviour toward food. But the OP is not an experienced faster.
You replied to the OP by saying "Hello Evegenia1! Congrats on deciding to do the unthinkable in our modern thinking - going without food for a period of time. Once you get over day 3 the hunger pangs should vanish, but it gets easier every time you fast."
You have to understand that it is not only the OP who will read this. There are a lot of new people who lurk in the forums and they may take this as advice on how to lose weight without doing any research or having any experience of fasting. They may just see it as a fast way to lose weight this is not the kind of advice condoned by this website. I hope that by countering your post with some more reasonable and sensible views about food it might stop someone doing something that could potentially damage them.
There is no need to do extreme fasting for weightloss a reasonable calorie deficit and eating foods you enjoy is all that is needed.10 -
When you don't eat for long enough, your body stops feeling "hungry". That doesn't mean you're not hungry anymore, just that your body realized that telling you that its hungry hasn't caused you to feed it and so it's not going to bother wasting energy on it anymore. Not feeling hungry does in no ways mean that the prolonged fasting is healthy.
That doesn't make a lot of sense. A normal body will do whatever it needs to do to survive and giving up does not make evolutionary sense. If that were the case our ancestors would not have survived. Neither do we go into power conservation mode and loaf about. Our bodies allow us to use stored fat to burn for the purpose of finding more food. Hunting is easier when the senses are heightened and our stomachs are quiet.
Anyway, my point of hunger after the 3rd day not being normal is to point out that its a danger sign and should not be ignored. The point that seems to be escaping everyone is that one needs to listen to their bodies when it says somethings not right.
My personal experience with fasting is shared as a matter of record and I do not encourage people compete with me on that. I do believe that they should be aware of what to expect should they decide to fast and make an informed choice. Fasting should never be a competition. Period.
Our ancestors regularly died of starvation and malnutrition as well. Yes the body will do whatever it can to stay alive, which includes burning through muscle mass, organ tissue, etc. While some people may be able to fast with less negative effects than others, it is still a very dangerous practice and the consensus advice from experts is the risks far outweigh the potential benefits from prolonged fasting.7 -
I say with this some trepidation, but in this instance - this might be a thread worth flagging for the safety of others who are reading and potentially getting ideas on following through such an idea.10
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manderson27 wrote: »I feel like there I need to clarifying my previous statement. I was simply stating what to expect during a prolonged fast. At no time do I advise just pushing through any warning signs your body gives that its time to resume eating - that is of course dangerous.
Starvation does not occur when there is fat for the body to use - this stage is never recommended. The body does burn some protein, a process of autophagy. This process go after damaged and bad cells first, so its a benefit.
Danger is not listening your body when it's telling you its time to eat, trying to extend a fast to reach a 'goal of x days,' or not drinking water, or trying to do plenty of cardio (as your body will not have the sugar to burn).
Fasting is a choice and one is expected to use common sense.
@manderson27, no, this would be day 6. However, I am an experienced faster. The longest I have gone for is 18 days and it was not dangerous in and of itself. It only becomes dangerous when one does dumb things.
I do believe people should be free to make their own choices and should have access to all relevant information to make an informed choice. If they don't know what to expect, they can't make informed choices or know what's normal or what's not. Hunger after the 3rd day is not normal and should be listened to.
Hope that clarifies.
I believe that depriving your body of nutrients for 18 days is a dumb thing to do. Your brain cannot use ketones in any prolonged way which means your cognitive abilities are compromised. Think slower reaction times when driving etc not good for us other road users. It is not about fat it is about nutrition/vitamins/minerals all those things your body needs to function in an optimal way.
I agree you can do what you like with your own body and as you do this a lot so no argument I can make will change your behaviour toward food. But the OP is not an experienced faster.
You replied to the OP by saying "Hello Evegenia1! Congrats on deciding to do the unthinkable in our modern thinking - going without food for a period of time. Once you get over day 3 the hunger pangs should vanish, but it gets easier every time you fast."
You have to understand that it is not only the OP who will read this. There are a lot of new people who lurk in the forums and they may take this as advice on how to lose weight without doing any research or having any experience of fasting. They may just see it as a fast way to lose weight this is not the kind of advice condoned by this website. I hope that by countering your post with some more reasonable and sensible views about food it might stop someone doing something that could potentially damage them.
There is no need to do extreme fasting for weightloss a reasonable calorie deficit and eating foods you enjoy is all that is needed.
Yes, I did say that. 'Every time' explicitly states that this is not one epic fasting marathon but rather something one must work up to.
I welcome your point about nutrients as it has not been touch on yet. Multivitamins are a good supplement to fasting.
However, chastising me about what someone might do is not productive and shuts down debate because then other people will not be inclined to contribute. The purpose of a forum is for many people to add their 2 cents in and debate. If one only ever read one post on one forum and never searched out anything else and decided to do things shotgun style, well then that individual is very unwise and we can't help them. I welcome opposing viewpoints as objections helps to fill in many blanks, such as your great point on vitamins and minerals. Threads with a lot of posts helps to get people thinking, which I believe is being achieved right now.10 -
Hello,
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