I've decided to do a 3 day fast, that will challenge not only my own greed, but will push my body to the limit.
Why should you should consider fasting?
Aside from promoting ketosis in it's most natural form, Fasting also;
- Promotes Blood Sugar Control by Reducing Insulin Resistance
- Promotes Better Health by Fighting Inflammation
- May Enhance Heart Health by Improving Blood Pressure, Triglycerides and Cholesterol
- May Boost Brain Function and Prevent Neurodegenerative Disorders
- Aids Weight Loss by Limiting Calorie Intake and Boosting Metabolism
- Increases Growth Hormone Secretion: Growth, Metabolism, WLoss & Strength
- Could Delay Aging and Extend Longevity.
For me, the experts on this and in terms of my own research, I have based it around the following three:
Each expert has a differing view on fasting with 2/3 opting to fast with supplemented intake, i.e coffee, apple cider vinegar but for the sake of argument, I have sided with Sten as he has covered quiete some ground with water only fasting, which I perceive to be my preffered method of fasting.
With that being said, let's get hungry....
What will support the fasting process?
I'll be drinking 4 litres of water (as a minimum) for those 3 days and won’t be doing any form of exercise upon rising of a morning. Given water helps the body to release toxins and also partially suppresses hunger, this was a no-brainer.
You can pick up the water jug that I used throughout the challenge, here.
Proof's in the pudding, dough!
Day 1 (Morning): My morning routine into work would
usually consist of sinking a Lucozade sport in the car before I arrive then
upon arrival, head straight to the canteen for a sausage and bacon on toast
with plenty of brown sauce so in terms of process, my body already feels robbed,
which is should after the first 12 hours of fasting. During my working day I
managed to polish off around 4-5 litres of water with only minimal signs of ‘must
have’.
Day 1 (Evening): The routine would usually be get
home and essentially start the tea before the front door's even closed, but not
today, instead I put some gym gear on and complete resistance band workout in
the house, followed by an early night at 21:00. We’ve hit our first 24 hours
already, easy!
Summary, bed early, no real desperation for food. Mood: Just chillin'
Symptoms: Hungry'ish, High brain function, Lots of energy, Good sleep for setting up Day 2.
Day 2 (Morning) - Trip into work was normal, but...I did find myself swooning at the site of golden arches not far from work, I think I was actually beeped to move at lights as I was in that much of a trance, thinking about carbs. I tipped the 4 litre mark and was virtually at the toilet detoxing than I was at my desk.
My belly rumbled much more than yesterday and I'am in the throws of starvation mode as in terms of signs for Ketosis, I've recently be aware of a metallic taste in my mouth which apparently is the ammonia indicating key tone process has been activated, AKA Ketosis. Things appear to be manageable right now but let's see how this day progresses as I'am expecting the difficulty of staying off food to be stepped up a notch both this evening when going into the last 24 hours (Time elapsed: 43 Hours/Time Remaining: 29 Hours).
Day 2 (Evening) - The drive home from work was difficult thinking about the usual routine on a Friday (Chippy Tea).
Got in, fed the dogs, took them out for an hour, surfed the net, did day 3 of Ab Roller challenge an then got on the computer, distractions work but I feel that I've used alot of energy doing just that which in effect has made me crave food more.
Summary: Intermittant energy levels causing late bedtime. Thinking about food 60% of the time. Mood: Hangry
Symptoms: Taste Ammonia constantly, phasing energy levels.
Day 3 (Morning) - Terrible morning with no real blame on the fast, this down to a late morning (3.15am) trip to the doctors for a family member so didn't get into bed until gone 4am/5am'ish.
Today consisted of shopping for someone special's birthday for the majority of the day, followed by a nap in the house.
The rest of the day was really attempting to float around the place trying to see time out.
My energy was at a real low and because of that I found myself getting light headed regularly along with a bit of discomfort with literally just standing up in one spot.
Although still water was fine to stomach, I bought and consumed a Sparkling Smart Water, this give me a little bit of a lift but this subsided after an hour.
I'am ready for carbs now.
Day 3 (Evening) - The final hurdle. Whilst tending to my zero energy / non-emotional state, I distract myself as best I can without exerting myself physically in the hope that I can conserve enough energy for my 3rd day of the Ab Roller Challenge. I do a little bit of revision and watch the TV up until zero dark thirty (9pm).
I head on over to my local leisure centre to do a weigh in.
The time is now 9pm and this fast has concluded. I'am proud to say that I've managed to swerve food for three days solid.
At this point, the prospect of food is bitter sweet as on one-hand..guilt of breaking the fast and the other, the options now available to me, which I have to extremely cautious with as a sensible approach would be a small meal yet my head wants carbicide.
It's not advisable but...I will be opting for the carbicide, pizza an chips to celebrate both the weightloss and my first 3 day fast.
Day 4 (Post-Carbs): A day of guilt-free eating, no holds barred and whilst at the time it was a good idea, I was left sluggish and still had the guilt of breaking the fast with each bite but it seemed that the body was super efficient at getting rid of waste, almost as if the body wanted to prove it could still process, digest and excrete food quickly.
Terrible sleep, presumably because the digestion process was re-initiated, I only say that as through the night (Around 1am-2am) I was compelled to go the toilet which is not my usual 'routine'.
Summary: The experience has given me a better underatanding and also improved my outlook on my body's capability.
Sounds strange but fasting does bring you closer to your body as a form of calibration, whereby you've assaulted it naturally and pushed it to it's limit by utiliaing it's own resources to maintain your mechanics so you really do appreciate it more than usual. My body's the shit!
Symptoms: Tired, Hungry but the body itself feels stronger/tighter complimented by a mental cleanse that affirms a difficult task has been achieved.
No comments:
Post a Comment