At what stage do you feel the “magic of fasting?”

This question is for the people who do prolonged fasts. Having just reached past the 7 day mark for maybe the 8th time, this is consistently the time for me that fasting brings its addictive qualities. No hunger whatsoever, clear mindedness, euphoria/sense of well-being, very sharp/quick witted thinking, sustained energy throughout the day, etc…. I’m wondering if the very intense fasters get a second phase where these benefits are enhanced? I’ve gotten to 10-14 three times but did not notice a significant change from day 7 besides energy loss. Interested to hear your responses!

Answer

Fasting for me has always been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Even at the 9 day point, the compulsion and overwhelming desire to eat at specific parts of the day never went away. I’m always freezing cold and have massive mood swings and irritability. I’m a horrible person to be around during this time and I feel terrible that my wife and children have to be around me. Most of all, I have almost zero enjoyment with life. I feel like I’m merely just existing but man am I bored enough to almost run into traffic. Yeah, I get the clear headedness, sharp wit, etc but it’s not the enjoyment I always hope it is. The number 1 reason I quit fasts early is because I get too bored or too cold or too moody

Answer

Never? I’ve been fasting a while now and don’t really get the clear mindedness, euphoria, quick wittedness, sustained energy. I wish I did. That would definitely offer me more incentives.

My hunger ebbs and flows and I find it a bit magical after the first day or so that the hunger goes away to just passing phases.