I was talking with a friend recently about fasting and they brought up how they have better success with fasting if they do not tell anybody until after they’re done. I thought it over and honestly I too also feel like when I announce a fast to friends or relatives there is an extra burden there that I don’t have if I just get on with it myself. So now I wonder what is your experience with telling people vs not telling people?
Psychologically it does better not to tell anyone, I’ve read. This isn’t with fasting specifically but any sort of goals, like quitting smoking or going to the gym more.
The idea is by telling people you get a dopamine hit that’s similar to actually accomplishing said task, so when you do complete the task it isn’t as rewarding to the brain.
My tip, keep your mouth shut, stay off social, and get that dopamine the old fashioned way.. with accomplishment not intent.
No. It just invites dismissal, stupid questions and comments, and more offers for food than I would usually get. I keep quiet about it and just say I’m not hungry if someone offers me food or when I’m not eating a meal. Not worth it to talk about it when we live in a society where constant unabashed consumption is the norm, and breaking that norm threatens people with the prospect that they shouldn’t be feasting on their tasty num num goodie treats 24/7. If I have to hear the world “starvation mode” or any of that bs from people who couldn’t even tell you what a calorie is one more time, my head will explode.
People here say that you might change someone’s mind by engaging in discussion. Maybe, but the snack companies, fast food restaurants, medical system, and everyone else who has money to gain from obesity and its related illnesses have already won. 49 times out of 50, you are not going to leave a dent in the conditioning that people have grown up with their whole lives.
It’s just not worth my energy to mention it. Nothing for me to gain
I tell my GF who is supportive so that she knows not to ask me if I want food when she eats or cooks. She’s also good about not eating around me the first day or two when hunger is the worst. I’ll mention it to friends if we go out and I have to answer more than twice why I’m not eating. But our close friends know I do this regularly
When i first started years ago, my family and friends were all confused and what not. but over time they just got used to it, just like when my sister became vegan. the results are obvious and im happy and healthy, so no one cares anymore. most people if they find out i do OMAD as a matter of course nowadays are merely curious and want to know more.
if you notice people giving you shit as youre early on into it, its usually their own dissatisfaction with themselves coming out. redirect their comments or energy or extricate yourself from the convo. dont let other peoples trash they havent sorted out take you to the dumps. keep on keepin on and enjoy your new lifestyle.
I tell my husband, not for moral support, but more like a warning for him. So he knows I’ll be kinda useless and cranky…and if he brings home a cheeseburger and tries to eat it in front of me I may cut him.
When I was trying to quit smoking, it was a similar thing. If I told people that I was quitting on day one, I never made it very far. But my last time, I only announced it after 1 month.I think it has something to do with you feeling like you’ve accomplished something already by announcing that you’re doing it. So your brain already rewards the act without having to follow through with it. Since quitting smoking, I have decided not to announce any diet changes/life changes/etc. until I’ve actually had time to adjust or follow through.
I try not to tell anyone, because I just don’t want the hassle of refuting ignorance anymore.
When people ask why I’m not eating, I’ve found this line works wonders:
“I’m trying to give my digestion a break.”
No one wants you to start talking about your BMs, so usually it gets an “Oh?…That’s nice!” response. It shuts the topic down - politely.
Some truly supportive people in my life I have no problem telling
But there are some real pieces of work who make it their mission to get me to quit. Bringing large meals over for the family when they rarely otherwise do, constantly calling or texting about the great stuff they’re eating and how I can have some if I want, etc.
If I don’t give in, they get nasty about turning down their generosity and otherwise just become offended
So no, I just don’t tell people unless I know I can trust them. And even then, only if it comes up or needs to be said
On day 3 of my water fast. Only my wife knows and I made her swear not to tell a single soul. I don’t even like telling myself. I just prefer that it doesn’t become a “big thing” or a “special event” because the less attention I give it, the easier it is to keep going. It’s just something in the background, and I prefer to keep it there. Not sure if psychological suppression is healthy, but it’s the fasting version of “out of sight, out of mind” —> out of mind, out of…primal urges? lol
A lot of people misunderstand fasting as starvation, so I find it’s better not to tell people in my life unless they too are already in the fasting community (prolonged, not intermittent in my case). I’ll tell the fellow-dieters in my life that I too am “dieting” and actively trying to loose weight. This helps me a bit feeling supported, but it’s honestly too bad I can’t be completely transparent without chastising by those who know little about prolonged fasting and it’s potential health benefits and risks.