So, I’ve done 16:8, 20:4, and even done a 24 hour fast before. I figured it was about time to try an extended fast, so I started a five day fast on Sunday night. I’m about 42 hours in and the feeling of hunger that I’m having is driving me bonkers.
I’m drinking a ton of water and I took electrolyte supplements this morning, so I don’t think I’m putting myself at any kind of health risks.
Work is slow today and all I want to do is go get a chicken sandwich from the deli down the street.
Can anyone here offer any advice to get through the next 80 hours without throwing things at coworkers? Words of encouragement/commiseration also welcomed.
Hot tea, Cold Water, Little bit of lite-salt on your tongue. Think about something else. Stay busy. Those hunger pangs only last about 30 minutes so just wait them out with the whole - “this too shall pass” montra. Meditation also helps - Listen to something with “Binaural Beats” - its a specific frequency of tones played through each ear simultaneously. Each ear gets a slightly different tone. Not sure the science behind it but it definitely clears my head. I use Insight timer app at work and listen to binaural beat mediation music thru my headphones. Helps a lot.
It is around this mark that it feels the most impossible but I can only promise you that it gets easier!!! Also I wouldn’t drink so much water as I hear that can deplete your electrolytes even more (I’m talking more than 3L of waters, otherwise I assume you would be fine!)
By hour 70 it’s basically smooth sailing. I believe in you!! But also if you do decide to break fat, 48 hours in and of itself is great! I remember breaking my first extended fast at hour 50 before I ever tried to do 3 day. It’s really true that each time gets easier!
I like sparkling water, makes me feel full. I like to have 2-3 drink options available to me at all times. Water, tea or coffee and sparkling water, sometimes with lime.
Good Luck. I have been fasting since Sunday also, but have Lunch meetings I can’t get out of Wednesday and Thursday, so will do OMAD, then fast until Friday night or Saturday noon depending on Weekend Plans.
I’m right there with you! Doing my first 5 day fast of the year (and first in a long time).
I don’t have any advice for you that hasn’t already been given, but I just wanted to let you know you’re not alone!
Let’s make it gal!
EDIT: I just realized I do have some advice. My get-through-this method is to knit/crochet and listen to podcasts. If you don’t knit/crochet, I’m sure some other hobby/activity (coloring book maybe?) can help you get through.
I agree with what others are saying. I have difficulty between 48-70 hours…but after the 70 hours mark it is so much easier (and more mental at that point). You’ve got this!
I drink plenty of tea throughout the day – I went and purchased 6 different kinds so that I can feel as though it is a treat. It definitely helps a lot.
You don’t start burning ketones until sometime in day 3. I was testing my ketones and confirmed that when I did a 5 day fast. When that happens, you won’t feel hungry (or at least not much). Before that, you are looking for some fuel. After day 3, I didn’t think about food very much but I was really bored not having any food to fuss over.