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First Extended Fast - Need Help, Please!

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.

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Answer

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.

Answer

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!

Answer

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.

Answer

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.

Answer

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.

Answer

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.

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