Seeking advice! I’m interested in doing a 3-day fast for autophagy, immunity, and a little weight loss. I’m 5’3 and maybe 125lb so not a lot to lose, also wondering if this means my fast will be harder than it would if I had more body fat. I’ve done various 16:8 and 5:2 fasts (36 hours with only 500 calories) but never anything longer. Any tips on how to prepare physically and mentally? Should I just try a 24hr first or just go for the 3 day and see what happens?
Yeah see how you feel after 24. I did my first 48 fast recently and told myself about 30 hours in that it I wanted to eat I could, but that was enough for me to keep going. Like leave yourself open to the option so you don’t feel really restricted when hangry.
Also I do 50 calorie portion of chicken broth on fasting days and nothing else, it helps with headaches.
We have very similar stats! I’m 5’2” (maaaybe 5’3” with good posture 😅) and weigh about 125lbs. But my body fat% is much higher than I’d like (~25% according to digital scale).
I did my first 3 day fast a week ago. I did keto and a bunch of 23hr fasts leading up to it and found the 3 days fast not too bad. I’m also up for trying again if you want a fasting buddy with similar stats. Good luck with you fast!
From what I’ve seen, autophagy doesn’t start to kick in until after the 3rd day, and while strictly consuming only water (zero calories). but I could be wrong.
I’d say drink LOTS of water and keep yourself busy. Check out supplements (salt, magnesium). They aren’t totally necessary on a “shorter” fast, but if you are feeling crazy hungry, just a little salt can help curb that to get you through.
It also helped me to have an early dinner, then start fasting. Also, plan what you’ll eat and when to break your fast BEFORE you start fasting. Trying to come up with my first meal was so difficult and wasn’t as healthy as it could have been if I had planned it out.