So, I’m 31F (242 lbs, 5’6”). I’ve yoyo dieted all my life. I’ve discovered keto in 2019 and easily went down 40 lbs (was 240 back then). Anyways, I broke my butt, then my right foot again, switch cities, switched countries, switched jobs. And all the weight I lost, I gained it again. I had no stability in my life.
I’ve done 18:6 since early 2021 (this absolutely does not make me loose any weight, I have to count calories and carbs, oh well, it’s ok). I’ve done OMAD for a few weeks Monday to Friday. 20:4, also need to count calories (there was a time in my mid 20s I actually gain weight on 20:4, I was meditating and volunteering and food was delicious).
I want to do a 72 hrs fast starting this Friday. I feel ready, have green tea, have electrolytes, have chicken broth, got the point I’m not very hungry with OMAD.
What are your tips for first timer on over 36 hrs long fasts?
*Hey guys!! Just an edit 26 days later.
I prepared for the fast. Got some blood work done to make sure I was healthy (I didn’t want doctor to berate me if the unthinkable happened and I ended up in the hospital.)… And got infected with Covid. I suspect, when I went to the lab.
These last few days SUCKED. My liver failed. My thyroid is going cuckoo. My blood coagulation skied rocket (trombosis risk). Sigh, I listened to my boyfriend and tried invermectine (😔), it game awful neck pain. I ended up in the ER.
I tried low carb and IF today and… Huge mistake. Pain went so high (neck pain, can’t lift my arms either), got some carbs and BAM, no pain within 20 minutes.
I’ll wait another week to try low carb. And try keto and fasting until December. I’ll edit again around this time.
I had an abdominal ultrasound (because… Liver failed, doctor said if my lab work didn’t improve I was going to be hospitalized today, it improved) yesterday, and even though I went back to my 240lbs, my liver is fat free 🙌🙌🙌. No fatty liver. I guess it was the low carb and IF I’ve done the last few years. Even though, I’m still heavy. All my organs are healthy (xcept Covid).
I have a similar story, just started at a higher weight and didn’t break anything to gain it all back lol but keto was my jumping off point as well. My tips would be to drink all those fluids and take those electrolytes you mentioned, journal through cravings, and just know if you can make it through the first 48 you’ll be able to push through the last 24 a lot easier. Keep that in mind as it gets fairly hard around 20-36 hours. I like to go to bed early to prevent late night snack cravings as well. Also, the first long fast is absolutely the hardest. I don’t say that to scare you about this weekend, but to give you hope that when you make it through, it’ll get easier next time.
If you don’t make it all the way, try conditioning yourself and working up to 72 hours. A couple 24 then 36 then 48. Once you’re used to doing those 72 isn’t so bad!
Try to have plenty to do to keep you busy during that time. If you aren’t working maybe deep cleaning your home might help pass the time. Those chores you dont have time for. Like long walks if it is nice outside.
Monitor how you are feeling if you feel hungry drink something first. You have most likely read this to ride the wave of hunger out.
Have access to a bathroom. I know TMI but I say this because you will need to know this. You will still #2 but in my experience it will be different that a regular #2 you might be used to.
Good luck!
I’ve been wanting to do an extended fast but I’m not sure what all I need to have on hand. Water of course and electrolytes. What else? What products are the best? I’m rooting for you by the way! Losing the weight is so rewarding just with how you feel.